The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era with Michael Castagnetto
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
Release Date: 08/26/2025
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
and discuss Farelanes: real time lane pricing for everyone. Neal is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Farelanes, a company specializing in providing real-time lane pricing data for the logistics industry. About Neal Huffman is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Farelanes, a company specializing in providing real-time lane pricing data for the logistics industry. Neal has over 40 years in software development, innovation, and product management rollouts spread across the telecommunications and enterprise software industries. He played a role in the...
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In “Home Delivery World: The Future of Fulfillment”, and , General Manager of Home Delivery World, discuss he critical strategies and emerging technologies redefining the high-stakes journey from the warehouse to the consumer's front door. About John Beasley , General Manager of Home Delivery World, has been part of the HDW team since 2021. With over 8 years in the events world, his goal is to bring innovation to the event and foster a community where attendees can make meaningful connections and drive their businesses forward. His background in sales, business development, partnerships...
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In "Beyond TMS: McLeod's Open Ecosystem and Automation”, and , Vice President of Growth and Special Projects at McLeod Software, discuss the strategic pivot toward an open, automated ecosystem that redefines modern supply chain management. About Doug Schrier , Vice President of Growth and Special Projects at McLeod Software, is a driving force behind the company's strategic expansion while upholding a customer-centric philosophy. With a comprehensive background encompassing over two decades of operations and strategic leadership, Doug has dedicated the past 15 years to the...
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In “Vanity Metrics Don’t Move Freight: Building Real Pipeline in Freight-Tech”, and , Fractional CMO and Founder of FreightTech (marketing), discuss how marketing must shift from a tactical cost center to a strategic operating system that drives real revenue. About Jim Waters is a Boston-based B2B marketing executive with a proven track record of building robust sales pipelines. His passion lies in driving meaningful conversations, understanding customer pain points, and creating compelling content that generates active pipeline velocity. A results-driven innovator, Jim was an early...
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In “Beyond the Rate: Why Accuracy, Transparency and Context Matter”, and , President, Intelligence, at Triumph, discuss how accuracy, transparency, and network connectivity are the new drivers for precision and confidence in the logistics industry. About Dawn Favier serves as President, Intelligence, at Triumph following the acquisition of Greenscreens.ai in May 2025. She brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in transportation management and logistics technology. Prior to joining Triumph, Ms. Salvucci-Favier served as Chief Executive...
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In “Building the Connected Transportation Ecosystem: A Conversation with Trimble's Michael Kornhauser”, and , Vice President of Trimble, discuss how integrated data and precision mapping create a more secure, efficient, and connected transportation ecosystem. About Michael Kornhauser is sector vice president of Trimble, leading Transportation & Logistics in North America. With more than 20 years in various leadership roles, Michael has proven to be an astute and dynamic leader with deep industry understanding and passion for delivering superior customer value. Kornhauser, along with...
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In “The Optym Advantage: Smarter Routing, Planning, and Decision Making”, and , Deputy CEO of Optym, discuss how applied AI and optimization maximize fleet utilization and driver profitability. About Shaman Ahuja is currently serving as the Deputy CEO of Optym, a company specializing in prepackaged software solutions. With a robust background in technology and product management, he has held various leadership positions within Optym, showcasing his ability to drive innovation and efficiency. He began his professional journey as an intern and has progressively climbed the ranks,...
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In “Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking”, and , VP, Product and Engineering at Trimble, discuss how integrated mapping technology optimizes routes, ensures driver safety, and drives profitability through a connected data ecosystem. Rishi Mehra As VP, Product and Engineering, is primarily responsible for overseeing the company’s technology, products and engineering in North America. Mehra has been with Trimble since 2014, and previously served as a senior product manager and director of web products for ALK Technologies (now a part of the Trimble...
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In “Fleet Profitability Unleashed: The Optimal Dynamics Advantage”, and , Senior Vice President, Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics, discuss how decades of academic research and advanced decision intelligence are being used to automate complex logistics and maximize carrier profitability. Zach Schuchart is the Senior Vice President, Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics. He has over 20 years of experience in the North American and European transportation industries, including roles at UPS, CHAINalytics, and XPO, he brings deep expertise and leadership to the Optimal Dynamics team. As Head of...
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In “The Fulfillment Playbook: ShipStation's Strategy for Building an Unbreakable Shipping Network”, and , Chief Strategy Officer at Auctane, discuss how to turn complex global logistics into a seamless competitive advantage. About Josh Steinitz serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Auctane, a leading global company empowering businesses with intelligent mailing and shipping solutions through trusted products like ShipStation, Stamps.com, Metapack, and Packlink. In his role, Steinitz leads corporate development, strategic partnerships, carrier relationships and strategy, and cross-border...
info_outlineIn “The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era”, Joe Lynch and Michael Castagnetto, 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
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 2019 – January 2023. Michael began his career with C.H. Robinson in 2005 and has held various leadership roles including sourcing manager at Food Source, general manager of the tropical and dry vegetable categories, director of global supply and vice president of global sourcing. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College of California.
About C.H. Robinson
C.H. Robinson delivers logistics like no one else™. Companies around the world look to us to reimagine supply chains, advance freight technology, and solve logistics challenges—from the simple to the most complex. 83,000 customers and 450,000 contract carriers in our network trust us to manage 37 million shipments and $23 billion in freight annually. Through our unmatched expertise, unrivaled scale, and tailored solutions, we ensure the seamless delivery of goods across industries and continents via truckload, less-than-truckload, ocean, air, and beyond. As a responsible global citizen, we make supply chains more sustainable and proudly contribute millions to the causes that matter most to our employees. For more information, visit us at chrobinson.com (Nasdaq: CHRW).
Key Takeaways: The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era
- In “The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era,” Joe Lynch and Michael Castagnetto, 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.
- The Human Element is the "Secret Sauce": C.H. Robinson’s core strength is its people. Despite its massive network and technology investments, the company's ability to solve complex logistics challenges is rooted in its team's expertise and problem-solving skills. This human touch is consistently cited by customers as a key differentiator and a source of trust.
- Navigating the Post-COVID Freight Recession: The interview addresses the challenges of the recent freight recession. C.H. Robinson's approach during this time focused on helping customers navigate market volatility, reinforcing the need for a flexible and proactive logistics strategy to manage supply chain disruptions and shifting market dynamics.
- The Power of a Diverse Business Portfolio: C.H. Robinson's strength is built on four distinct business segments: NAST, Global Forwarding, Robinson Fresh, and Managed Services. This diverse structure allows the company to provide comprehensive solutions across multiple modes and industries, from a single truckload in North America to complex international and global supply chains.
- Nearshoring Drives Cross-Border Importance: The trend of reindustrialization in the U.S. is making cross-border logistics, particularly with Mexico, more critical than ever. The discussion highlights C.H. Robinson's investments and leadership in this area, positioning them to support this strategic shift and build more resilient supply chains.
- Cybersecurity is a Top Priority: Freight fraud and cybersecurity are growing threats in the logistics industry. The conversation underscores the importance of a proactive approach to security, including robust protocols and technology to protect against digital risks. This focus is essential for building and maintaining trust with customers and carriers.
- Unrivaled Scale and Expertise: C.H. Robinson leverages its unmatched global scale—managing 37 million shipments with a network of 450,000 contract carriers—to deliver tailored solutions. This combination of vast operational reach and deep industry expertise ensures they can solve logistics challenges of any size.
- The Intersection of People and Technology: While the team is the company's secret sauce, technology is a key enabler. The conversation emphasizes C.H. Robinson’s continuous investment in freight technology, including AI and other digital platforms. This innovation allows for better data-driven decisions and enhanced efficiency.
Learn More About The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era
Michael Castagnetto | Linkedin
Global Newsroom | C.H. Robinson