What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL with Andy Nitz
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
Release Date: 11/14/2020
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “The M&A Playbook for Logistics Leaders”, and , President & CEO of Tenney Group, discuss the current state of mergers and acquisitions in the logistics sector, offering key insights on how business leaders can navigate a more selective market, build value, and secure successful deals. About Spencer Tenney serves as President & CEO of Tenney Group, where he oversees the firm’s day-to-day effectiveness and long-term vision. Spencer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds the designation of Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor through...
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In “AI Literacy in Logistics with Gather AI's Andrew Hoffman”, and , CTO at Gather AI, discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming warehouse operations by using visual data from drones and other machines to identify issues, suggest next steps, and ultimately improve efficiency and accuracy. About Andrew Hoffman is the Chief Technical Officer at Gather.ai, an AI-powered intralogistics optimization firm that empowers 3PLs, manufacturers, and retailers to improve margins and on-time order fulfillment in the widest range of logistics environments - from ambient to cold chain storage....
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In “Intermodal Expo 2025: Unpacking Cargo Theft, AI, and M&A”, and , President & CEO of IANA, discuss the critical issues and forward-looking trends that are shaping the future of the intermodal freight industry. About Anne Reinke became the Intermodal Association of North America’s third President & CEO in December of 2024. Immediately preceding her appointment at IANA, Anne was President & CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association for four years. Anne has a long career in transportation policy, with a stint at the Association of American...
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In “Inside the DAT - Convoy Platform Deal: What This Acquisiton Means for the Freight Market”, and , EVP of Convoy Platform - DAT Freight & Analytics, discuss how the integration of the Convoy Platform's automation and AI technology with DAT's massive freight marketplace will help brokers combat fraud, increase efficiency, and focus on high-value work. About Bill Driegert is the EVP of Convoy Platform at DAT Freight & Analytics. He was previously the EVP of Trucking at Flexport and the co-founder and Head of Operations at Uber Freight, Uber’s logistics business. Bill began his...
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In “How Humanoid Robots are Shaping the Future of Logistics”, and , Head of Product at Apptronik, discuss how Apollo, a human-centered, AI-powered humanoid robot, is set to transform the industry by working alongside humans to fill labor gaps and perform a wide range of tasks in a safe and efficient manner. About Parker Conroy is the Head of Product at Apptronik, a leading developer of humanoid robots. Conroy has worked in robotics for more than a decade, guiding product management teams to design and deploy thousands of industrial robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, drones, and now,...
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In “The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era”, and , President of North American Surface Transportation at C.H. Robinson, discuss how the company's people-first culture and commitment to developing its employees drive its ability to solve complex logistics challenges and innovate for the future. About Michael Castagnetto was named president of North American Surface Transportation (NAST) in January 2024. Prior executive positions with the company include Vice President, Customer Success in NAST from January 2023 – January 2024 and President of Robinson Fresh from December...
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and discuss blind spots & bottlenecks: unmasking the hidden enemies of supply chain. Briana is the Vice President of Product Management for the 3PL market segment at SPS Commerce, the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. About Briana Birkholz is the Vice President of Product Management for the 3PL market segment at SPS Commerce. With a passion for overcoming supply chain and logistics challenges, Briana is committed to addressing the distinct needs of customers through comprehensive,...
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In “Project 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life”, and , the Founder and CEO of Project 61, discuss the shocking statistic that the average life expectancy of a truck driver is just 61 years and the organization's mission to address this health crisis. About Jeremy Reymer is a recognized leader and innovator in the trucking industry with over 20 years of experience as both a carrier and vendor. A frequent speaker and podcast host, he addresses critical issues such as driver recruiting, retention, compliance, and health and wellness. In 2016, Jeremy founded...
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In “The Dark Funnel Demystified: Unlocking Hidden Sales”, and , the CEO of Virago Marketing, discuss how businesses can drive measurable revenue growth by understanding and leveraging the invisible customer journey. About Jennie Malafarina is the CEO of Virago Marketing, a Cleveland-based agency helping transportation and logistics companies turn marketing into a revenue-driving engine. Since taking the lead at Virago in 2020, she has elevated the agency’s impact—guiding strategies that deliver measurable results aligned with client growth goals. With over a decade of experience in...
info_outlineThe Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “The Skill Gap Epidemic: How Untrained Workers Are Holding You Back”, and , the the Chief Operating Officer at FreightPath, discuss the critical challenges facing the global logistics industry and how targeted workforce development is essential for overcoming the widening skills gap. About Cary Dittman is the Chief Operating Officer at FreightPath, where he leads the company’s efforts to scale operations, forge strategic partnerships, and advance its mission to modernize supply chain education. With over 40 years of experience in logistics, technology, and enterprise growth, Cary...
info_outlineWhat Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL with Andy Nitz
Andy Nitz and Joe Lynch discuss what big shippers need from their 3PL. As the Director of Logistics at a very big shipper, Andy has unique insights into the shipper-3PL relationship.
About Andy Nitz
Andy Nitz is the Director of Logistics at Daikin Applied Americas. Prior to joining Daikin, Andy was the Vice President of a management consulting firm. Earlier in his career, Andy was the Vice President of Distribution and Logistics for a privately held safety products company. Andy started his career in logistics and distribution leadership first at Macy's and then at Toys R Us. Andy attended Bowling Green State University and graduated with a double major in Marketing and International Business while playing on the football team.
About Daikin
Daikin Applied designs and manufactures technologically advanced commercial HVAC systems for customers around the world. Daikin Applied products, solutions, and services are sold through a global network of dedicated sales, service, and part offices. Daikin Applied’s parent company, Daikin Industries, Ltd. Is a Fortune 1000 company with revenues in excess of $20 billion and more than 50,000 employees worldwide, making it the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world.
Key Takeaways: What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL
- RFP stands for request for partnership, not just request for pricing.
- Big shippers are looking for a strategic partner – not a transactional relationship (married, not dating).
- Cultural fit
- Big shippers are looking for 3PLs that have the right culture. Having a culture of continuous improvement, hon – help us get better – our goal is to be world-class
- Services and scale
- Big shippers need 3PL partners who can provide the services required to properly service their account. If the 3PL needs to partner with other companies, they should be accountable for their performance.
- Big shippers also need their 3PL partner to be big enough to be a true partner, which means they can invest in the relationship and support the shipper's growth goals. Hiring a smaller 3PL is risky for a large shipper.
- Technology
- Big shippers require their 3PL partner to be able to provide world-class technology. The 3PL should be able to procure, customize, implement, and maintain systems that enable the shipper to be world-class. Since fright tech is always evolving, the 3PL must stay abreast of enhancements and innovations.
- Reporting
- For the Shipper-3PL relationship to strive, they must agree on key performance indicators and meeting cadence including quarterly business reviews.
- Additionally, the 3PL must be completely accountable for the issues driving the KPIs.