The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics with Michael Symonanis
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
Release Date: 07/09/2025
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
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_outlineThe Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Freight Downturn: What Winners Do to Gain Ground”, and , the Founder of Stride Motivation, discuss how professionals can adopt an endurance athlete's mindset to overcome fear, rejection, and self-limiting beliefs in the face of a challenging freight market. About Nick Klingensmith After being thrown out of a Las Vegas hotel in a drunken haze, jeopardizing his career and relationships, had to make a change. A 4-time cancer survivor, type-1 diabetic, recovering alcoholic with herniated discs, nerve damage and sleep apnea, he defies it all when he finds Obstacle Course Racing. Refusing...
info_outlineThe Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Warp is The LTL Network of the Future”, and , the Co-Founder and CEO of Warp, discuss how Warp's technology-powered freight network is modernizing LTL logistics across the U.S. by connecting shippers, cross-docks, and carriers through a single operating system to enable flexible, efficient, and highly visible freight movement. About Daniel Sokolovsky is the Co-Founder and CEO of Warp, a technology-powered freight network modernizing LTL logistics across the U.S. He grew up in the world of freight. His parents ran a courier business, so missed ETAs, late-night scrambles, and broken...
info_outlineThe Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “From Farm to Fork: A Broker's Guide to Food Safety and Cold Chain Logistics”, and , the CEO and Co-founder of Veritas Logistics, discuss the critical role of human-centric logistics and strong partnerships in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of food. About Brian Hastings is the CEO and Co-founder of Veritas Logistics, a third-party logistics firm founded in 2020 that prioritizes people and operates with core values of truth, partnership, passion, positivity, and service to provide customized transportation solutions. With over 15 years in the freight brokerage...
info_outlineThe Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “CHAINge, AI, and the Future of Freight”, and , an industry expert and thought leader with over 30 years of supply chain and logistics experience across the globe, discuss how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping the logistics landscape and what the future holds for global freight. About Bart A. De Muynck stands as an accomplished industry expert and thought leader, boasting over three decades of global supply chain and logistics experience. His distinguished career includes significant roles at major international companies such as EY, GE Capital, Penske...
info_outlineThe Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Safeguarding Your Shipments: Denim's Insights on Fraud, Payments, and Carrier Vetting”, and , VP of Operations at Denim, discuss the evolving landscape of freight fraud, payment challenges, and how Denim provides comprehensive solutions to ensure financial and operational security for freight businesses. About Chad Capooth is the VP of Operations at Denim. He brings over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, business growth, and operations leadership. At Denim, he leads operational strategy, leveraging deep expertise in factoring, credit underwriting, and portfolio management...
info_outlineThe Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “Navigating the Numbers: Tariffs, AI, and The Future of Supply Chains”, and , BDO’s Logistics and Transportation Subject Matter Expert, discuss the evolving landscape of global trade, the transformative power of artificial intelligence, and strategies for building resilient supply chains for tomorrow. About Corey DeSantis serves as BDO’s Logistics and Transportation Subject Matter Expert, supporting clients in manufacturing, automotive, telecommunications and food manufacturing. Corey improves the condition of BDO’s clients through making data-driven decisions to optimize...
info_outlineThe Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics”, and , Director of Strategic Network at Louis Dreyfus Company, discuss how global events are reshaping cotton logistics, leveraging Michael’s dual perspective as a BCO and former ocean carrier, and the importance of collaboration and data transparency. About Michael Symonanis doesn’t just move containers - he moves conversations forward. With 30+ years in international container shipping, Michael brings a rare dual lens as both a BCO and former ocean carrier. Now in his 20th year at Louis Dreyfus Company, he...
info_outlineThe 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,...
info_outlineIn “The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics”, Joe Lynch and Michael Symonanis, Director of Strategic Network at Louis Dreyfus Company, discuss how global events are reshaping cotton logistics, leveraging Michael’s dual perspective as a BCO and former ocean carrier, and the importance of collaboration and data transparency.
About Michael Symonanis
Michael Symonanis doesn’t just move containers - he moves conversations forward. With 30+ years in international container shipping, Michael brings a rare dual lens as both a BCO and former ocean carrier. Now in his 20th year at Louis Dreyfus Company, he focuses on practical, collaborative solutions that strengthen supply chain performance and partnerships. He holds degrees from Iowa State, Penn State, and Gonzaga, blending business, supply chain strategy, and leadership. As Chair of the ACSA Transportation Committee and a member of the National Shipper Advisory Committee, Michael works across the aisle with shippers, service providers, and regulators to improve export efficiency and data transparency. A regular voice in industry forums, he shares lessons learned while honoring the legacy of leaders like Sheila Bracken and the late Steve Wyman—always grounded, forward-looking, and people-first.
About Louis Dreyfus Company
Founded in 1851, Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Its activities across a diversified range of business lines span the entire value chain, from origination to distribution, helping to feed and clothe up to 500 million people every year. Its strong values, rich heritage, and clear vision for a safe and sustainable future guide it in its work to contribute to the global effort of providing sustenance for a growing population.
Key Takeaways: The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics
- In “The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics”, Joe Lynch and Michael Symonanis, Director of Strategic Network at Louis Dreyfus Company, discuss how global events are reshaping cotton logistics, leveraging Michael’s dual perspective as a BCO and former ocean carrier, and the importance of collaboration and data transparency, the following topics were discussed:
- Dual Perspective and Collaboration are Crucial: Michael Symonanis's background as both a BCO and former ocean carrier, combined with his roles on industry committees, highlights the absolute necessity of a dual perspective and strong collaboration between shippers, carriers, and regulators to navigate the complexities of cotton logistics effectively.
- Global Events and Tariffs Significantly Impact Cotton: Geopolitical shifts, economic fluctuations, and tariffs directly reshape cotton logistics strategies, influencing everything from sourcing to transportation costs. Understanding these macro factors is vital for success.
- Ocean Shipping Performance Has Declined, OSRA 2022 Reshapes Industry: On-time ocean shipping performance has suffered post-pandemic, necessitating more robust contingency planning. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 has also brought significant changes, aiming to improve transparency and address industry issues.
- LDC's Expectations Drive Partner Selection: Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has high expectations for its logistics partners, prioritizing reliability, efficiency, and a deep understanding of agricultural commodity shipping, which shapes their collaborative approach.
- Logistics is a Strategic Conversation, Not Just Movement: Effective cotton logistics goes beyond mere physical transport. It involves fostering dialogue, building relationships, and strategically addressing systemic issues to enhance overall supply chain performance and partnerships.
- Data Transparency and Export Efficiency are Non-Negotiable: Accurate and timely information, coupled with streamlined export processes, are fundamental for mitigating risks, optimizing routes, and ensuring the timely global delivery of cotton.
Learn More About The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics
Louis Dreyfus Company | Linkedin
The End of the World Is Just the Beginning
The Travels of a T-Shirt In The Global Economy
Big Changes at the Port with Lauren Beagen
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast