loader from loading.io

The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era with Michael Castagnetto

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

Release Date: 08/26/2025

Inside the DAT - Convoy Platform Deal: What This Acquisiton Means for the Freight Market with Bill Driegert show art Inside the DAT - Convoy Platform Deal: What This Acquisiton Means for the Freight Market with Bill Driegert

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

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...

info_outline
How Humanoid Robots are Shaping the Future of Logistics with Parker Conroy show art How Humanoid Robots are Shaping the Future of Logistics with Parker Conroy

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

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,...

info_outline
The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era with Michael Castagnetto show art The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era with Michael Castagnetto

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

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...

info_outline
REPOST: Blind Spots & Bottlenecks: Unmasking the Hidden Enemies of Supply Chain with Briana Birkholz show art REPOST: Blind Spots & Bottlenecks: Unmasking the Hidden Enemies of Supply Chain with Briana Birkholz

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

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,...

info_outline
Project 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life with Jeremy ReymerProject 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life with Jeremy Reymer show art Project 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life with Jeremy ReymerProject 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life with Jeremy Reymer

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

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...

info_outline
The Dark Funnel Demystified: Unlocking Hidden Sales with Jennie Malafarina show art The Dark Funnel Demystified: Unlocking Hidden Sales with Jennie Malafarina

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_outline
The Skill Gap Epidemic: How Untrained Workers Are Holding You Back with Cary Dittmann show art The Skill Gap Epidemic: How Untrained Workers Are Holding You Back with Cary Dittmann

The 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_outline
Freight Downturn: What Winners Do to Gain Ground with Nick Klingensmith show art Freight Downturn: What Winners Do to Gain Ground with Nick Klingensmith

The 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_outline
Warp is The LTL Network of the Future with Daniel Sokolovsky show art Warp is The LTL Network of the Future with Daniel Sokolovsky

The 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_outline
From Farm to Fork:  A Broker's Guide to Food Safety and Cold Chain Logistics with Brian Hastings show art From Farm to Fork:  A Broker's Guide to Food Safety and Cold Chain Logistics with Brian Hastings

The 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_outline
 
More Episodes

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.

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

C.H. Robinson | Linkedin

C.H. Robinson

Global Newsroom | C.H. Robinson

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast