Transportation vs Logistics with Marty Wadle
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
Release Date: 09/22/2021
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...
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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_outlineTransportation vs Logistics with Marty Wadle
Marty Wadle and Joe Lynch discuss transportation vs logistics. Marty is the Chief Commercial Officer of Ruan Transportation, a transportation company providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services.
About Marty Wadle
Marty Wadle currently serves as Ruan’s Chief Commercial Officer leading the Commercial Solutions team, which includes sales, marketing, and solution engineering. Previously, Marty served as Senior Vice President of Ruan’s Supply Chain Solutions division, consisting of Value-Added Warehousing, Brokerage Support Services, and Managed Transportation. Ruan manages $1.35 billion in annual supply chain spend, employs 4,600 drivers, and operates 4,000 power units and 12,000 trailers out of 300 locations across the U.S. In addition, Ruan operates 1.5 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space and $500 million of managed transportation. Marty has held multiple positions at Ruan over his 25-year career that have given him a wide base of experience in sales and operations. Prior to Ruan, Marty worked for LTL carrier Central Transport and institutional food wholesaler Martin Brothers Distribution. Marty is a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in transportation and logistics. He currently serves on the Iowa State University Supply Chain Forum.
About Ruan Transportation
Ruan provides Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, Value-Added Warehousing, and Brokerage Support Services to customers across the U.S. Ruan’s Integrated Supply Chain Solutions services encompass all aspects of transportation and logistics, providing our customers the ideal combination of asset- and non-asset-based solutions that get your products from point A to point B safely and efficiently. With more than 89 years of transportation management experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation companies in the country with 300 operations and 6,000 team members.
Key Takeaways: Transportation vs Logistics
- Marty Wadle is the Chief Commercial Officer at Ruan Transportation Management Systems, a family-owned transportation management company, providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing.
- In the podcast interview, Joe and Marty discuss transportation vs logistics, even though those words are used interchangeably, they mean different things.
- According to Council of Supply Chain Professionals, a Third Party Logistics (3PL) Provider is “A firm which provides multiple logistics services for use by customers. Preferably, these services are integrated, or "bundled" together by the provider. These firms facilitate the movement of parts and materials from suppliers to manufacturers, and finished products from manufacturers to distributors and retailers.”
- There are 5 different categories of 3PL services: Logistics, Transportation, Warehousing, Special Services, and Technology.
- Logistics services add value through planning, while transportation services add value by executing those plans.
- Transportation services include: Small Package, Air Cargo, Ocean, Less Than Truckload, Truckload, Fleet Acquisition, Equipment / Drivers, Dedicated Contract Carriage, Intermodal, Final Mile, Rail.
- Logistics services include: 3rd party logistics, 3PL, 4th party logistics, 4PL, Just-in-Time (JIT), Payment Auditing, Freight Auditing, Payment Processing, Freight brokerage, Freight broker, Digital Freight Brokerage.
- Warehousing services include: Warehouse Storage, Pick and Pack, Sub-assembly, Site Location, Distribution Center Management, Inbound Shipping, Outbound shipping, Receiving, Putaway, Put-away, Order processing, Replenishment, Pulling, Restocking, Picking, Validation, Sorting, Distribution Center Management System (DCMS), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Inventory Management, Cross-docking, Cross-dock, Ecommerce Fulfillment, Packaging.
- Special services include: Direct to Home, Direct to Store, Sustainability, Green Logistics, Reverse Logistics, Product Lifecycle Management, Supply Chain Security Analysis, Contingency planning, Crisis Planning, Global Expansion, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), Logistics Consulting, Transportation Consulting, Import / Export, Customs, Labor Management, Marketing Services, Customer Service
- Technology services include: Supply Chain Technology, Freight technology, EDI, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Predictive Analytics, Technology Services, Web Services, Global Trade Management (GTM), Transportation Management System (TMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS), Supplier Management, Customer Management, Cloud Based Solutions, Wireless.
Learn More About Transportation vs Logistics
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