The Freight Coach Podcast

The Freight Coach Podcast is your go-to resource for all things freight, logistics, and transportation. Hosted by industry expert Chris Jolly, this podcast dives deep into the latest trends, insights, and strategies that drive the freight world. Each episode features conversations with top industry professionals, offering valuable tips on everything from supply chain optimization and freight technology to navigating the complexities of logistics management. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the world of freight, The Freight Coach Podcast delivers the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the curve and optimize your freight operations. Tune in for actionable advice, thought-provoking discussions, and a glimpse into the future of freight!

1233. #TFCP - 3rd Annual Salute To America! 07/03/2025

1233. #TFCP - 3rd Annual Salute To America! Today’s episode is a conversation about America’s freedom and independence, featuring Robert Bain, the Strongest Man in Logistics, as he reflects on the risks taken by the Founding Fathers, comparable to modern military challenges! Robert highlights the principle of freedom of speech, having a business philosophy, GLCS’ current growth and priorities, his powerlifting career, charitable focus, and the importance of resilience and building a robust content strategy for educational purposes! About Robert Bain Robert Bain, more commonly known as "Bain", has been involved with the transportation and logistics industry for nearly 2 decades. He has worked in a variety of operations and sales roles, from seat level all the way to VP of operations. He has worked for Amazing organizations such as CRST, UberFreight, Shipwell, Quad, and currently consults with the team at GLCS. He resides in the Chicagoland area with his wife Nikki, 4 children and granddaughter. When not engaged with family, clients, or in thought leadership within the sector via public appearances, interviews, and podcasts, Bain is typically in the gym maintaining his title of "The Strongest Man in Logistics". He boasts personal bests in competition of a 1063 lb Squat, 610 lb bench, 705 lb deadlift, and 2300 lb total. Connect with Robert Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Email: [email protected] 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/37275245

1232. #TFCP - Hacked Loads & Hijacked Freight: The Dark Side of Digital Logistics! 07/02/2025

1232. #TFCP - Hacked Loads & Hijacked Freight: The Dark Side of Digital Logistics! Today, Melanie Padron of IT ArchiTeks discusses the transportation industry's high risk for cyber attacks due to reliance on technology, with hackers exploiting urgency around high-value freight! Melanie shares how cybercriminals often target small businesses, cyber-enabled cargo theft, red flags for potential cyber threats, how users must manage their own data security, and the urgent need for regular training, a culture encouraging employees to report suspicious activities, multilayered security measures, and the importance of collaboration within the industry! About Melanie Padron Melanie Padron is a risk management expert and cybersecurity speaker who has made it her mission to protect trucking companies from cyber threats. She's been right there in the trenches when ransomware attacks hit, helping pick up the pieces after systems are encrypted and ransom demands arrive. After spending over 20 years in the insurance industry helping businesses recover from disasters, Melanie has shifted her focus to something she's even more passionate about: stopping those disasters from happening in the first place through proactive cybersecurity. Her connection to trucking is personal. Growing up working in her family's convenience stores, she watched the steady stream of trucks that kept their gas tanks filled and shelves stocked. Her uncle and aunt were owner-operators who crossed the country delivering freight, giving her firsthand insight into the dedication and sacrifice required to build a trucking business. Working with veteran-owned IT Architeks, Melanie helps trucking leaders secure their fleets and leverage AI to become more efficient and profitable. Her approach is simple: when trucking companies truly understand their risk, real protection begins. One company at a time, she's working to build cyber resilience in the trucking industry. Connect with Melanie Website: LinkedIn: 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/37262215

1231. #TFCP - From Nuclear to Neutral: The Case That Could Reshape Carrier Liability! 07/01/2025

1230. #TFCP - Booking Smarter: Top Habits of High-Performing Freight Brokers 06/30/2025

1230. #TFCP - Booking Smarter: Top Habits of High-Performing Freight Brokers We’re excited to feature two amazing guests for this week’s first episode, Paul Lang and PJ Zarskus of HMD Transport! Paul and PJ tell us something about the current market dynamics, what it takes for many carriers to maintain market share, the impact of emerging insurance integration with ELD devices, and what The Logistics War Room offers for its community members! About Paul Lang and PJ Zarskus Paul is a seasoned logistics and supply chain leader with over 13 years of experience driving growth, operational excellence, and strategic procurement in the freight brokerage space. He currently serves as Director of Procurement at HMD Transport, the brokerage division of HMD Trucking. Paul is also the Co-Founder of The Logistics War Room, a private, results-driven community for brokers, carriers, shippers, and logistics professionals focused on collaboration, education, and elevating performance across the industry. He began his career at Command Transportation, which was later acquired by Echo Global Logistics in 2015, where he developed his expertise in carrier sales, network building, and operational leadership. Paul is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing sustainable carrier strategies, and delivering long-term value to customers and partners. With 13+ years in logistics, PJ Zarskus has built high-performance sales teams, scaled brokerages past $50M, and launched offshore ops that cut costs and boost output. As GM of HMD Transport, he drives growth through sales strategy, network design, and process execution. He’s also the co-founder of The Logistics War Room, a private, execution-first community for brokers, carriers, and operators who actually move freight. Connect with Paul and PJ LinkedIn: / The Logistics War Room: Website: 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/37218390

1229. #TFCP - Not Just Hustle: What They Don’t Tell You About Being Your Own Boss! 06/27/2025

1228. #TFCP - The Long Game: Why We’re Still Betting on Trucking! 06/26/2025

1227. #TFCP - What Shippers ACTUALLY Look For When Choosing A Provider! 06/25/2025

1227. #TFCP - What Shippers ACTUALLY Look For When Choosing A Provider! Our friend Sean Smith from Denim is back on the show, and today, he shares tons of advice for freight brokers and other industry professionals about what shippers are looking for when choosing freight partners! Tune in to know shippers’ sentiments in the current market condition, what brokers should prioritize to enhance service delivery and relationships, the importance of effective billing and clean back office processes, and why financial responsibility is critical to business success! About Sean Smith Sean Smith, VP of Product at Denim, has spent 10 years building and scaling products in the financial services and logistics industries. While leading Product at Denim, he has pioneered new capabilities for the factoring space including risk automation and pricing. Sean has also led work on our client dashboard, job management and collaboration that have revolutionized the process and workflow for broker clients looking to save time on back office operations. He excels at combining his passion for technology with the ability to drive impact on a balance sheet. Connect with Sean Website: LinkedIn: Twitter (X): 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/37151705

1226. #TFCP - Freight Equipment Forecast: Stability or Softening? 06/24/2025

1226. #TFCP - Freight Equipment Forecast: Stability or Softening? Get the latest equipment financing and industry updates from today’s returning guest, James Currier of Finloc! James shares what Ontario is facing that affects freight volumes, the impact of frequent tariff announcements and geopolitical tensions, the overall market volatility, and the importance of preparing for cyclical economic changes! About James Currier James Currier is the Chief Revenue Officer at Finloc USA, where James leads the sales team across the country in a relentless pursuit for increased market share in the equipment finance field. After starting his professional career as a Business Analyst in the healthcare field, James came to realize that his passions were best suited to dealing with people and organizations aiming for growth. After a two year contract was completed with Fraser & Interior Health Authorities in British Columbia, a career change ensued and James has not looked back since. Combining the analytical fundamentals learned in healthcare and a natural gravitation towards people and business development, James has thrived in a sales career since 2012, leading, managing, and training dozens of people over the past several years. Subsequent to the completion of a >$400MM acquisition at his previous company, James made the jump to Finloc where he was first tasked with hiring and redeveloping the Ontario, Canada market. James was then assigned to manage the US division for Finloc as a player/coach, originating new asset-based financing opportunities and finding, attracting, and training new talent. James has worked in an exceptionally diverse range of roles since the age of 15, starting as a minor hockey league referee. His openness to new experience has allowed James to experience positions as a head of high-profile security, high-adventure whitewater rafter guide, Corporal in the Canadian Armed Forces Infantry Reserve, business analyst, VIP/Private security operative, personal support worker, guitar teacher, and sales leader. As a well-versed hobbyist who enjoys learning and new experiences, James enjoys coaching/playing/watching hockey, swimming, guitar, hunting, fly fishing, boating/canoeing, cycling, hiking, woodworking, motorcycling, reading, DIY projects, and evening walks with his wife, 2 boys, and golden retriever. Connect with James LinkedIn: Email: [email protected] 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/37137065

1225. #TFCP - Entrepreneur in Overdrive: When Pivoting Becomes the Game Plan! 06/23/2025

1225. #TFCP - Entrepreneur in Overdrive: When Pivoting Becomes the Game Plan! Today, our first guest for the week, Garrett Bowers of Bowers Trucking, explains the significance of face-to-face networking and its role in building relationships within the transportation industry! Garrett highlights how crucial it is to create a personal connection with potential clients, build systems for business development, prospect consistently, enhance transparency, and operate teams efficiently for scalability and profitability! About Garrett Bowers Born and raised in Ponca City, Garrett is a proud alumni of PO-HI where he played football, wrestled, and was highly involved in 4H and FFA. Garrett earned a scholarship to attend Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College for livestock judging and his success there led to scholarship opportunities to join the Oklahoma State University judging team. At OSU, Garrett served as a Senator for the College of Agriculture. His livestock judging team members won several national contests including the coveted national collegiate championship in 2006. He graduated OSU with a bachelor’s degree in May of 2007. Although Garrett grew up working alongside his father, Ranond, and grandfather, Glen (who was the founder of Bowers Trucking) – he was no stranger to entrepreneurial ventures. Before the age of 10, he had as many as 20 bottle-fed calves and even sold watermelon and corn in front of the truck yard alongside Highway 60. Later on, at age 16 he started his own custom hay business, which earned him the National FFA Degree recognition in 2004. When Garrett joined the family business after graduation in 2007, Bowers Trucking operated a dozen trucks within a 150-mile radius concentrated on end dump, aggregate, and construction material hauling. By 2010, Garrett diversified operations by redirecting focus to service the vast manufacturing industries located in Ponca City. By 2013, Bowers Trucking was operating in all 48 states and expanded into Canada and Mexico. Increased customer demand ultimately led to Garrett starting his own logistics company to help coordinate customer overflow. In 2016, Bowers Logistics was formed and the first agent was hired to meet the growing customer base with partner trucking companies looking for freight. By 2018, Bowers Trucking and Bowers Logistics became Department of Defense certified – the first trucking company based in Oklahoma to do so. Today, Bowers Trucking and Bowers Logistics employs 58 full-time employees. Together, the companies operate 50 trucks, and 108 trailers and service 5,000+ carrier partners while still retaining their core customer base from over a decade ago. Garrett met his wife Melissa in Athens, Georgia when the Oklahoma State Cowboys played their season opener against the University of Georgia. With some irresistible charm and a truckload of luck, Garrett convinced Melissa to relocate to Ponca City in 2009. Garrett and Melissa have been married for 13+ years, and they have a son, HB, who graduated PO-HI in 2021 and attended Oklahoma State University. Garrett coached HB’s elementary year football teams and served on Osage County’s Livestock Board, the FFA Booster Club, and the Quarterback Club. He is a graduate of Ponca City Leadership. He currently serves as seat # 3 commissioner for the City of Ponca City and has been an appointed trustee with the Ponca City Development Authority since 2018 and was chosen to serve two terms on U.S. Senator Inhofe’s Service Academy Selection Committee. Connect with Garrett Website: Email: LinkedIn: 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/37111975

1224. #TFCP - Policy Overload: How Tariffs and Politics Are Reshaping Freight! 06/20/2025

1223. #TFCP - From Machine Vision to Margin Gains: The Business Case for Safer Fleets! 06/19/2025

1223. #TFCP - From Machine Vision to Margin Gains: The Business Case for Safer Fleets! Today, Velocitor Solution’s Rudy Nemeth talks about the evolution of fleet technology from digitizing basic processes to integrated platforms that enhance safety and efficiency! Rudy highlights how utilizing AI in fleet management helps identify safety issues, existing data challenges in logistics companies, cash flow constraints faced by small businesses, and the benefits of technology advancements! About Rudy Nemeth As the VP of Sales at Velocitor Solutions, Rudy has over 25 years of experience in new business development for mobile software solutions and managed mobile services. His expertise includes Enterprise Cross-Platform Mobile Apps, Mobile Back-End, and ERP Integration. He also manages a fleet management system that includes GPS tracking, telematics monitoring, FMCSA-compliant ELD system, driver score cards, and in-cab video. His vertical markets include Consumer Packaged Goods, Field Service, Transportation and Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail, and Field Sales. He’s passionate about delivering innovative and effective mobile solutions to various industries and helping businesses optimize their operations and performance. Connect with Rudy Website: LinkedIn: 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/37079920

1222. #TFCP - The Real Sales Edge In Freight & What Shippers Look For! 06/18/2025

1221. #TFCP - From Hustle to Influence: Redefining Success in Freight Brokerage! 06/17/2025

1221. #TFCP - From Hustle to Influence: Redefining Success in Freight Brokerage! Today, we’re joined by incredible women in transportation, Lacey Olson and Amanda Haire - the co-founders of Transport Express! Despite coming from different industries, Lacey and Amanda share how they got into the freight business and continue to thrive, their challenges due to changing market conditions, and their focus on promoting a work-life balance, creating standard operating procedures, training manuals, and KPIs to enhance operational scalability! About Lacey Olson and Amanda Haire Lacey Olson is the Co-owner of Transport Express, a Minnesota-based freight brokerage she acquired with her business partner, Amanda Haire, in 2021. She began her career in investment banking before taking a hiatus to raise her three boys. Today, she holds an MBA and co-owns a concrete and masonry company with her husband. Her experience spans finance, logistics, construction, and real estate investing—all rooted in a drive to build strong, values-aligned businesses. Lacey believes momentum comes from doing the little things well and brings a steady, thoughtful approach to entrepreneurship. Amanda Haire grew up around entrepreneurship — watching her dad run a third-generation lumber yard sparked her own desire to build something lasting. Before entering the transportation industry, she spent over a decade as a paramedic, a role that taught her to lead with calm and purpose under pressure. She also invested in and co-owned businesses in the residential construction space. Today, she’s proud to help modernize a legacy business and to inspire more women to pursue entrepreneurship. Connect with Lacey and Amanda Website: LinkedIn: / 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/37044710

1220. #TFCP - The Freight Forecast: Policy Pressure and a Cooling Market?! 06/16/2025

1219. #TFCP - The Ops Overhaul: Rewriting the Rules for Modern Teams! 06/13/2025

1218. #TFCP - The Roadmap to Operational Excellence in Logistics! 06/12/2025

1217. #TFCP - Surge or Illusion? What Tariffs Are Really Doing to Freight in 2025! 06/11/2025

1216. #TFCP - How Can Brokers Prepare For The NMFC Code Changes!?! 06/10/2025

1216. #TFCP - How Can Brokers Prepare For The NMFC Code Changes!?! Whether you’re an aspiring or experienced freight broker, listen to this episode with our returning guest from Rocket Shipping, Gabe Pankonin, as he shares his expert insights on upcoming NMFC code changes! Gabe explains how the NMFC changes could represent a significant shift in transportation, the opportunities for brokers to provide proactive analysis, and more about cold calling success, resolving operational challenges, and understanding the impact of class changes! About Gabe Pankonin has always had a knack for sales and relationships - a skillset that has led him to run a successful, fast-growing freight startup in the industry. After several years servicing E-comm companies moving big and bulky freight, one painful reality set in: Brands had the marketing skills to grow quickly, but they were NO match for outdated LTL shipping solutions. Gabe saw this issue plaguing the LTL space...that as shippers get bigger and start to handle more shipments, half of their business turns into the logistics of just getting things to people's homes Which is why he started ; Mid-Market Managed Transportation! Rocket's Core Values are an extension of Gabe's deeply held beliefs. Faith, Family, Joy, Grit, and Integrity. Ultimately, the goal Gabe set for Rocket has and always will be to build predictable and repeatable revenue and to impact the people who work with and at Rocket Shipping for many years to come! 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/36940740

1215. #TFCP - The Freight CEO’s Journey: Discipline, Grit, and Long-Term Thinking! 06/09/2025

1215. #TFCP - The Freight CEO’s Journey: Discipline, Grit, and Long-Term Thinking! Today, Bob King of Sage Freight brings his over thirty years of experience in the transportation industry and the entrepreneurial mindset that keeps him thriving and growing! Bob emphasizes prioritizing revenue-generating activities, accepting personal liability impacts decision-making, and promoting long-term customer relationships. Tune in to unpack more from this episode! About Bob King is a veteran logistics executive and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in transportation and supply chain leadership. He is the Founder and CEO of , launched in October 2021 in Brentwood, Tennessee. Under his leadership, Sage Freight has grown into a high-performing logistics company with international operations and a strong cultural foundation built on people, purpose, and process. Before Sage, Robert served as President of One Point Logistics in early 2020, where he was recruited to lead a turnaround of a 250-person operation. From 2005 to 2020, Robert was the Founder and President of Cavalry Logistics, which he built from the ground up without outside funding. In 2010, he sold Cavalry to Universal Logistics Holdings but continued to lead the company as President for nearly a decade post-acquisition. Robert began his career at C.H. Robinson in August 1993, starting in the North Chicago office. He rose through the ranks to become Transportation Manager and, ultimately, General Manager of the Nashville office. He later served as Director of Logistics at Western Express from 2004 to 2005, where he launched a brokerage team that achieved a multimillion-dollar run rate in its first year and helped establish a high-performing, cross-functional culture. Robert holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Security and Nuclear Warfare from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Known for his strategic clarity, cultural leadership, and operational excellence, he continues to shape the future of freight through innovation, acquisition, and people-first growth. 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/36925090

1214. #TFCP - Cold Chain Command: Inside the World of Perishable Freight! 06/06/2025

1214. #TFCP - Cold Chain Command: Inside the World of Perishable Freight! Want to learn more about refrigerated freight for the food and beverage industry? Listen to this week’s last guest, Michael Cherney, the co-founder and CEO of Cooler Logistics! Michael shares his shift from the financial services sector to founding Cooler Logistics, their company’s strategic focus on small to mid-sized customers, innovative operational approaches using technology, and the importance of customer retention and consistent pricing strategies! About Michael Cherney Michael Cherney is a proven leader in the logistics industry with 16 years of experience. He holds a master's degree in Global Supply Chain Management and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. Known for his exceptional leadership, Michael, a first time CEO, leads a diverse team of experienced logistics professionals aiming to provide an exceptional experience to their carrier and customer partners alike. With an ideal customer profile of SMBs in the F&B vertical, his subject matter expertise in shipping fresh and frozen products shines. Connect with Michael Website: LinkedIn: 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/36893345

1213. #TFCP - Why the Freight Market Recovery Could Still Be a Long Way Off! 06/05/2025

1212. #TFCP - Scan, Weigh, Save: The ROI of Automated Dimensioning! 06/04/2025

1212. #TFCP - Scan, Weigh, Save: The ROI of Automated Dimensioning! Listen to our featured guest today, Scooter Sayers of Cubiscan, sharing their role in the logistics industry, their four decades of journey, and Cubiscan’s advanced automated dimensioning systems! Scooter delves into the upcoming National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) changes, the importance of shippers understanding these changes to minimize invoice discrepancies and optimize pallet dimensioning processes, and the impact of digital transformation in the industry! About Scooter Sayers Scooter graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Business Administration. He, his wife, and his cat named Princeton currently reside in northeast Georgia. He began his career in transportation with ABF Freight in 1991 as a Pricing Analyst, progressing through several positions including Director – Rating & Traffic Services. In this latter role, he held responsibility for 100 employees in the corporate office as well as the Weighing & Research team spread across the ABF Freight network. He developed the LTL industry’s first density-based tariff in 1993. Scooter is a former member of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) where he served as Chairman of the Weighing and Research Committee and Chairman of the Outreach Committee. He also served as a member of NMFTA’s Weighing & Research Association. He is a two-time winner of ABF Freight’s President’s Club. He is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Industrial Engineers. Following a 25-plus year career at ABF Freight and ArcBest Corporation, Scooter spent 3 years in the 3PL and freight brokerage space with several companies. He then formed Sayers Logistics LLC, an LTL transportation consultancy, to deliver LTL solutions by working with shippers, carriers, trade organizations, 3PLs, and technology providers to help move the LTL industry forward. Scooter is currently employed at Cubiscan, a leader in freight dimensioning solutions, as their Business Development Director – LTL Solutions. He spends his days speaking with shippers, carriers, and 3PLs to deploy solutions that maximize revenues and profits, minimize costs, and optimize systems. He enjoys running, the outdoors, BBQ cooking, supporting the special needs community, and following his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks. Connect with Scooter Website: LinkedIn: 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/36850995

1211. #TFCP - Beyond the Résumé: Identifying Talent in Logistics! 06/03/2025

1211. #TFCP - Beyond the Résumé: Identifying Talent in Logistics! In this episode, we’ve invited a talent acquisition expert from Global Executive Solutions Group, Josiah DiPaolo, to discuss the intricacies of recruiting effective people within the transportation industry! Tune in to hear his insights on the job market, the demand for specific freight expertise, particularly in sales roles, and his advice for freight businesses! About Josiah DiPaolo Josiah is a Managing Director and within the Transportation, Logistics, & Supply Chain Management practices, with a focus in Intermodal, Drayage, and Port Logistics. Throughout his career in the executive search industry Josiah has established himself as a top resource in his respective niches in order to provide the top level of both search and consultative practices to his clients and candidates. Through a strong understanding of the industry both on a micro and macro level he is able to efficiently identify the right people and develop strong lasting relationships. Josiah has worked with over 50 organizations both domestically and globally and has been recognized as a top 10% performer within a nationwide network of 650+ executive recruiters for 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024. As a Managing Director, Josiah's personal work consists of executive level & C-suite search, organizational mentorship, and strategic team building. Connect with Josiah Website: Email: LinkedIn: 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/36836395

1210. #TFCP - Keeping It Real: Transparency and Trust in Family-Run Freight! 06/02/2025

1210. #TFCP - Keeping It Real: Transparency and Trust in Family-Run Freight! What’s the key to maintaining a core competency in freight and succeeding for a multi-generational family-owned trucking business? Today, we’ve got an incredible guest, of , and hear her real-world experience, business strategies, and commitment to industry improvement! Some Takeaways From This Episode: Strategic Company Focus: Polyak Trucking, a family-owned business, has evolved from milk delivery to specialized in dry van, reefer, and intermodal operations. Customer base diversification strategy—ensuring no client exceeds 25% of total revenue to mitigate risks. Business Development Strategy: Diversifying shipper relationships and maintaining a core competency in full truckload services. The Midwest is the main geographic focus, with flexibility for dedicated lanes. Avoiding service overload improves operational efficiency and profitability. Compliance and Education: Compliance with FMCSA and DOT regulations is becoming increasingly complex. Pam Polyak's consulting firm focuses on mock DOT audits and compliance education for small fleets, addressing common gaps and enhancing knowledge in regulatory requirements like driver qualification and drug testing. 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/36822695

1209. #TFCP - High-Stakes Freight: Building Trust in Demanding Industries! 05/30/2025

1209. #TFCP - High-Stakes Freight: Building Trust in Demanding Industries! Listen to our last guest this week, Rob Rajfer, the founder and CEO of , as he speaks about his entrepreneurial journey and success in the transportation industry! Here’s What to Learn From This Episode: Rob Rajfer's Entrepreneurial Journey: Rob transitioned from a career at C.H. Robinson to founding Waggon with Tyler Sala. Launched in May 2023, catalyzed by market downturns and a risk-taking mindset post-capital raise from friends and family. Waggon's Growth Metrics: Bootstrapped from personal savings, Waggon achieved $3M in top-line revenue in its first six months and targets 6x growth in the second year, with ambitions to 3x again. Emphasis on talent and processes over tech complexity is vital to this growth. Key Industry Insights: Rob identifies M&A as significant for industry consolidation, benefiting fragmented small brokerages. Automation and AI will enhance back-office functions, but human interaction remains crucial in sales and customer service for maintaining competitive edge. About Rob Rajfer Robert received his BA in Liberal Arts and Business Management from Indiana University and his MS in Law from Northwestern University. Robert has worked in the supply chain / logistics industry for the past five years. Robert spent the first three years of his career at C.H. Robinson (NASDAQ: CHRW) and the following years at Flock Freight (backed by SoftBank, Google Ventures, and Signal Fire). In conjunction with his work in supply chain / logistics, Robert is the Managing Partner of Seconds Capital LLC, a boutique micro VC. 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/36792365

1208. #TFCP - The End of Misclassified Freight? ClassIT+ and the Future of Compliance 05/29/2025

1207. #TFCP - From Prospecting to Profit: A Freight Agent’s Professional Path 05/28/2025

1206. #TFCP - From Transactions to Trust: Earning Loyalty in Freight! 05/27/2025

1206. #TFCP - From Transactions to Trust: Earning Loyalty in Freight! How powerful is it to leverage platforms to vet potential business partners in freight? Let’s hear it from Robert Light of CarrierSource in this episode! Here’s What to Learn From This Episode: Industry Insight on Accountability: Rob emphasizes mutual accountability & transparency as critical in freight. CarrierSource aims to empower small fleets/owner-operators lacking online visibility to ensure fair play in the industry. Importance of Online Reputation: Authentic reviews and SEO are shifting from traditional advertising, making a strong digital presence essential for brokers and carriers to stand out. Moderation and Authenticity Assurance: CarrierSource's review system mandates proof of business relationships for publishing reviews, allowing substantiated negative feedback. This balanced approach enhances credibility, vital for combating fraudulent or biased reviews. About Robert Light Rob Light is the CEO and Co-founder of CarrierSource, the leading carrier review website where carriers and brokers build a fair reputation with customer reviews, and connect with their ideal shipper prospects. Over the last four years, Rob has led CarrierSource as the team has gathered 70,000+ reviews of carriers and brokers, and helped attract an audience of over 400,000 monthly visitors. CarrierSource is the only industry specific intent data platform that helps transportation providers hone in on their ideal customer persona, and target them when they are in the market for new logistics partners. Prior to starting CarrierSource, Rob was an early employee at the software review website G2.com. At G2, Rob saw the power of customer reviews and how small businesses could leverage the voice of their customers to compete with the largest companies in the space. Connect with Robert Email: Website: 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/36736100

1205. #TFCP - Automate or Die: How Drumkit & Upwell Are Rebuilding Freight Tech From The Inside Out! 05/26/2025

1204. #TFCP - Recession-Proofing Your Business Through Smarter Capital Use! 05/23/2025

1204. #TFCP - Recession-Proofing Your Business Through Smarter Capital Use! In today’s episode, Sean Smith is back for another valuable conversation about capital management strategies, cash flow optimization, and making wise financial decisions! Keep tuning in to the show! Here’s What to Learn From This Episode: Understanding Working Capital: Critical for business continuity; key sources include asset-based loans (lowest rates), AR lines/factoring, predatory factoring, and unsecured advances (highest rates). Match funding sources to needs to mitigate risks and costs. Emotional Decision-Making in Cash Management: Overpaying for capital or holding excess idle cash traps businesses. Regularly review expenses and maintain lean operations; avoid pitfalls of both excess and insufficient cash reserves. Optimizing Cash Flow and Payment Strategies: Leverage accounts receivable and manage payment timing to enhance liquidity. Recognize red flags (e.g., high credit utilization) and negotiate favorable payment terms to protect business interests. Set clear contracts and maintain open communication for effective relationship management. About Sean Smith Sean Smith, VP of Product at Denim, has spent 10 years building and scaling products in the financial services and logistics industries. While leading Product at Denim, he has pioneered new capabilities for the factoring space including risk automation and pricing. Sean has also led work on our client dashboard, job management and collaboration that have revolutionized the process and workflow for broker clients looking to save time on back office operations. He excels at combining his passion for technology with the ability to drive impact on a balance sheet. Connect with Sean Website: LinkedIn: Twitter (X): 📊📉 Don’t miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars! 🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 Denim | SPI Logistics | Greenscreens | Revenova | NMFTA | 🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting . To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart’s purpose, visit . 🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to , get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇 ▶️ 📷 🕊️ 💼 /episode/index/show/coffeewiththefreightcoach/id/36691570

The Freight Coach Podcast

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