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Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail with Martin Lew

Release Date: 09/17/2024

Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail with Martin Lew

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss beyond the tracks: the next frontier of American rail. Martin is CEO at , a tech-enabled rail logistics provider with a team of experienced rail professionals, an extensive network of partners, and a best-in-class technology platform that simplifies the movement of freight and creates a competitive advantage. About Martin Lew is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Commtrex, the largest tech-enabled logistics platform in North America (US, Canada, and Mexico) for shippers to directly connect with railroads, transloaders, storage facilities, lessors, rail service...

A Decade of Loadsmart: A Look Back to Move Forward with Felipe Capella

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

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 projects for Latin American...

Logistics Knowledge Work in the AI Age with John Delgado

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss logistics knowledge work in the AI age. John is CEO of , an innovative talent firm that offers both a comprehensive learning management system and a direct candidate sourcing solution. Summary: Logistics Knowledge Work in the AI Age The logistics industry is grappling with a talent shortage, and the rise of AI is further reshaping the landscape. FreightPath, a specialized talent firm, is addressing this challenge by providing comprehensive training and recruitment solutions. Their offerings include apprenticeship programs, customized training courses, and a vast library of short...

Growing in a Hyper Competitive Market with Samantha Jones

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss growing in a hyper competitive market. Samantha is the Founder of which is focused on helping companies in the logistics industry increase their sustainable revenue by building and implementing customized and enhanced sales and brand strategies. About Samantha Jones has earned her established reputation for professionalism, thought leadership, forward thinking, educational insights, and market insights and resources, over the course of 5+ years of industry contributions. Samantha began her career as an entry level seller and in just 5 years progressed from Account Manager to...

Cyber Threats and Solutions in the Supply Chain with Joe Ohr

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss cyber threats and solutions in the supply chain. Joe Ohr is the Chief Operating Officer at The , a nonprofit membership organization that represents the interests of less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers. Summary: Cyber Threats and Solutions in the Supply Chain and discuss cyber threats and solutions in the supply chain. Joe Ohr is the Chief Operating Officer at The , a nonprofit membership organization that represents the interests of less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers. Joe and Joe discuss the critical role of cybersecurity in the supply chain, transportation,...

Building Resilient Sales Teams with Nick Klingensmith

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss building resilient sales teams . Nick is the Founder and CEO of , a company dedicated to transforming lives through inspiring keynote speeches and mindset coaching. Nick is an expert at helping achievement-driven professionals and leaders to overcome fear and rejection and push past self-limiting doubts. Summary: Building Resilient Sales Teams Nick Klingensmith is an obstacle course racer, motivational speaker, and mindset coach whose company Stride Motivation helps high achievers set and accomplish meaningful goals. Drawing from his own experiences overcoming cancer, diabetes,...

Stop Sabotaging Your Sales with Ann Holm

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss stop sabotaging your sales. Ann is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, leadership, and personal development. Summary: Stop Sabotaging Your Sales Explore the intricate dynamics of personal growth and professional success within the logistics industry with Joe Lynch and executive coach Ann Holm. Delve into topics ranging from overcoming self-sabotage in sales to leveraging the Myers-Briggs personality framework for career advancement. Discover how to identify and mitigate 'saboteurs' like restlessness and hyper-achievement that can impact work...

Gaining Pricing Power in Logistics with Chip Humitz & Scott Waraniak

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

, Marketing and Strategy Director, and , Executive Producer and Partner, at , a branding and motion design studio, discuss strategies for achieving pricing power in the logistics industry. Summary: Gaining Pricing Power in Logistics Joe Lynch is joined by branding experts Chip Humitz and Scott Waraniak to unpack the critical role of branding in differentiating businesses within the commoditized logistics sector. They delve into strategies for gaining pricing power and discuss how robust branding goes beyond visual identity, encompassing unique values, authenticity, and emotional...

Avoiding Logistics FUD with Steve Elwell

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 conversations delve into strategies...

Revolutionizing the Road: Trimble's Tech Solutions with Kelly Williams

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss revolutionizing the road: Trimble's tech solutions. Kelly is the VP, Product Management of , a technology company that offers a suite of transportation technology solutions, including fleet management, route optimization, and freight visibility tools, to improve efficiency and safety. Summary: Revolutionizing the Road: Trimble's Tech Solutions Join host Joe Lynch as he dives into a fascinating conversation with Kelly Williams from Trimble Transportation, about the cutting-edge technological innovations reshaping the logistics and trucking industry. From in-depth discussions about...

More Episodes

Martin Lew and Joe Lynch discuss beyond the tracks: the next frontier of American rail. Martin is CEO at Commtrex, a tech-enabled rail logistics provider with a team of experienced rail professionals, an extensive network of partners, and a best-in-class technology platform that simplifies the movement of freight and creates a competitive advantage.

About Martin Lew

Martin Lew is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Commtrex, the largest tech-enabled logistics platform in North America (US, Canada, and Mexico) for shippers to directly connect with railroads, transloaders, storage facilities, lessors, rail service providers, warehouses, and industry data. Under Lew’s leadership, Commtrex has been named to the Freightwaves FreightTech 100 and has established partnerships with all seven class 1 railroads. Prior to Commtrex, Mr. Lew was the Head of Global Sales and Origination for Mabanaft Coal Trading, Vice President and Head of Origination for J.P.Morgan’s Coal and Environmental Markets Group, Associate for the North American Coal and Emissions Trading Desk at Bear Stearns, and CEO of Equate Systems. Mr. Lew holds a Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree with majors in Communications and Political Science from the University of Southern California.

About Commtrex

Commtrex simplifies the movement of freight by rail with a tech-enabled platform that connects a network of reputable railroads, transloaders, lessors, and other rail service providers across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Commtrex’s data-driven approach provides the rail and transload industry with visibility and connectivity that significantly accelerates the amount of time it takes for shippers to procure the services needed to manage their freight by rail. With a community of 4,000+ active members, including over 1,900 shippers, and partnerships with all six Class I Railroads, Commtrex stands at the forefront of the industry. Discover more at www.commtrex.com.

Key Takeaways: Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail

Rail freight industry is exploring innovations like longer trains, digitization, cleaner energy, and inland terminals to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Rail transportation is suitable for high-volume freight over long distances, typically 500-600 miles or more, with a minimum volume equivalent to four to eight truckloads.
Railroads move freight in two primary components: intermodal (containers on flatcars) and carload/merchandise commodities.
Rail transportation enables efficient, low-carbon freight movement, reducing emissions by 75% compared to trucking.
Trucking goods by rail instead of road has sustainability advantages and helps address the shortage of long-haul truck drivers.
Commtrex is a platform connecting rail shippers with service providers across the US, Canada, and Mexico, providing visibility and facilitating communication.
Short-line railroads transport freight from Class 1 railroads to the final destination, often using transloading facilities for last-mile delivery.
The freight visibility platform Commtrex assists shippers in locating facilities and services required for rail transportation.
Rail freight provides cost savings, sustainability benefits, and supply chain diversification/flexibility for shippers moving commodities or bulk goods.
Commtrex connect shippers, logistics providers, railroads, facilitating rail freight growth to support nearshoring and environmental goals.

Timestamps

(00:00:02) Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail

(00:00:35) Commtrex Platform

(00:02:10) Rail Fit and Economics

(00:03:07) Martin's Background

(00:12:28) Rail Freight Movement

(00:18:00) Houston Rail Hub

(00:21:50) Freight Movement by Rail

(00:24:40) Commtrex Marketplace

(00:30:32) Visibility for Shippers

(00:33:18) Short Line Railroads

(00:34:36) Commtrex Search Visibility