Is Sustainability Really a Problem with Matt McLelland
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
Release Date: 11/12/2021
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
and discuss avoiding logistics FUD. Steve is the Founder and Managing Director of Partners, a boutique leadership, business strategy and turnaround consulting firm. Summary: Avoiding Logistics FUD In this episode, Joe Lynch and guest Steve Elwell tackle the pervasive issue of Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) and its impact on various aspects of business, particularly in logistics. Joe and Steve provide valuable insights into overcoming FUD by establishing trust and eliminating disruptive elements within business relationships, and leadership. The...
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In “Supply Chain Reset: Overcoming Pharma & Healthcare Supply Chain Challenges”, and , a Principal at Efficio, discuss how to build resilient supply chains using data-driven strategies and a hands-on consulting approach to achieve both cost savings and operational resilience in the complex pharma and healthcare sectors. About Michael Needham is a Principal Consultant at Efficio, the leading global consultancy, dedicated to helping clients achieve their supply chain and procurement goals. Michaël has 20+ years of experience working across the pharmaceutical manufacturing,...
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and discuss the revenue engine. Kara is the Founder and CRO of , the premier B2B marketing and PR firm dedicated to helping logistics companies increase lead generation through targeted marketing strategies and media coverage. About Kara Brown A prominent thought leader in B2B go-to-market strategy, is CEO of LeadCoverage, the pioneering consultancy transforming approaches to PR, demand generation and marketing across the supply chain, heavy industrial, and tech sectors. Her successful corporate career started at Echo Global Logistics where she played a key...
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In “Beyond LTL & Truckload: The Expedite All Approach to Smaller Truck Solutions”, and , the President of Expedite All, discuss how specialized small truck solutions, spearheaded by networks like Expedite All, deliver efficient, on-demand transportation for time-critical shipments, leveraging cargo vans, box trucks, and straight trucks to bypass the limitations of traditional LTL and Truckload. About Mike Ernst , President of Expedite All, brings over 25 years of experience in the logistics industry to the company. He has held leadership roles such as Vice President of...
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In “U.S. Maritime Modernization: Policy Driven Changes in Ocean Shipping”, and , the Founder of Squall Strategies and The Maritime Professor, discuss how recent U.S. policies, like OSRA 2022 and strategic efforts to move supply chains from China, are significantly reshaping the ocean shipping industry. About Lauren Beagen is a seasoned maritime attorney and the founder of and . Ms. Beagen is often called on for her industry expertise by notable trade networks, including features on CNBC and FreightWaves. has extensive experience in oceanborne commerce...
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In “2025's Top 100 3PLs: How Logistics Giants are Confronting Uncertainty”, and , Managing Editor of Features and Multimedia at Transport Topics, discuss the Top 100 logistics companies, 2024 performance, changes to the list, and the trends impacting the industry. About Seth Clevenger Seth Clevenger is managing editor of features and multimedia at Transport Topics. He plans, writes and edits news features for Transport Topics’ weekly newspaper, supplemental publications and . He also creates video and audio content for Transport Topics’ webcasts, podcasts and radio...
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and discuss a decade of Loadsmart: a look back to move forward. Felipe is Co-founder and CEO of , where they provide logistics solutions powered by industry experts and next-gen technology that lower costs, increase efficiency, and digitize transportation. About Felipe Capella Co-founder and CEO of , a leading digital freight technology company. Previously advised companies on corporate strategy and M&A in Brazil and New York for 8 years. Joined the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington to advise on sovereign guaranteed development...
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and discuss beyond the yard - how Velostics streamlines scheduling. Gaurav is the Founder and CEO of , a company on a mission to revolutionize the logistics landscape. Summary: Beyond the Yard: How Velostics Streamlines Scheduling In this podcast, Gaurav Khandelwal, CEO of Velostics, discusses how their cloud-based logistics software automates scheduling and streamlines processes for shippers, carriers, and logistics providers. Velostics aims to eliminate manual scheduling, reduce friction in the handoff process, and provide user-friendly tools for better...
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In “The 5 Failures of Final Mile,” and , Host of Last2First Podcast and Insurance Producer at CUI Agency, discuss the common mistakes that final mile companies make. About Jason Burns is a native of New Orleans and a passionate business leader in the final mile transportation industry. He is a 2006 graduate of Vanderbilt University where he was a SEC Academic Honor Roll student-athlete in football and selected as the recipient of the Head Coach’s Dedication Award. After beginning his professional career in the parking industry, Jason returned to his hometown to assume a...
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In "TIA Unpacks Freight: Tariffs, Trust, and the Fight Against Fraud," and , President and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), dive into key industry topics. About Chris Burroughs is the President and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), a position he assumed in November 2024. With over 14 years at TIA, he previously served as Vice President of Government Affairs, overseeing legislative and regulatory efforts before Congress and federal agencies. Before joining TIA, Burroughs gained valuable experience on Capitol Hill, working for the House...
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Is Sustainability Really a Problem with Matt McLelland
Matt McLelland and Joe Lynch discuss is sustainability really a problem. Matt is the VP of Sustainability and Innovation at Covenant Transport Services, a premium service provider of transportation services with focus on temperature controlled products, regional, and long haul delivery.
About Matt McLelland
For the first 15 years of his professional career Matt focused on information technology - working for a large silicon valley software companies to data center startups to a brief stint with a family foundation who, unlike his previous employers, existed to give all their money away. In early 2000 he entered the world of logistics - mostly implementing large software systems but due to his professional curiosity consistently asked to look at innovations in trucking and warehousing. In mid-2015 his employer opened one of the first industry "Innovation Labs" - a loosely structured group with the single purpose to research and test early-stage supply chain innovations. From inventory counting drones, robotic automation, human exo-skeletons, and virtual reality applications - these were just a few of the many solutions they regularly explored. In early 2018 Matt tried to leave the logistics industry and start building outdoor adventure vans (that's another story) but was given a unique opportunity to join Covenant Logistics - a premium service provider of transportation and warehousing services. In his role as VP of Sustainability and Innovation he works directly with senior leadership to research future trends in the logistics industry and evaluate their applicability to Covenant's strategy of providing more affordable, safer, cleaner delivery of product. Lately he's been spending most of his time looking at Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental / Social Governance (ESG) as many supply chain companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints using everything from alternative fuels like Battery Electric and Hydrogen to autonomous vehicles to optimization software. When not at work, Matt spends most of his time outdoors and travelling with his family in their DIY converted 2017 Sprinter Van, fondly christened "Chad The Van" by his teenage son. Chadthevan regularly transports both the family and outdoor gear to their frequent outdoor activities - you can follow their adventures on Instagram at @chadthevan
About Covenant
Covenant Logistics provides transportation and logistics services in the United States. It operates through four segments: Expedited, Dedicated, Managed Freight, and Warehousing. The Expedited segment primarily provides truckload services to customers with high service freight and delivery standards. The Dedicated segment provides customers with committed truckload capacity over contracted periods using equipment either owned or leased by the company. The Managed Freight segment offers brokerage services, including logistics capacity by outsourcing the carriage of customers' freight to third parties; and transport management services, such as logistics services on a contractual basis to customers who prefer to outsource their logistics needs. The Warehousing segment provides day-to-day warehouse management services to customers. The segment also provides shuttle and switching services to shuttling containers and trailers. The company also engages in used equipment sales and leasing business. It serves transportation companies, such as parcel freight forwarders, less-than-truckload carriers, and third-party logistics providers; and traditional truckload customers, including manufacturers, retailers, and food and beverage shippers. Covenant Logistics was founded in 1986 and is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Key Takeaways: Is Sustainability Really a Problem
- Matt McLelland is the VP of Sustainability and Innovation at Covenant Transport Services, a premium service provider of transportation services with focus on temperature controlled products, regional, and long haul delivery.
- In the podcast interview, Matt and Joe discuss whether sustainability is really a problem – or just a lot of hype and corporate posturing.
- Matt makes a very convincing argument that sustainability is a very real concern for transportation and logistics providers because 1.) Shippers (customers) increasingly expect or even require their logistics partners to provide services with less environment impact. 2.) State and federal regulators are focusing their efforts on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the trucking business is responsible for approximately 5% of those emissions.
- The Boston Consulting Group published a report that suggests 80% of GHG emissions are a result of supply chains – so manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and their logistics partners will come under pressure to reduce their environmental impact, especially GHG emissions.
- Matt noted that there are some ways to reduce GHG emissions that are relatively easy (low hanging fruit) and other ways that require larger investments and a bigger commitment from both the logistics companies and their customers.
- The low hanging fruit opportunities include retiring old trucks with newer fuel efficient trucks, carbon capture systems like Remora and making trucks more aerodynamic with aftermarket systems like Truck Wings.
- For companies that want to greatly reduce GHG emissions, investments in new technologies like electric, hydrogen, and compressed natural gas trucks may be necessary. These technologies are available, however they are all have limitations.
- There are lots of ways transportation and l Carbon Capture for Semi-Trucks with Paul Grossogistics companies can get started on sustainability including: reducing empty miles, more efficient routing, maximizing trailer space, joining SmartWay, adding a sustainability KPI to standard reporting., etc.
Learn More About Is Sustainability Really a Problem
Covenant Corporate Social Responsibility
Carbon Capture for Semi-Trucks with Paul Gross
Why Your Truck Needs Wings with Dan Burrows
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast