The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

The Logistics of Logistics podcast is dedicated to exploring how things get places. Join our host, Joe Lynch, for conversations with the people who get them there. Joe talks with logistics and transportation industry leaders about innovation, technology, trends, and the future of freight.

Reimagining the Food Supply Chain with Eric Ristow and Luis Pajares 01/16/2021

Reimagining the Food Supply Chain with Eric Ristow and Luis Pajares Reimagining the Food Supply Chain with Eric Ristow and Luis Pajares , , and discuss reimagining the food supply chain. The food supply chain has many challenges including poor customer experience, disconnected cold storage networks, and a lack of system integration resulting in limited visibility. About Eric Ristow serves as Vice President of Product and Application Management at Lineage Logistics. In this role, he ensures custom-built software, as well as SaaS applications, meet the needs of Lineage’s customers. This includes identifying discrete business problems within the temperature-controlled logistics space and developing the requisite applications to enable the safe and efficient storage and transportation of food. As a technology leader for the world’s largest cold-chain provider, Eric is passionate about building more effective food management and delivery solutions for Lineage’s customers to improve the resiliency of the food supply chain in an increasingly challenging global environment. Prior to joining Lineage in 2014, Eric spent 7 years as a management consulting within the healthcare, pharmaceutical and retail spaces. These efforts include the large-scale post-merger integration of technical assets, deployment of global asset management programs, the integration of regulatory content systems, and the development of an enterprise resource planning program to support the strategic staffing of all IT projects, comprising an annual budget of $180 million and 2,500 global team members. Eric holds a BA in history from Dartmouth College and a JD/MBA from Emory University. About Lineage Logistics is the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. Lineage’s expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivaled real estate network and its use of technology combine to promote food safety, increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, lessen environmental impact, and minimize supply chain waste. As a result, Lineage helps customers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small family-owned businesses increase the efficiency and protect the integrity of their temperature-controlled supply chain. Lineage has grown its cubic feet by 60% annually since 2008 to 1.9 billion cubic feet, making it the largest global temperature-controlled industrial REIT. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations, Lineage was recognized as the No 1. Data Science company on Fast Company’s Annual list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2019, in addition to ranking 23rd overall in an evaluation of thousands of companies worldwide. About Luis Pajares serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at Turvo. He brings over 30 years of experience in software and cloud technologies in both large publicly traded and start-up companies. Luis’s career has been focused on finding and developing disruptive technologies that modernize industries. At Turvo Luis is focused on applying his knowledge and experience in digital transformation to the logistics industry to create the world’s first collaborative logistics solution to unify every person, system, and organization in the supply chain. In his previous role as Group Vice President for Oracle Communications, he was a senior member of the leadership team responsible for strategy with oversight of worldwide sales, alliances and partnerships. Luis holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of Dallas. About Turvo is the world’s first multi-enterprise collaborative platform specifically designed for the global supply chain. The Turvo platform connects people and organizations across the supply chain, allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to digitally transform their workflows with cloud-based software and mobile applications. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end system of record set for all operations and analytics while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India. Key Takeaways: Reimagining the Food Supply Chain Food producers, especially those that require temperature control have traditionally depended on a hodge-podge collection of 3PLs to store and transport their product. Since no one 3PL had the service footprint (warehousing locations) adequate to service the entire country, food producers used multiple cold storage suppliers, which resulted in disparate systems and processes. Predictably, using multiple cold storage facilities led to inefficiency and waste, specifically wasted food. Meanwhile, the bar has raised for food producers. Due to customer demand for faster transit times, food inventory must be stored closer to customers. Additionally, everyone in the food supply chain wants fast, accurate, actionable data. Lastly, food waste has become recognized as a problem. Dumping food into a landfill when there may be hungry people in the community is a problem that must be addressed. is transforming the food supply chain. Lineage has embarked on an ambitious plan to create a national footprint that will enable food producers to utilize one 3PL for all their storage, logistics, and transportation needs. Today, Lineage Logistics moves approximately 30% of temperature-controlled food in the U.S. and nearly 10% worldwide. In addition to their impressive service footprint (warehouse locations), Lineage has partnered with to launch Lineage Link. , powered by Turvo, is a unified and fully integrated supply-chain technology solution that seamlessly connects the Lineage network, driving collaboration, performance, and efficiency for all supply chain participants. The platform gives customers an unprecedented level of insight and control to enable more agile and informed decisions, providing visibility across locations, orders, inventories, transportation, and warehouse appointment scheduling. Learn More About Reimagining the Food Supply Chain The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17571362

Rethinking Fulfillment with Guy Courtin 01/14/2021

Rethinking Fulfillment with Guy Courtin Rethinking Fulfillment with Guy Courtin and Joe Lynch discuss rethinking fulfillment in an era of explosive growth in ecommerce and fulfillment services. Guy and the team at are making fulfillment faster and easier with a combination of collaborative robots, artificial intelligence, and operational expertise. About Guy Courtin is the Head of Global Alliance and Partnership program. He brings over 20 years of experience in the supply chain industry. He has held senior leadership roles at Infor, Progress Software, and i2 Technologies. In addition, he has been an industry analyst covering the supply chain and retail spaces for SCM World and Constellation Research. Guy holds an MBA from the Olin School at Babson College, a Master's degree from Loyola University in Chicago, and a Bachelor's degree from The College of the Holy Cross. About 6 River Systems, a Shopify Company Founded in Waltham, Mass. in 2015, is a leading collaborative mobile robotics fulfillment solution provider and part of global commerce company . Founders Jerome Dubois and Rylan Hamilton were previously executives at Kiva Systems (now Amazon Robotics). The 6 River Systems solution is operating in more than 20 facilities in the U.S., Canada and Europe, fulfilling millions of units each week for companies including Lockheed Martin, CSAT Solutions, ACT Fulfillment, DHL, XPO Logistics, and Office Depot. To learn about 6 River Systems and its wall-to-wall fulfillment solution, please visit . Key Takeaways: Rethinking Fulfillment The ecommerce and fulfillment industries have experienced rapid growth during the pandemic. With all the recent changes, many people, including Guy are taking a closer look at some aspects of the industry. In the podcast, Guy and Joe discussed the five following topics: Customer expectations. People expect more from retailers and ecommerce sellers than ever before. Some expectations can be maintained by the industry while others are untenable because of the cost. In the cases, the high cost of fast, free delivery is absorbed by the seller, but that will not be the case in the long term. Fulfillment flexibility. Consumers want lots of options when they buy including but not limited to buy online, pickup at curb (BOPAC), buy online, pickup in-store (BOPIS), home delivery, and traditional retail. Fulfillment as a differentiator. Consumers make buying decisions based on fulfillment. Traditionally consumers bought products based on brand, price, availability, quality, reputation, etc., and now some people are buying based on the convenience of the fulfillment (example: same-day delivery). Sustainability. Consumers are increasingly interested in sustainability and they want to buy from companies that share their values. Ecommerce and fulfillment companies need to examine their supply chains from beginning to end and find ways to lessen their environmental impact. Labor. Working at a fulfillment company is strenuous and sometimes dangerous work. Leadership within fulfillment companies will need to find ways to make fulfillment work less physically taxing on employees. Fulfillment companies must compete for employees with gig economy jobs that are often easier and very flexible. Companies like provide automation and technology solutions that can make fulfillment jobs easier and more attractive - while increasing throughput and efficiency. Learn More: Rethinking Fulfillment Twitter: @6riversystems The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17545940

Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage with Alfonso Quijano 01/10/2021

Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage with Alfonso Quijano Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage with Alfonso Quijano and discuss leveraging automation to build a competitive advantage. The automation that Alfonso discussed is robotic process automation (RPA). In the discussion, Alfonso explains how RPA is not a physical robot, but a bot or technology that processes data and can help companies leverage employee´s performance by road-mapping repetitive task into one single digital organism. About Alfonso Quijano is the CTO at and the COO & Co-founder at . Alfonso is an electronic engineer, full-stack developer, and technology executive focused on the logistics industry. He has led the creation of state-of-the-art technology solutions such as fully automated vehicle access control systems with ALPR. Alfonso is a veteran head software developer knowledgeable in various high and low-level programming environments, IT project manager, and leader of software divisions. He is a versatile engineer with operations experience focused on building highly efficient technology teams and all supporting company departments, including HR, Marketing, Sales, PR, and IT. Alfonso earned an Electronic Engineering degree from the Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla Colombia. About Lean Staffing Solutions provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 120 leading 3PLs. To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent, while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce companies need an edge that will help them win. Lean Staffing Solutions is that edge. Lean provides a turnkey solution to staffing challenges using a proven process that will improve profits while reducing employee costs. Lean can deliver on this promise because they are the pioneers in helping U.S. based companies set up satellite offices in Colombia. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 100 satisfied U.S. based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office in Colombia is staffed with highly educated, English speaking professionals trained in your company’s processes and systems. The Lean approach is a low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they manage the entire process with their account managers. Lean Staffing Solutions offers a suite of product offerings from traditional staffing to technology, sales, and marketing services. Key Takeaways: Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage Alfonso and his team at Lean Tech are utilizing robotic process automation to help their customers become more competitive. Robotic process automation (RPA) is the use of software with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities to handle high-volume, repeatable tasks that previously required humans to perform. RPA can be used to manage typical emails received by logistics companies including freight quote requests, track & trace, invoicing, etc. RPA can also transfer freight information from emails to other systems like TMS, WMS, ERP, etc. RPA is also being used to automate sales and marketing emails, which is a lower-cost way to grow sales. Using RPA can help logistics and transportation companies to reduce costs, improve efficiency, grow their sales, and ultimately become more competitive. Learn More: Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17491109

The Basics of Clearing Customs with Christopher Wall 01/10/2021

The Basics of Clearing Customs with Christopher Wall The Basics of Clearing Customs with Christopher Wall and discuss the basics of clearing customs. As the founder of a digital customs brokerage, Christopher has a deep understanding of the customs clearing process and some of the associated problems. About Christopher Wall is the Founder and CEO of , a next-gen digital customs brokerage platform. Christopher is a serial entrepreneur and investor in the logistics and enterprise software space. Christopher is also a partner at Phoenix Asset Management, a California-based venture capital fund, and software holding company. Previously, Christopher was Director of Technology Investing at Vision Capital Advisors, where he managed principal technology and logistics investing and portfolio workouts/turnarounds at the $1B+ hedge fund. Alongside his investment career, Christopher has had a leadership role at several tech start-ups that ultimately went public (initial public offering) or were successfully acquired. Christopher earned a Bachelor of Economics and Philosophy at Columbia University About Zeus Logics is a full-service, digital-first customs brokerage platform, enhanced by a suite of global trade management tools. Zeus’s mission is to provide the world’s best customs brokerage experience by eliminating costly delays and penalties, giving importers visibility into their customs clearance processes, and dramatically reducing the time and effort importers spend managing clearance processes. The Zeus platform: 1. Automates data collection from multiple parties. 2. Stores and organizes all documents in a centralized digital library—not siloed email systems. 3. Provides instant document access to solve customs problems and speed audits. 4. Centralizes all communications in one place, so importers, forwarders, suppliers, and customs brokers can track the whole chain of communication. 5. Provides real-time updates on the status of customs clearances. Key Takeaways: The Basics of Clearing Customs The Customs Process 1. Customer Onboarding Power of Attorney (POA), must be signed by an officer of the company, ID must be verified. If a foreign entity needs to apply for an Importer of Record number. Helps to have information about the types of products being imported. A product database greatly speeds up the process. Bonding, either single entry or annual must be set up. Payment information for customs, either direct via ACh or handled by the broker for a fee. 2. Documentation (when the shipper is ready to import) If shipping by ocean, the customer provides an ISF (f.k.a. 10+2) information at least 24hrs prior to vessel sailing. Name and address of Seller. Name and address of Buyer. EIN, SSN for an individual of Importer of Record number. Name and address of Consignee. Manufacturer or Supplier. Ship to Party. Container Stuffing Location. Consolidator (Stuffer). Commodity and First 6 digits of the Harmonized Tariff. Country of Origin. Bill of Lading Number(s). Commercial Invoice Needs to include INCOTERMS of sale e.g. FOB, DDP date of sale Complete name and address of supplier, importer, and deliver to address A detailed description of goods being imported Price Per Unit Unit of Measure, e.g. cm2 for mirrors, boxes weighing “X”, etc The total cost of goods in the currency payment was made Any licenses for goods that have IP e.g. Logo merchandise Provides Packing list, sometimes is done in one doc along with the CI Description of goods Piece count Weights Dimensions Provides Any supporting docs for PGAs, eg. FDA FDA registration # If wood, LACEY act forms (to prevent the import of prohibited plants, endangered species) 3. Broker files the properly formatted information with Customs and PGAs and waits for responses from Customs. 4. Once a shipment is released, duties and fees must be paid via ACH. Common Problems in Clearing Customs Little integration of customs data into the digitalized supply chain. Lack of visibility into customs processes - black hole of customs. Delays caused by hiccups in the customs process generate expenses - typically demurrage. Little to no accountability of service providers. Opaque billing. Learn More: The Basics of Clearing Customs The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17486573

Making Carrier Relationships More Productive with Noam Frankel 01/02/2021

Making Carrier Relationships More Productive with Noam Frankel Making Carrier Relationships More Productive with Noam Frankel and discuss making carrier relationships more productive. Noam is a transportation industry veteran who has always advocated for building solid relationships between 3PLs, brokers, and carriers. [podcast src="https://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/17395193/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/no/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/f47b15/" width="100%" height="90" scrolling="no" class="podcast-class" frameborder="0" placement="top" use_download_link="" download_link_text="" primary_content_url="http://chtbl.com/track/53D5B3/traffic.libsyn.com/thelolpodcast/The_LoL_-_Making_Carrier_Relationships_More_Productive_with_Noam_Frankel.mp3" theme="custom" custom_color="f47b15" libsyn_item_id="17395193" /] About Noam Frankel is the founder and CEO of FreightFriend, a cloud-based truckload procurement platform that helps shippers and brokers build deep carrier relationships and drive digital execution. Noam is a pioneer and innovator, Noam Frankel has spent more than 35 years building operations and technology in the logistics industry, originally as co-founder and COO of American Backhaulers. He later served as VP of Truckload at Echo Global Logistics, where he built their truckload division from the ground up, before founding Optimal Freight brokerage, which he sold to TFI International in 2018. . He has the unique perspective of having served as an executive on both the “industry” and technology sides of logistics. About FreightFriend is a cloud-based, AI-powered truckload procurement solution to help shippers and brokers build carrier relationships and find the right capacity to match to the right freight. The software solutions include a carrier relationship management (CRM) platform, the Capacity Guru dynamic routing guide, and Freight Guru intelligent freight matching. Key Takeaways: Making Carrier Relationships More Productive with Noam Frankel In the podcast interview, Noam described his experience at , a brokerage that was eventually acquired by C. H. Robison. American Backhaulers was based in Chicago and they pioneered the Chicago model or Split model described in this article by my friend, Kevin Hill: At American Backhaulers, Noam recognized that carrier sales was one of the keys to success in the brokerage business. With the rise of technology, Noam believes that brokers and 3PLs have forgotten how to develop carrier relationships that maximize the benefits for both carriers and brokers/3PLs. truckload procurement platform helps shippers and brokers build deep carrier relationships and drive digital execution. Learn More: The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17395193

The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse with Jeremy Bodenhamer 12/31/2020

The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse with Jeremy Bodenhamer The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse with Jeremy Bodenhamer and discuss the 5 APIs of the Apocalypse. Jeremy defines APIs and why they are such a powerful force in ecommerce. Jeremy recently wrote a book called , a book for small and mid-size retailers that want to compete with the ecommerce giants. About Jeremy Bodenhamer is the founder and CEO of . Jeremy is also the bestselling author of Adapt or Die and a leading expert at the intersection of shipping and ecommerce. His articles have been been featured in Inc., TechCrunch, AOL, Fortune, Internet Retailer, and Entrepreneur. Jeremy is a frequent speaker on innovation, technology, and logistics; and was a 2018 Supply Chain & Executive Pro to Know. Jeremy is an active volunteer in the community, an avid Crossfitter, and surfer, and champions a company culture that promotes health, family, and happiness among employees. Jeremey earned a Bachelor of English from Westmont University. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife Bethany who is an educator and youth advocate Bethany Bodenhamer - and their three sons. About ShipHawk is the premier packing and shipping software for ERP connected companies. Most businesses spend a ton of time and money trying to ship orders more efficiently. ShipHawk's shipping software helps automate order fulfillment and eliminate worker decisions so businesses can take control of their warehouse operations. Shippers often experience 5X order throughput and decrease shipping costs without adding headcount. ShipHawk works with high volume retail, wholesale, and ecommerce companies to lower their packing and shipping costs so they can compete on a level playing field with the ecommerce giants. Key Takeaways: The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse API is an abbreviation for an application programming interface. An is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other. In other words, an API is the messenger that delivers your request to the provider that you’re requesting it from and then delivers the response back to you. APIs are widely used and have made connecting systems much easier, which has enabled the explosive growth of ecommerce. The 5 APIs of the apocalypse are Amazon, Walmart, JD.com, Alibaba, and Shopify. JD.com is China’s largest online retailer and its biggest overall retailer, as well as the country’s biggest Internet company by revenue. In the podcast interview, Jeremy refers to these industry giants as APIs rather than marketplaces or ecommerce companies because he believes much of their power comes from their ability to connect with consumers everywhere; phones, tablets, computers, cars, Alexa, etc.. Amazon, Walmart, JD.com, and Alibaba are enabling consumers to buy from anywhere and those transactions are built using APIs. Even though was included on the list, they are different from the other companies because they actually enable small and mid-size companies to become more competitive. Learn More: The 5 APIs of the Apocalypse (Jeremy's book) The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17379962

Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment with Cathy Hayward-Hughes and Mike Bradburn 12/24/2020

Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment with Cathy Hayward-Hughes and Mike Bradburn Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment with Cathy Hayward-Hughes and Mike Bradburn , , and discuss sustainable frozen ecommerce fulfillment. Mike and Cathy are the founders of , a fulfillment company that specializes in sustainable frozen ecommerce fulfillment. About Mike Bradburn is the Co-founder and Vice President of Crystal Creek Logistics. Mike is forever a resident of the great Pacific Northwest. He has enjoyed an entrepreneurial spirit for most of his adult life and loves challenges. After graduating with a self-designed degree in Business with an emphasis on Advertising, Marketing and Consumer Buying Behavior from Western Washington University in 1982, Mike found his way into the Seafood industry where he marketed pacific coast species of seafood, mostly salmon - nationally and internationally for the better part of 20 years. All the while, Mike would purchase old fixer-upper homes and remarket them – long before it was the chic thing to do! Mike also worked on several of his own real estate projects including building an office and retail complex, 28 luxury condominiums, a mini-storage facility, and a few residential homes. It was between projects in 2007 that a high school buddy suggested they have a beer with another high school buddy who was selling seafood over the internet. Mike was enthralled by this new and (at the time) somewhat unusual venture and sought to pursue this radical new direction full steam ahead. Mike managed to find an experienced and willing business partner in Cathy Hayward-Hughes and thus formed Crystal Creek Logistics to support the very business that his friend had started – and ultimately, many others like it. About Cathy Hayward-Hughes is the Co-founder and President of . Cathy was born into a fishing family in Alaska. She spent her childhood and much of her professional life managing people, originally on processing ships in the Bering Sea, then later in manufacturing. Cathy holds a degree in Industrial Technology from Western Washington University. Cathy worked her way from the open oceans to land-based operations and eventually into internet fulfillment. Her long and varied career includes call center management, operations management, facilities management, packaging design and development, hiring and personnel retention programs, catalog development, production line design, product flow management, inventory management, and turnaround management. In 2008 Cathy, along with her partner Mike, started Crystal Creek Logistics, her own fulfillment company. What began with one client in a small warehouse operation in Ferndale, Washington, quickly expanded to 38 customers in five states with warehouses in Washington, Nebraska, Reno, and Virginia, and Tennessee. Cathy makes her home in Bellingham, Washington. In addition to running a successful business, in her free time, Cathy loves to paint, spend time with her family, and create new communities by renovating old buildings in Mexico. About Crystal Creek Logistics is a direct-to-consumer fulfillment business that provides shipping for ecommerce retailers across the U.S. and Canada. Crystal Creek expertly ships perishable and non-perishable products at affordable rates. Crystal Creek is committed to successfully customizing and managing every step of the fulfillment process, from receiving orders to warehousing and shipping products. They specialize in transporting frozen food. Their climate-controlled warehouses will store your products until orders are fulfilled and shipped via carriers of your choosing. Crystal Creek also ships frozen orders to Canada for next day delivery, two-day, or ground service. By partnering with Crystal Creek, your company will reduce its operating, overhead, and infrastructure costs; perform efficiently with fewer employees, and let you focus more energy on your business. Crystal Creek is a Certified B-Corporation, which means the company meets higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Crystal Creek Logistics has fulfillment centers in Washington, Nebraska, Nevada, Virginia, and Tennessee. Key Takeaways: Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment Frozen ecommerce fulfillment is the process of receiving, storing, packaging, and shipping orders that need to stay frozen. Frozen ecommerce fulfillment is much more challenging than ecommerce fulfillment because the product must stay below a certain temperature. Because the product (usually food) must maintain a low temperature, dry ice, and or frozen gel packs must be utilized. The longer the transit time, the more dry ice (and cost) is required so shippers must select a fulfillment company close to their customers. Sustainability is the management and coordination of environmental, social, and financial demands and concerns to ensure responsible, ethical, and ongoing success. Crystal Creek Logistics is a Certified B Corporation. B Corporation is a private certification for for-profit companies. B Corp certification is conferred by , a global nonprofit organization with offices in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. To be granted and to maintain certification, companies must receive a minimum score from an assessment of social and environmental performance. Companies must re-certify every three years to retain B Corporation status. Learn More: Sustainable Frozen Ecommerce Fulfillment The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17322674

Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions with Shanna Greathouse and Tony Nichols 12/24/2020

Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions with Shanna Greathouse and Tony Nichols Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions with Shanna Greathouse and Tony Nichols , , and Joe Lynch discuss overcoming supply chain disruptions. Tony and Shanna work at , a company that specializes in helping companies minimize supply chain risk. About Tony Nichols is a Vice President in CarrierDirect’s Supply Chain Practice. He has over 25 years of experience across all functions of the supply chain and IT in multiple industries including consumer products, life sciences, and industrial manufacturing. Tony earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Purdue University. About Shanna Greathouse is a Senior Business Consultant at CarrierDirect. Shanna has experience in a broad range of industries including oil & gas, health tech, and consumer goods. She has led programs ranging from acquisitions to technology deployment with a strong focus on lean manufacturing and data management. Shanna earned a BA and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University. About CarrierDirect Since 2011 carriers, 3PLs, shippers, and logistics technology vendors have looked to to deliver the efficiency, strategy, go-to-market plans, and technology that will elevate their business above their competition. CarrierDirect builds organizations and relationships, providing strategy and technology designed to maximize efficiency, reduce cost, and make your business stand out. CarrierDirect advises clients on the elements of their business most vital to success: strategy, organizational structure, compensation, technology, training, recruiting, workflows, processes, and more. CarrierDirect clients include Werner, J.B. Hunt, Covenant, CRST, and FedEx. Key Takeaways: Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions The Causes of Supply Chain Disruptions include: Pandemics like the COVID 19. Natural disasters like forest fires, hurricanes, earthquakes. Socio-political events like trade wars and political upheavals around the world. Rapid changes in consumer buying habits The Supply Chain Disruptions Include: Manufacturing capacity drops and become less efficient Labor shortages and cost increases. Raw material shortages and cost increases. Financial implications Port congestion Trucking capacity falls and costs increase. Final mile capacity demand increases. During the podcast interview, Tony and Shanna shared four (4) strategies for avoiding and or minimizing supply chain disruptions Flip the forecasting narrative. During unprecedented times, historical forecasting is not useful. Consumption-based forecasting and planning, which is demand-driven and based on consumer and customer consumption short-term patterns, is necessary to ensure customer commitments are realized when supply is constrained. Companies will need to implement solutions that give this data in real-time or in the shortest time possible. New partnership opportunities. Distribution center networks have expanded their footprint to allow for more immediacy in stock pulling and decrease time to the consumer. Visibility to data allows companies to work with novel partners including non-historically 3PL partners or competitors to change the distribution network to increase target addressable market and improve last-mile capabilities. More and more companies are looking at building consortiums with other companies to increase capabilities and meet consumer expectations and to be competitive with Amazon and Walmart. Unlock the true costs of goods. By understanding the true costs of goods, both direct and indirect expenses including cost of quality, rework, tariffs, expedited air, and safety stock can uncover overlooked sourcing opportunities that enable resilience and flexibility while reducing overall risk. Digital Twin/Sandbox. By creating one unified system, a holistic duplicate system or “Digital Twin” can be created to serve as a sandbox for scenario analysis. Running supply chain simulations enable a quantitative approach to assess risk. Resiliency modeling and can address key supply chain issues. CarrierDirect recently published a white paper, that contains additional strategies for assessing risk and overcoming supply chain disruptions. Learn More: Overcoming Supply Chain Disruptions The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17322641

The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins 12/18/2020

The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins and discuss the basics of dedicated contract carriage. As the SVP of , a company that specializes in dedicated, Bob has a deep understanding of the service and the value it provides to shippers. About Bob Elkins serves as Senior Vice President, Industry Vertical Operations. Bob has almost 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, including global account management, operations leadership and commercial services. Prior to joining Ruan, he served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dedicated Services, Logistics, and first-to final mile for Schneider National. Bob also served in the United States Army 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), and early on in his transportation career he was an owner-operator of a small trucking company. About Ruan Founded in 1932, is a family-owned transportation company providing Dedicated Contract Transportation, Managed Transportation, and Value-added Warehousing. With more than 85 years of transportation experience, Ruan is one of the top 10 privately owned transportation service companies in the country. The company operates in 48 states, employs oever 6,000 team members, and has more than 300 locations nationwide. Key Takeaways: The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage Dedicated contract carriage (DCC) is a third-party service that provides dedicated equipment (vehicles) and drivers to a single customer for its exclusive use on a contractual basis. DCC is a flexible service that offers all the service advantages of a private fleet and the convenience of a for-hire carrier. DCC in a sense outsources many of the challenging functions associated with managing a fleet. Services and materials provided may include but are not limited to: ongoing operations management, technology, drivers, vehicles, vehicle maintenance, safety, regulatory compliance, risk management, and pickup and delivery instructions. Shippers who previously depended on carriers, 3PLs and brokers switch to DCC to gain additional control, avoid price fluctuations and disruptions in the trucking market. Additionally, these shippers switch to DCC because they want the truck and driver branding that comes with a private fleet without the hassles of managing one. Shippers who previously owned their own fleet switch to DCC so they can focus on their core competencies and business. Companies that provide DCC, like Ruan are much better suited to manage the ongoing driver training, compliance and management. Additionally, the DCC provider is responsible for investing in new equipment, technology and ongoing maintenance. With dedicated contract carriage, shippers gain a transportation solution that functions as an extension of their supply chain. The tractors and trailers are often branded with the customer's company logo and image. Driver uniforms also reflect the customer's brand. The advantages of dedicated contract carriage include: improved on-time performance and service along with reduced cost and hassle. Learn More: The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17252693

Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication with Mitch Violett 12/17/2020

Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication with Mitch Violett Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication with Mitch Violett and discuss why tech is the game changer for truckload communication. In his role as Principal Product Manager at Convoy, Mitch develops solutions that streamline the shipping process and improve communication. About Mitch Violett is a Principal Product Manager at Convoy focused on building products to increase the efficiency of delivering freight and improve the experience for everyone involved. Prior to joining Convoy, Mitch worked in a variety of product and engineering leadership roles at Amazon, Boeing, and the Department of Defense. Mitch has an MBA from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Montana State University. About Convoy is the nation’s most efficient digital freight network. They move thousands of truckloads around the country each day through an optimized, connected network of carriers, saving money for shippers, increasing earnings for drivers, and eliminating carbon waste for the planet. uses technology and data to solve problems of waste and inefficiency in the $800B trucking industry, which generates over 72 million metric tons of wasted CO2 emissions from empty trucks. Fortune 500 shippers like Anheuser-Busch, P&G, Niagara, and Unilever trust Convoy to lower costs, increase logistics efficiency, and achieve environmental sustainability targets. Key Takeaways: Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication In the discussion, Mitch describes the communication challenges in the four phases of the shipping process. Mitch also reviewed and discussed ways that many common communication problems can be solved using technology. Technology can be used to automate routine, mundane activities, which frees people up to manage the tasks that require the human touch. Phase 1 - Quoting and Booking Typically in the quoting and booking the shipment phase, the communication involves a lot of back and forth discussion and negotiation. As a digital freight network, Convoy is able to provide an instant guaranteed quote, which greatly reduces the time and hassle. Additionally, Convoy provides an automated quote benchmark, which compares the bid to the market. With the automated quote benchmark, the shipper knows whether the quote provided by Convoy is above or below market rates. Phase 2 - Pre-Transit The pre-transit phase is critically important and is often overlooked. During this phase, appointments and docks are scheduled, which can make the load more attractive (or unattractive if not managed) to partner carriers. The communication during this process varies greatly based on the shipping and receiving locations. The Convoy team meets shippers and receivers where they are, meaning they provide the communication that best works whether it is automation, TMS, email, or phone calls. Phase 3 - In-Transit When the shipment is in-transit the communication challenges vary greatly based on who is moving the freight. For carriers and 3PLs who don't use visibility solutions, the communication is often managed with check calls to the drivers, which is not the most precise way of tracking a shipment. 3PLs often ask drivers to download a tracking app to their phone, but compliance is a problem. Convoy provides powerful incentives, including quick pay without a factoring fee to drivers who use their app. The use of the app along with predictive analytics (AI) enables Convoy to provide true real-time visibility and very accurate ETAs. Phase 4 - Closing out the Shipment After the shipment delivers, there is still a lot of communication that must take place to close out the shipment. Proof of delivery, detention, lumper pay, and unplanned accessorials must be communicated quickly and efficiently to the shipper and receiver. Since documents must sometimes be scanned and emailed, there are delays and errors. Convoy uses its app to automatically record, communicate, and pay detention. Additionally, drivers using the Convoy app must provide the documentation to close out the shipment and get . Learn More: Tech is the Game Changer for Truckload Shipping Communication The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17234894

Freight Forwarding Basics with Miles Varghese 12/05/2020

Freight Forwarding Basics with Miles Varghese Freight Forwarding Basics with Miles Varghese and review and discuss freight forwarding basics. A freight forwarder is an agent in the supply chain whose objective is to organize a shipment, acting as the intermediary between the exporter or importer and transportation companies. About Miles Varghese is the co-founder and CEO of , an all-in-one transportation logistics collaboration software developed for freight forwarders. Prior to founding Cargologik, Miles was employee number three leading sales, and go-to-market strategies for Octopi Terminal Operating System (TOS), the first true SaaS TOS in the industry. While at Octopi, Miles traveled around the world, sold to and consulted with terminals, and deployed complex terminal operating systems across five continents, all while building real, human-to-human relationships. Miles is a proud first-generation, Indian-American, modern sales pro turned SaaS leader. Miles is a 2009 grad of Herbert Business School at The University of Miami. About Cargologik is a modern, web-based freight collaboration and communication platform that helps independent, small-to-medium-sized, freight forwarders and brokers collaborate, better stay in-sync, and improve operations together with an affordable, digital customer experience. It is a two-sided facing application that sits between the independent forwarder and their small shippers, akin to slack or teams for freight forwarders and their customers. The platform provides automated tracking, document management, alerts to create and add structure to your business, and communication for you and your client. Cargologik is headquartered in Miami, Florida. Key Takeaways: Freight Forwarding Basics The process described below is the freight forward basics from the freight forwarder's perspective. 1. Receive initial quote request. 2. Gather and prep all the key information required to send a quote. 3. Build and share a quote using the best available options. 4. Present and obtain quote confirmation to win business and proceed with booking. 5. Share booking details with clients 6. Coordinating and communicating the movement of cargo and monitoring for exceptions 7. Modify the delivery plan as necessary 8. Confirm delivery, and collect payment Learn More: The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17073506

Sustainability is a Competitive Advantage with Justin Goldston 12/04/2020

Sustainability is a Competitive Advantage with Justin Goldston Sustainability is a Competitive Advantage with Justin Goldston and discuss why sustainability is a competitive advantage. As a professor, advisor, and supply chain practitioner, Justin has helped supply chain and logistics companies gain a competitive advantage through sustainability. About Justin Goldston , is a Professor of Project and Supply Chain Management at Penn State University where he works closely with The Penn State Sustainability Institute to blend technology into organizational sustainability efforts. Goldston has over 20 years of experience working with organizations worldwide on business performance improvement, organizational change, and enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives. Dr. Goldston is the author of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles on supply chain management and emerging technologies, of Critical Success Factors in ERP Implementations and is a five-time TEDx speaker. Goldston has also led and assisted in the development of Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, and Business Analytics programs at Georgetown University, Texas A&M University, the IUBH University of Applied Sciences in Germany, and North Carolina Wesleyan College. Goldston is also an executive on the International Standards Board at the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA) and has evaluated Doctoral programs for the Department of Higher Education while serving on the Management Advisory Board at various higher education institutions. About Penn State University (PSU) is a top-ranked research university and Pennsylvania's only land-grant institution founded with a mission of high-quality teaching, expert research, and global service. In addition to its land-grant designation, Penn State is also a designated sea-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant university, one of only four U.S. academic institutions to be a member of all four federal research programs (along with Cornell University, Oregon State University, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa). With total annual enrollment totaling more than 97,500 graduate and undergraduate students and online through World Campus, Penn State is one of the largest universities in the United States and offers more than 160 majors. Key Takeaways: Sustainability is a Competitive Advantage Sustainability focuses on increasing social, economic, and environmental value-added. This is often referred to as the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) or Triple Top Line (TTL). Triple Bottom Line is a method of accounting that measures social and environmental performance in addition to financial results. Also referred to as people, planet, and profit. Triple Bottom Line is a business methodology that aims to reduce waste and negative aspects of business operations. Example: reducing water usage by installing low-flow toilets and sinks in your office. Sustainable Logistics involves examining the ecological, social, and financial impacts of logistics, transportation, and supply chain activities. Assessing inputs and outputs from the value chain: Inputs: trucks, fuel, materials, machines, human resources, etc. Outputs: products and services for customers, value generated, but also pollution and waste. The environmental benefits of sustainable logistics: Improved air quality. Reduction of noise pollution. Conservation of natural resources. Reducing landfill waste. Prevention of harmful emissions. The social benefit of sustainable logistics: Improved job satisfaction. Improved quality procedures. A healthier community. Public relations. Better company culture. Safer work environment. The financial benefit of sustainable logistics: Reduced costs of packaging, labor, fuel, utilities. The marketing benefits of sustainable logistics: New Customers Differentiation in a commoditized market Corporate Social Responsibility Better Public Relations Opportunity for Partnerships Consumers are increasingly buying from companies that demonstrate sustainable business practices. To meet their customer's needs, businesses are beginning to build sustainability into their businesses. Logistics, transportation, and warehousing companies that support companies will soon be expected to incorporate sustainability into their businesses too. Many leaders within the 3PL space are already investing in sustainability because they sense that the market is changing - sustainability is no longer a nice to have, it is a must-have. Learn More: The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17058527

Make System Integrations Great Again with Michael Sternberg 12/03/2020

Make System Integrations Great Again with Michael Sternberg Make System Integrations Great Again with Michael Sternberg and discuss how to make system integrations great again. System integration is an IT process or phase concerned with joining different subsystems or components as one large system. About Michael Sternberg Michael Sternberg is the Director of Sales at 3PL Systems, a TMS provider based in Signal Hill, California. Prior to joining 3PL Systems, Michael held a series of positions with increasing responsibility in technology and business development. Michael earned a Bachelor's degree in International Development from UCLA. About 3PL Systems provides transportation management system software to help make freight brokers more profitable – both by helping them bring in more revenue and helping them to operate more efficiently. 3PL Systems’ BrokerWare is used to manage all shipping and transportation activities from one place, including dispatch, operations, routing, carrier selection, tracing, accounting, billing, collections, and much more. BrokerWare is a transportation management system (TMS) for Non-Asset Based Freight Brokers. Our freight broker software package has built-in support for many types of shipments including less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload (TL), expedited, rail, and any type of specialized equipment. Key Takeaways: Make System Integrations Great Again System integration is defined in engineering as the process of bringing together the component sub-systems into one system (an aggregation of subsystems cooperating so that the system is able to deliver the overarching functionality) and ensuring that the subsystems function together as a system, and in information technology as the process of linking together different computing systems and software applications physically or functionally, to act as a coordinated whole. Any discussion of logistics systems integration involves EDI and API. EDI is an acronym for electronic data interchange. EDI facilitates the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard electronic format between business partners. API is an acronym for application programming interface. APIs are used when information between two program needs to be share data quickly. APIs are created by companies leaving parts of their software “open” so other software can easily integrate with them and request information. APIs are capable of syncing with software whenever there is a change in data. Learn More: The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/17048066

Discussing the FreightTech 25 with Andrew Cox 11/30/2020

Discussing the FreightTech 25 with Andrew Cox and discuss the FreightTech 25, which is a list of 25 freight technology companies that have been recognized by FreightWaves as the most innovative. Andrew works at FreightWaves and manages the nomination and selection process for the FreightTech 25. About Andrew Cox is the Retail Community Leader at FreightWaves. Andrew is also responsible for managing the FreightTech 25 nomination and selection process and is a co-host of the freight finance podcast, . Prior to his current role, Andrew was a research analyst in the Freight Intel Group at FreightWaves. Andrew earned a Bachelor’s degree in both Economics and Entrepreneurship from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. About FreightWaves is the leading freight intelligence provider, offering current digital intelligence and context to the freight community on a central platform. FreightWaves’ SaaS product, SONAR, is the leading freight market analytics tool and dashboard, aggregating billions of data points from hundreds of sources to provide the fastest data in the transportation and logistics sector. FreightWaves.com, the company’s news site, is the leading provider of news and commentary for the transportation and logistics space. FreightWaves also hosts conferences under Transparency and MarketWaves branding and is a co-developer of the first futures contracts dedicated to trucking spot rates. Key Takeaways: The FreightTech 25 The FreightTech 25 is published every year in the 4th quarter and the companies awarded will hold the honor for the upcoming year. FreightWaves has developed a robust nomination and selection process. The rankings of the FreightTech Award are determined by a peer-group of CEOs, industry leaders, and investors that are actively investing in the freight industry. In the podcast interview, Andrew discussed some themes and trends he observed in the FreightTech 25 Amazon, Project 44, and Convoy have appeared at the top of the list for the third year in a row. Autonomous vehicle companies fell off this year’s list perhaps because the product development time makes it difficult to maintain momentum and media buzz. As companies get larger, there are diminishing returns on their innovations. In other words, larger companies need to continue/accelerate innovation to move the dial. Warehousing robotics companies were recognized on this year’s list. Larger legacy transportation companies like C.H. Robison, J.B. Hunt, and FedEx made the list demonstrating that innovation isn’t just for tech startups. Visibility companies like project44 and Fourkites are on the list as shippers and 3PLs continue to seek visibility solutions. Learn More: The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16965725

Vaccinating the Supply Chain with Andrew Kelley 11/25/2020

Vaccinating the Supply Chain with Andrew Kelley Vaccinating the Supply Chain with Andrew Kelley and discuss vaccinating the supply chain. Andrew is the Chief Commercial Officer at , a company that facilitates secure vaccine transfer for biotechs, manufacturers, labs, hospitals, and clinics. About Andrew Kelley is the Chief Commercial Officer at . Andrew is an experienced technology executive and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in supply chain, logistics, SaaS, software, and technology-enabled services businesses. Prior to joining BoxLock, Andrew held leadership positions at Bell Creek Partners, Haulme, Omnitracs, and Dell. Andrew has an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Masters in Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor of Science from North Carolina State University. About BoxLock is the industry leader in secure, unattended delivery technology. The company’s inventory, access, and security solutions integrate into existing systems to help businesses make their supply chain more efficient, accountable, and reliable in the first and final mile. BoxLock’s unique combination of barcode scanner and connectivity allows an unprecedented level of secure integrations without the need for complicated and unreliable mobile software or key fobs. Key Takeaways: Vaccinating the Supply Chain Vaccine Supply Chain and Logistics Challenges xxx Driving Visibility, Security, and Accurate Audit Logs Many medical and pharma supply chain managers use BoxLock's access control and inventory management solution to make supply chains more accountable, more reliable, and more efficient, wherever assets are transferred. BoxLock has developed a unique padlock with a scanner that enables supply chain visibility and security at the point of asset transfer. The smart padlock works with a broad range of hasped storage containers, refrigerators, cabinets, and doors, for maximum compatibility and security. Note: a hasp is the metal hinge mechanism that enables a container or door to be locked. BoxLock is easy for delivery drivers to recognize and use for unattended deliveries. For secure unattended deliveries, the package barcode is scanned by the padlock scanner, the container opens, and the package can be put in the secure container and locked. The BoxLock scanner can also be used to facilitate secure vaccine transfer within biotechs, manufacturers, labs, hospitals, and clinics. In medical facilities, personnel badges can be scanned by the BoxLock scanner. The scan feature enables real-time visibility and a more accurate audit log. Learn More: The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16952075

Making FreightTech Sticky with Nick Dangles 11/15/2020

Making FreightTech Sticky with Nick Dangles Making FreightTech Sticky with Nick Dangles and discuss making freightech sticky. In the podcast interview, Nick provides strategies for developing, marketing, and implementing freight technology that will be sticky. About Nick Dangles is the C0-founder of , a company that helps freight tech companies get their products to market faster and with better adoption. Nick is a tenured veteran of full truckload freight brokerage who has firsthand knowledge of technology’s power in the freight industry. Nick’s operational focus and capacity to find a path forward, no matter the challenge, make his skills indispensable when working on a project, problem, or idea. Nick received his degree in Philosophy from The University of Illinois and received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. About Kinetic helps freight tech companies get their products to market faster and with better adoption. It’s not enough to simply build a great product. To succeed, both startups and companies at scale need to make decisions about how to effectively acquire new customers and address their target audience. By leveraging our network and transportation experience, we assess the current market understanding of your product to help find product-market-fit and provide support to your sales and marketing teams. We also partner with your company to build and deliver effective training materials, drive adoption throughout an organization, and provide basic customer support. Key Takeaways: Making FreightTech Sticky FreightTech refers to technologies that aid in the movement of freight or management of supply chains through logistics. Sticky means anything about a technology that encourages a user to use it longer and more often. A technology is sticky if a user tends to stay for a long time and to return. FreightTech companies will be more sticky if they do the following: Develop tech that is: Visually appealing. Intuitive. Something users enjoy and want to share, the potential to go viral. Avoid feature bloat – keep it simple – solve the problem the user has elegantly. Useful – don’t attempt to change user behavior if possible. Reminders and messages reminding them to come back - suck them in Use data to see what features are getting used Many consumer technologies like Facebook, Twitter, Lyft, Uber, Shipt, etc. are considered sticky because users use the applications regularly. Create marketing campaigns and messaging that gets to the heart of why people buy. Freighttech marketers should get a deep understanding of why people buy their products. Ideally, the product has a brand that is: Relevant to the customer (something they care about) Ownable (something the company is capable of fulfilling) Differentiating (something that makes the company special, different, and better than the competition) Customer success and adoption is a critical element in making freighttech sticky and many companies overlook it's importance. Learn More About Making FreightTech Sticky The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16818143

What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL with Andy Nitz 11/14/2020

What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL with Andy Nitz What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL with Andy Nitz and discuss what big shippers need from their 3PL. As the Director of Logistics at a very big shipper, Andy has unique insights into the shipper-3PL relationship. About Andy Nitz is the Director of Logistics at . Prior to joining Daikin, Andy was the Vice President of a management consulting firm. Earlier in his career, Andy was the Vice President of Distribution and Logistics for a privately held safety products company. Andy started his career in logistics and distribution leadership first at Macy's and then at Toys R Us. Andy attended Bowling Green State University and graduated with a double major in Marketing and International Business while playing on the football team. About Daikin designs and manufactures technologically advanced commercial HVAC systems for customers around the world. Daikin Applied products, solutions, and services are sold through a global network of dedicated sales, service, and part offices. Daikin Applied’s parent company, Daikin Industries, Ltd. Is a Fortune 1000 company with revenues in excess of $20 billion and more than 50,000 employees worldwide, making it the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world. Key Takeaways: What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL RFP stands for request for partnership, not just request for pricing. Big shippers are looking for a strategic partner – not a transactional relationship (married, not dating). Cultural fit Big shippers are looking for 3PLs that have the right culture. Having a culture of continuous improvement, hon – help us get better – our goal is to be world-class Services and scale Big shippers need 3PL partners who can provide the services required to properly service their account. If the 3PL needs to partner with other companies, they should be accountable for their performance. Big shippers also need their 3PL partner to be big enough to be a true partner, which means they can invest in the relationship and support the shipper's growth goals. Hiring a smaller 3PL is risky for a large shipper. Technology Big shippers require their 3PL partner to be able to provide world-class technology. The 3PL should be able to procure, customize, implement, and maintain systems that enable the shipper to be world-class. Since fright tech is always evolving, the 3PL must stay abreast of enhancements and innovations. Reporting For the Shipper-3PL relationship to strive, they must agree on key performance indicators and meeting cadence including quarterly business reviews. Additionally, the 3PL must be completely accountable for the issues driving the KPIs. Learn More About What Big Shippers Need from Their 3PL The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16808219

How Will You Compete with Amazon with Charley Dehoney 11/14/2020

How Will You Compete with Amazon with Charley Dehoney How Will You Compete with Amazon with Charley Dehoney and discuss how will you compete with Amazon. Charley is an entrepreneur, executive, and investor in the logistics and transportation space who has successfully launched and grown multiple companies. About Charley Dehoney is a growth-focused executive, board member, and investor, with more than 17 years of experience at the intersection of transportation technology. He's helped launch, build, and scale companies that have supported hundreds of millions of dollars in growth. Charley is currently serving as President of Fitzmark, a mid-sized 3PL. Previously, Dehoney served as CEO of Manning's Truck Brokerage, a 50-year-old, logistics company acquired in 2020 by Fitzmark, Inc. Dehoney has also held executive roles in several high growth and venture capital-backed logistics businesses. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his beautiful wife and three strapping young sons. About Fitzmark FitzMark is a leading Indianapolis-based transportation and logistics provider. Fitzmark delivers technology-enabled third-party logistics solutions to shippers and carriers. Fitzmark specializes in expedited transport, dry van, flatbed, refrigerated freight, warehousing, and multimodal. Fitzmark has warehousing locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Indianapolis. Additionally, Fitzmark has offices in over a dozen cities nationwide with new locations planned. Key Takeaways: How Will You Compete with Amazon In the episode title, "Amazon" represents all of the tech-forward competitors who have entered the transportation and logistics market. The Amazons of the world have some distinct advantages over the average 3PL or broker. A few of those advantages include: A worldview that technology can transform an industry and that great tech companies can and should scale very rapidly. A plan to build a better mousetrap - not just compete head to head with the existing players in the market. A goal to create a superior customer experience using technology. Access to capital either because of venture capital / private equity backing or because the company is publically traded. Money to invest in sales and marketing. While many 3PLs and brokers skimp on websites and digital marketing, the Amazons will invest because they know there is a good return on investment. Mindshare, which is a marketing term that describes the amount of consumer awareness or popularity surrounding a particular product, idea, or company. To successfully compete against the Amazons, Charley recommends the following: Build a niche and become extremely competitive within that niche. If you develop a service offering that solves the unique challenges of a specific niche, your company will be able to compete and win even against larger rivals. Leverage the proper capital sources to scale your companies growth: Angel investors/Venture capital for start-ups. Bank lending/Growth equity for relatively mature companies that are looking for capital to expand or restructure operations, enter new markets, or finance a significant acquisition without a change of control of the business. Private equity to fund strategic exit and or acquisitions. Learn More How Will You Compete with Amazo The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16806437

Developing the Perfect Quote with Zeke Ziliak 11/14/2020

Developing the Perfect Quote with Zeke Ziliak Developing the Perfect Quote with Zeke Ziliak and discuss developing the perfect quote. As Global Vice President, Transportation & Logistics Industries at PROS, Zeke, and his team help transportation and logistics companies develop fast and accurrate freight quotes using . About Zeke Ziliak is the Global Vice President, Transportation & Logistics Industries at PROS. At PROS, Zeke and his team provide science-based pricing strategies to transportation and logistics companies. Since Joining PROS 15 years ago, Zeke has held various positions of increasing responsibility. Positions include Senior Product Manager, Director of Business Development, and Executive Account Manager. Prior to joining PROS, Zeke was a music promoter and talent manager. Zeke began his career in corporate risk mitigation for an energy company. Zeke earned a Bachelor of Science, Biology/Chemistry from the University of Houston. Zeke attended UH as a National Merit Scholar on a full academic scholarship. About PROS (NYSE: PRO) provides AI-based solutions that power commerce in the digital economy. Using artificial intelligence, PROS accelerates customers’ ability to embrace digital selling and eCommerce channels. With predictive and prescriptive guidance, companies are enabled to dynamically price, configure and sell their products and services across all channels with speed, precision, and consistency. PROS customers, who are leaders in their markets, benefit from decades of data science expertise infused into our industry solutions. Key Takeaways – Developing the Perfect Quote The perfect freight quote would have the following attributes: Available quickly, instantly if possible. Accurate, meaning a high probability of getting the desired outcome, which usually means winning the business. Note: Sometimes companies provide a quote even though they don't want the business. In this case, you want to be able to provide a quote that will be too high. Easily developed, ideally automated with an opportunity for human review. Most transportation and logistics companies are able to provide freight quotes much faster than just a few years ago due to increasingly good technology and access to freight data. However, the industry leaders are using dynamic pricing powered by artificial intelligence, which provide the best in class speed and accurracy that shippers now expect. By using to develop freight quotes, transportation and logistics companies can achieve the following" Fast quote turn around time (QTAT) Accurrate freight quote that access historical and market data along with internal tribal knowledge. Balance of all the internal competing objectives. Inside logistics providers, the sales, operations, and finance groups may all have competing objectives (margin targets) that must be considered on the freight quote. Collaboration. In order to get the perfect quote, transportation providers must be able to collaborate with their carrier networks and partners. Learn More About Developing the Perfect Quote The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16806068

A Better Solution for SMB Shippers with Ryan Collier 11/11/2020

A Better Solution for SMB Shippers with Ryan Collier A Better Solution for SMB Shippers with Ryan Collier and discuss a better solution for SMB shippers. Small and midsize business shippers face unique challenges. SMB shippers often feel overlooked and undervalued by 3PL and brokers. About Ryan Collier is a Principal Designer at focused on understanding the problem space and designing solutions to meet the needs of transportation professionals. Prior to joining , Ryan designed and led design teams in education, healthcare, and government services. Ryan earned a Master of Science in Human-Centered Design and Engineering from the University of Washington. When not dreaming up new ways to help shippers, Ryan can be found dreaming up a new guitar lick or chasing his two kids around the backyard. About Convoy is the nation’s most efficient digital freight network. They move thousands of truckloads around the country each day through an optimized, connected network of carriers, saving money for shippers, increasing earnings for drivers, and eliminating carbon waste for the planet. uses technology and data to solve problems of waste and inefficiency in the $800B trucking industry, which generates over 72 million metric tons of wasted CO2 emissions from empty trucks. Fortune 500 shippers like Anheuser-Busch, P&G, Niagara, and Unilever trust Convoy to lower costs, increase logistics efficiency, and achieve environmental sustainability targets. Key Takeaways: A Better Solution for SMB Shippers SMB shippers often face the following challenges when it comes to truckload shipping: Lack of process or a very manual process for getting freight quotes, booking, tracking, and paying for truckload shipments. Distrust of transportation providers and a belief that they are paying too much, not getting access to the same rates as larger shippers. Overpaying for truckload shipments. No insights or business intelligence on their freight spend. No dedicated logistics or transportation person internally because their smaller shipping volume doesn't justify the investment Ignored by many transportation companies who are not interested in smaller shippers. By utilizing a digital freight network provider like Convoy, SMB shippers can streamline their shipping process while reducing costs. In the interview, Ryan described the following advantages that SMB shipper gain when they use Convoy: Instant truckload freight quote from Convoy's website with a competitive price that is the same whether the shipper is Walmart or the corner store. Access to a huge carrier network that has fewer freight claims and fewer accidents. Because Convoy is a preferred shipper (tons of freight, great app, and free quick pay) they attract the best carriers. Superior customer experience enabled by industry-leading technology. Monthly business review to discuss shipper metrics and carrier performance. Phone app that makes tracking and tracing easy for both shippers and carriers. Real-time visibility. Additionally, Convoy is the preferred choice for many trucking companies because they have lots of good freight and a great phone app that streamlines the process. If carriers download the Convoy app to their phone, they will get quick pay with no factoring cost. Learn More: A Better Solution for SMB Shippers The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16771847

FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers with Brad Forester and Mike Mulqueen 11/04/2020

FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers with Brad Forester and Mike Mulqueen FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers with Brad Forester and Mike Mulqueen , , and discuss FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers. Brad, Mike, and their team at JBF Consulting advise Fortune 500 companies on the assessment, selection, and implementation of supply chain software. About Brad Forester is the Founder and Managing Partner of . Brad is a highly recognized senior supply chain leader with over 23 years of managing, designing, and implementing freight transport technology. He has a unique mix of carrier, shipper, software, and consulting experiences that benefit clients. With functional expertise in Global TMS Programs, Change Management, Organizational Design, and Systems Integration, he has been leveraging these skills to benefit clients since he founded JBF in 2003. Brad has a BA in Logistics Management from Michigan State University. About Mike Mulqueen is a Partner and Strategy Practice Lead at . Mike is a leading expert in logistics technology solutions with over 30 years of managing, designing, and implementing freight transport systems. His functional expertise is in Multi-modal Transportation Management, Supply Chain Visibility, and Transportation Modeling. Mike earned a Master of Engineering degree from MIT and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Marketing from the University of Maryland. About JBF Consulting is a supply chain execution strategy and systems integrator for logistics-intensive companies of every size and any industry. JBF's background and deep experience in the field of commercial logistics technology implementation position them as industry leaders whose craftsmanship exceeds client expectations. JBF expedites the transformation of supply chains through logistics & technology strategy, commercial & bespoke software implementation, and analytics & optimization. Key Takeaways: FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers In the podcast, Brad and Mike explain the process they use for helping Fortune 500 shippers select and implement FreightTech. The process begins with a needs assessment, which is a systematic process for determining and addressing needs, or gaps between current conditions and desired conditions or wants. As part of the needs assessment, the following factors must be considered: Strategic plan for the company to ensure that the technology selected works even if there are acquisitions or rapid growth in locations. Users and their geographic locations. Supply chain resiliency to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions, like COVID. Transportation services required including inbound, outbound, TL, LTL, small parcel, etc. Supply chain visibility. Payment, auditing, and freight claims. Understanding the vision and technology roadmap for potential technology providers to ensure alignment with the shipper. From the needs assessment, a technology vendor is selected and the implementation begins. Implementing freight technology is potentially a high-risk project so a robust implementation framework is required. Custom integrations are typically required to connect systems. Experience and expertise in freight technology integration is a big plus. The return on investment (ROI) only happens only after the "go live" so Brad and Mike emphasize the importance of the stewardship phase. During the stewardship phase, the team focuses on user adoption, improvement, and maintenance. Learn More About FreightTech for Fortune 500 Shippers The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16685828

Freight Forwarding Catches Up with Sharm Chelliah 11/04/2020

Freight Forwarding Catches Up with Sharm Chelliah Freight Forwarding Catches Up with Sharm Chelliah and discuss the topic, "freight forwarding catches up" which refers to the recent technology advancements made in freight forwarding that has enabled it to offer a customer experience and visibility on par with tech-enabled 3PLs and freight brokers. About Sharm Chelliah is a Global Account Executive at , a digital freight forwarder, and customs broker. Sharm is laser-focused in achieving Flexport’s goal to make global trade easy and accessible to everyone with total visibility. With 15 years of experience in Healthcare, Retail, Supply Chain, Consumer Packaged Goods, Insurance, and Automotive industries and having delivered enterprise solutions to companies such as Coco-Cola and Home Depot, Sharm approaches each customer on their own merit, He maps out their unique supply chain requirements to deliver a customized platform that gives control to each client in an ever-changing operational environment. Sharm, having lived in several international cities, possesses in-depth knowledge of the diverse global environments and the vision to operate seamlessly in the global freight market space. Sharm earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Information Systems and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Maryland. Sharm enjoys spending time with his wife, their dog, and cat. An avid golfer, Sharm’s way of unwinding is at a golf course. About Flexport is a freight forwarding and customs brokerage company based in San Francisco, California. Flexport is the first international freight forwarder and customs brokerage built around an online dashboard. was first to market with purpose-built cloud software and data analytics platform, Flexport today serves more than 10,000 clients in over 100 countries, offering a full range of services, including ocean, air, truck and rail freight, drayage & cartage, warehousing, customs & compliance, financing, and insurance – all powered by Flexport’s software platform. Flexport has offices in San Francisco (HQ), New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Copenhagen, Vancouver, and Dallas (and expanding rapidly). We have warehouses in Los Angeles, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Chicago. Flexport is #8 on Inc. 5000, a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Key Takeaways: Freight Forwarding Catches Up Freight forwarding technologies and systems have lagged behind the tech-enabled 3PLs and freight brokers. One reason for the disparity in tech is the differences in the businesses. Freight forwarding is much more complex than domestic transportation. Each freight forwarding shipment involves many more companies, people, borders, languages, and cultures than the average domestic freight shipment. Because of the extra players, distances, timezones, and hassles, developing a system that would connect the far-flung operations was tougher. Today, freight forwarders like Flexport provide a system that enables their customers to enjoy the experience, automated functionality, visibility, connectivity, and speed of communication that is the hallmark of the best tech-enabled 3PLs serving domestic freight customers. The best freight forwarders are now able to deliver the following: Ability to manage by exceptions using filters. Predictive transit times with confidence levels. Easy to use, intuitive customer interfaces that improve communication and collaboration. Search functionality on a variety of attributes including part number, order number, invoice, customer name, etc.. Email functionality within the system so all communication is connected to the system of record. This functionality encourages faster, more useful collaboration around the shipment. Learn More: Freight Forwarding Catches Up The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16685777

Building Supply Chain Resiliency with Richard Sharpe 10/29/2020

Building Supply Chain Resiliency with Richard Sharpe Building Supply Chain Resiliency with Richard Sharpe and discuss building supply chain resiliency. Because of the supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID 19, companies have a renewed interest in improving supply chain resiliency. About Richard Sharpe is the CEO of Competitive Insights, LLC. As an industry leader for the last 30 years, Richard is a frequent speaker at industry forums and a lecturer at Georgia Tech and is a founding member of the American Logistics Aid Network, a non-profit consortium serving Disaster Relief Agencies. Richard writes the DC Velocity blog on Analytics and Big Data. Formerly, President of CAPS Logistics, Inc., Richard leads the company which pioneered supply chain optimization solutions adopted by 15% of the Fortune 500 companies worldwide. About Competitive Insights Combining the power of supply chain expertise, data governance, and machine learning, ’ cloud-based solutions search, find and highlight opportunities to increase revenue, reduce costs, increase efficiency and continuously drive profitable performance. Competitive Insights transforms multiple data sources into an actionable database, creates Net Landed Cost to Serve and Net Landed Profit for customers, products, and channels, provides insights from advanced analytics that pinpoints areas that need prioritized attention and monitors to measure decision impacts. With over 20 years of supply chain and data analytics expertise, these solutions are accurate, trusted, agile, repeatable, and efficient. About American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) is an industry-wide organization that exists to provide supply chain assistance to disaster relief organizations (and other non-profits). We do this by bringing the expertise and resources of the logistics industry together with non-profit disaster relief organizations so that we can help solve their most pressing supply chain challenges immediately after disasters strike. That way, help – and hope – arrive sooner. Key Takeaways: Building Supply Chain Resiliency Supply chain resilience is the ability of a supply chain to both resist disruptions and recover operational capability after disruptions occur. COVID-19 has disrupted supply chains around the world and reminded supply chain professionals of the importance of building supply chain resiliency. While COVID is the latest crisis to disrupt supply chains, it is certainly not the last. Consumers, investors, governments, and communities may ultimately judge companies on how they respond to this period of disruption. As supply chains have become larger, more sophisticated, and global, there is a greater chance for disruption. There is a reactive and proactive element to building supply chain resiliency. There are 3 types of supply chain disruptions: geopolitical, commercial, and physical. Supply chain resiliency process begins with understanding where your supply chain is vulnerable to disruption. Once a supply chain vulnerability is identified, measures should be taken to minimize or eliminate the vulnerability. Learn More About Building Chain Resiliency The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16597058

Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way with Ann Holm 10/28/2020

Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way with Ann Holm Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way with Ann Holm and discuss using resilience to get out of your own way. In times of stress, people need to become even more aware of their mental fitness. In this interview, Ann describes some of the challenges people face when under stress along with some strategies to become more resilient. About Ann Holm , is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in executive, career, and sales coaching. In addition to being a certified Master practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, she offers the Type Coach online assessment, with a focus on personality as it relates to the process of generating leads, closing, and maintaining sales accounts. She also has 25 years of experience in applied brain science, using her hands-on experiences to help her coaching clients understand how to stay focused, be engaged, and energized given the demands of the 21st-century workplace. Ann has both a BA and an MS from the University of Michigan which focuses on psychology, brain science, and language. About Ann Holm’s Coaching Practice Ann helps individuals position themselves for success by increasing their self-awareness, which is a must-have skill in the 21st century. Through coaching and proven assessment tools, Ann helps people become aware of their personality, emotional intelligence, and how they manage their brain energy. She also helps her client to better understand their value proposition or personal brand. Areas of expertise include: personal self-awareness, sales coaching for logistics professionals, emotional intelligence, communication and influence, team building, MBTI Master Practitioner, extensive experience with the MBTI Step III, 360 Reach/Personal Branding, and applied brain science. Key Takeaways: Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Way Resilience is the ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change. Below are some of the highlights from the interview with Ann. COVID has increased the stress levels for logistics and supply chain people and when people are stressed they may fall into predictable self-sabotaging behaviors. In the last podcast interview with Ann, the topic of grit was discussed. In this podcast, Joe and Ann discuss resilience or mental fitness which is the way we navigate the waters with ease and flow. When we are looking at mental fitness, we are looking at expanding our options and proceeding with a calm laser focus. But that's easier said than done. In fact, we often get in our own way and even get tricked into thinking we are actually doing the most optimal thing when we are not. In a previous podcast, we talked about . We are bringing that back because right now, so many people's saboteurs are out in full force because of the uncertainty we are experiencing. High stress greatly increases the chances that we will get in our own way. The Positive Intelligence framework identifies the following 9 saboteurs. There are three saboteurs that try to create independence: The controller: individuals who must have control of everything. The stickler: somebody who is trying to make sure that every detail is covered. The avoider: an individual who doesn’t want to be pinned down. Next is the group that is trying to gain acceptance: The hyper-achiever: one who has no idea of what is good or excellent because they need to be perfect. The pleaser: an individual who tries to gain acceptance by pleasing everybody. The victim: people who feel like their situation is uniquely flawed and they can’t do anything about it. The last group is the people who are trying to gain security: The restless: people who are always wanting to move on to the next thing. The hyper-vigilant: always scanning the horizon for the next thing. The hyper-rational: they have a very difficult time with the relationship side of things. Strategies for building resilience: First of all, you need insight. You can't maximize your potential without accurate self-awareness. Most people think they are self-aware, but most people are not nearly as self-aware as they believe they are. A Harvard Business Review publication in 2018 revealed that 95% of us think we are self-aware but only 10-15% actually are. Self-awareness peels back in layers, almost like the layers of an onion. So, go to the . This will jumpstart your thinking on self-awareness If you'd like to go further, visit Ann's website and schedule a free consultation to really dig into your report and get any questions answered. Then if you want to start building your mental muscle to make changes that will last, sign up for Ann's 6-week mental fitness Bootcamp that provides the structure, motivation, and ways to track your mental fitness progress. Learn More: Using Resilience to Get Out of Your Own Related Topics: The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16586360

Why Great Prospects Don’t Become Customers with Zach Ramirez 10/28/2020

Why Great Prospects Don’t Become Customers with Zach Ramirez Why Great Prospects Don’t Become Customers with Zach Ramirez and discuss why great prospects don’t become customers. As the director of sales and marketing at a leading logistics provider, Zach has learned the things in the sales and marketing process that scare off great prospects. About Zach Ramirez is the Director of Sales and Marketing at . With a background in video advertising and a successful corporate consulting track record, Zach is passionate about educating the logistics industry on the power of marketing and clean processes. Zach is a believer in playing to people's strengths and bringing out the best in the teams he has the privilege of working alongside. Zach believes that: intentional listening leads to healthy communication and that healthy communication is the foundation for lasting relationships. About Ally Logistics is a full-service brokerage servicing the U.S. and Canada. Ally operates at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and trustworthy relationships. Using these tools is what allows Ally to deliver maximum value, and an exceptional customer experience – every time. Founded in 2012 by and , Ally has seen continual growth throughout the years. Utilizing and building an environment where each rep thrives is the cornerstone of Ally's success. Key Takeaways: Why Great Prospects Don’t Become Customers 4 reasons that great prospects don’t become customers. Not Following Through on Your Brand Promises is a trust killer. Example: Saying “We service the hell out of our freight” then falling flat after 3 months and leaving the shipper hanging. Buy-in doesn’t exist from top brass to the individual contributors. RadioShack Example: RadioShack: You’ve Got Questions..We’ve Got Answers. Have you been inside a Radioshack Store? Very often questions aren't answered. Expertise isn't always felt when shopping in the stores. Apple Example: “Think Different” They’ve been pushing innovations for years in turn fulfilling their brand promise. Whether or not you are “bought-in” to their brand style or characteristics, if you own a smartphone you more than likely are holding on to a piece of tech influenced by Apple. No Separation Between You and a Competitor - You'll be reduced to price quickly! Do you have Brand Pillars? Promises? Cornerstone Values? The price will be a part of the customer conversation one way or another. Are you prepared to explain why your price is fair, higher? worth it? What differences are you bringing to the table and how are you elevating/amplifying those to the customer? These aren’t just marketing phrases to take for granted or get tangled in. These are values that both internal employees and external customers can unite around and find common ground. This also plays heavily into your hiring strategy and the type of candidates you’ll gain Siloed Marketing and Sales Teams - No bridges, No collaboration, No refinement = No (calculated) growth. I’ve seen many teams where there isn’t collaboration between “the creatives” and the “boots on the ground”...this is a huge pitfall When a sales team faces challenges in the sales cycle that should be the first place that marketing teams step in to receive feedback and listen to those challenges. This is one of the first places where creative problem solving can take place and link our sales teams with our marketing teams Calculated Pivots can’t be driven without Intentional Feedback Don’t get me wrong...feeling is a big part of what we as salespeople engage in. Although putting resources and spend behind “a feeling I have” isn’t going to get you far, especially in years like 2020 where unexpected variables are introduced at a rapid pace. Customer Onboarding is not tailored to the customer's needs. Do you know your customer profiles well enough to tailor their onboarding experience? A mom and pop shop is likely not going to respond well to a 12 step onboarding process, although major manufacture may need exactly this to feel secure in the buying cycle. The customer onboarding experience can play into the intended “tone” throughout the customer experience, but this expectation must be followed thru on. Learn More: Why Great Prospects Don’t Become Customers The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16581092

3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena 10/23/2020

3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena 3PL Basics: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics with Roberto Cadena and provide an introduction to 3rd party logistics. 3rd party logistics services include 5 major categories: 1.) Transportation 2.) Warehousing 3.) Logistics 4.) Technology and 5.) Special Services. Robert is the Co-Founder and CEO of a company that provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 100 3PLs, so he has a very thorough understanding of the business. About Robert Cadena is the Co-Founder and CEO of Lean Staffing Solutions, which provides operational, marketing, sales, and technology services to the logistics and transportation industry. Prior to the founding of Lean, Robert was the Founder and CEO of Chain Express, Corp, a full-service transportation brokerage specializing in LTL, volume, and truckload transportation. Robert's experience and expertise in transportation, logistics, technology, and executive leadership make him uniquely qualified to run one of . Robert earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Florida International University. About Lean Staffing Solutions provides operational, sales, marketing, and technology support to over 100 leading 3PLs. To succeed in the transportation and logistics business, 3PLs need to be able to hire and retain the very best talent, while keeping a lid on costs. Since the competition for the best talent is fierce companies need an edge that will help them win. Lean Staffing Solutions is that edge. Lean provides a turnkey solution to staffing challenges using a proven process that will improve profits while reducing employee costs. Lean can deliver on this promise because they are the pioneers in helping U.S. based companies set up satellite offices in Colombia. Since 2014, Lean has worked with over 100 satisfied U.S. based transportation and logistics providers. Lean ensures that your satellite office in Colombia is staffed with highly educated, English speaking professionals trained in your company's processes and systems. The Lean approach is low cost, low risk, low hassle, and they manage the entire process with their account managers. Lean Staffing Solutions offers a suite of product offerings from traditional staffing to technology, sales, and marketing services. Key Takeaways: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics According to , a Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL) is a company that provides multiple logistics services for use by customers. Preferably, these services are integrated, or "bundled" together by the provider. These firms facilitate the movement of parts and materials from suppliers to manufacturers and finished products from manufacturers to distributors and retailers. Sometimes 3rd party logistics companies are described as: Asset-based – companies that own actual assets like trucks, boats, planes, warehouses Non-asset based – companies that don’t own assets like brokerages, service providers, etc.. these companies tend to invest in technology Asset light – companies with assets and brokerage capabilities The definitions are confusing because the space is so dynamic and ever-changing. The easiest way to look at 3rd party logistics is by the service they provide, which fall into 5 buckets: 1.) Transportation 2.) Logistics 3.) Warehousing 4.) Technology 5.) Special Services Transportation Services Small Package Air Cargo Less Than Truckload (LTL) Truckload Intermodal Ocean Rail Bulk Dedicated Contract Carriage Field Acquisition Equipment / Drivers Final Mile Warehousing Services Pick and Pack, Sub-assembly Cross-docking Distribution Center Management Site Location Transloading Vendor Managed Inventory Fulfillment Logistics Services LLP/4th Party Logistics Integrated Logistics Just-in-Time (JIT) Global Trade Svcs Inbound Logistics Logistics Process Reengineering Payment Auditing / Processing Inventory Management Vendor Management Shared Services Technology Services Customer / Supplier Management EDI Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Freight Payment / Claims Auditing Global Trade Management (GTM) Optimization Predictive Analytics SC Design Sustainability Transportation Management System (TMS) Visibility Warehouse Management System (WMS) Special Services Direct to Store Direct to Home Foreign Trade Zone Import / Export / Customs Reverse Logistics / Product Lifecycle Management Marketing / Customer Service Global Expansion Supply Chain Security Analysis Contingency / Crisis Planning Logistics/Transportation Consulting Labor Management Sustainability and Green Logistics Learn More: An Introduction to 3rd Party Logistics The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16515434

Launching a Successful 3PL in the Age of Tech with Nicholas Reasoner and Jeff Dangelo 10/20/2020

Launching a Successful 3PL in the Age of Tech with Nicholas Reasoner and Jeff Dangelo Launching a Successful 3PL in the Age of Tech with Nicholas Reasoner and Jeff Dangelo , , and discuss launching a successful 3PL in the age of tech. Nick is the founder and CEO of a 3PL that uses technology to deliver a superior customer experience and gain a competitive advantage. Jeff is the co-founder of a technology company that developed the collaborative logistics platform used by Nick's company. About Nicholas Reasoner, Founder & CEO of Transloop is the founder and CEO of , a digital freight network revolutionizing logistics for shippers and carriers. Nick has significant experience and expertise in transportation and logistics especially truckload shipping. Nick began his career at Total Quality Logistics, the second-largest freight brokerage firm in the nation. While at TQL, Nick held various positions of increasing responsibility within sales, logistics, and operations. Nick left TQL to join FourKites, a real-time visibility platform for supply chain logistics companies. Nick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Public Relations, from the University of Cincinnati. About Transloop is a digital freight network revolutionizing logistics for shippers and carriers. Transloop brings cutting-edge technology together with white-glove service to deliver unprecedented transparency, industry-leading reliability, constant innovation, and real-time collaboration with every shipment. Transloop's mission is to be a true partner for the road ahead, and their battle-tested team has experience working with companies of all sizes, from small shippers moving one load a day to Fortune 500 brands shipping thousands. Transloop has locations in Chicago, IL, and Nashville, TN. About Jeff Dangelo, Co-Founder of Turvo is a Co-founder of leading the enterprise sales organization. Before founding Turvo, Jeff spent 13 years in the logistics and transportation space. Jeff was the Vice President of Sales at a third-party logistics start-up. As the first employee, he was tasked with building and growing the sales organization. He was instrumental in its growth to $150m in sales in less than 5 years. Prior to joining the 3PL start-up, Jeff was a Senior Sales Executive at TQL, a $4 billion third-party logistics company, where he helped grow revenue from $20m to over $500m in sales. Jeff is a graduate of Miami University (Oxford, OH), with a degree in Marketing and Operations. About Turvo is the world’s first multi-enterprise collaborative platform specifically designed for the global supply chain. The Turvo platform connects people and organizations across the supply chain, allowing shippers, logistics providers, and carriers to digitally transform their workflows with cloud-based software and mobile applications. The technology unifies all systems, internal and external, providing one end-to-end system of record set for all operations and analytics while eliminating redundant manual tasks and automating business processes. Turvo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hyderabad, India. Key Takeaways: Launching a Successful 3PL in the Age of Tech The transportation and logistics space is becoming increasingly competitive. To survive and thrive 3PLs and brokers will need to up their game. The following problems are still common in the industry: Inefficient manual processes that drive extra headcount to make follow up phone calls. Outdated, legacy systems that do not enable companies to automate processes. Poor customer experience - too many touchpoints, poor interface, clunky technology, no system integration. No real-time visibility. Poor hiring practices and bad culture leading to high employee turnover (resulting in inconsistent customer service). Bad relationships with carriers. Launching a successful 3PL in the age of tech requires business leaders to take a fresh new approach that should include the following: A superior customer experience from beginning to end. To accomplish this transportation companies must understand customer needs. A tech-centric approach that delivers easy-to-use interfaces, automated processes, real-time visibility - a system that customers will want to use. A collaborative logistics platform that is built not just for the 3PL, but for the shipper, suppliers, carriers, and any other organization within the digital ecosystem. Eliminating manual processes with digital automation. Contract or strategic customers who want their 3PL to become an extension of their suppply chain group. A culture that emphasizes ethical values and win-win relationships with both customers and carriers. Hiring, training, and retaining the best people – people who believe in the company and culture. A partnership with technology providers who can provide a collaborative logistics platform that will give your company a competitive edge. Learn More About Launching a Successful 3PL in the Age of Tech The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16480268

The New Reality of Amazon FBA with Ephraim Ausch 10/20/2020

The New Reality of Amazon FBA with Ephraim Ausch The New Reality of Amazon FBA with Ephraim Ausch and discuss the new reality of Amazon FBA, also known as Fulfillment by Amazon. Ephraim is an expert in Amazon FBA and he works closely with Amazon sellers. About Ephraim Ausch is the Chief Logistics Officer at Tactical Logistics, an end-to-end provider of supply chain logistics services. Ephram is a trusted advisor to retailers, ecommerce companies, and Amazon sellers. Ephram is an expert in Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Ephraim started his career at a bulk candy company that had retail locations in New York. Ephraim was given to opportunity to relaunch candy sales on Amazon and grew sales to over $1,000,000 per year. After his success with selling candy on Amazon, Ephraim launched a gift basket company and became a successful Amazon seller. Ephraim started and developed Tactical's Amazon FBA business into one of Tactical's biggest customer segments. About Tactical Logistic Solutions Tactical is an end-to-end provider of supply chain logistics that specializes in freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, and domestic transportation. Tactical boasts end-to-end logistics designed for maximum flexibility and cost efficiency, allowing clients to outsource all or specific parts of their supply chain requirements. Tactical has a highly experienced management team with decades of collective experience in the logistics industry, and the latest technology necessary to streamline the process. Tactical has warehouses in both Chino, California, and Elizabeth, New Jersey. Key Takeaways: The New Reality of Amazon FBA The COVID 19 pandemic resulted in a huge sales surge at Amazon. The sales increase pushed Amazon's operational capacity and capability. To manage the increased volumes, Amazon has implemented higher standards for Amazon sellers. The new reality of Amazon FBA: Carriers picking up and delivering to Amazon locations will now be measured on a carrier performance scorecard. The new performance metrics were a result of carriers arriving late and or missing appointments. If carriers fail to meet Amazon standards, they will be unable to schedule appointments with Amazon facilities. The , (IPI) is a score Amazon assesses to determine how well sellers are managing their inventory. Sellers can score between 0 and 1000 on the IPI. If sellers fall below 500 (previously 350) on the IPI, they will have unit restrictions imposed on them. Amazon raised the bar and the IPI because their warehouses are overflowing with goods. There are four factors that affect a sellers IPI: Reducing excess inventory to increase profitability Increasing sell-through to balance your inventory weeks of cover Ensuring inventory is buyable by fixing listings that are stranded Increasing sales by keeping popular items in stock Amazon is limiting the amount of inventory that sellers can send to Amazon warehouses. The unit restrictions on sellers are in response to Amazon's warehouses having too much inventory. Learn More About The New Reality of Amazon FBA The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16474127

Becoming More Confident on the Phone with Chris Jolly 10/13/2020

Becoming More Confident on the Phone with Chris Jolly Becoming More Confident on the Phone with Chris Jolly and discuss what it takes to become more confident on the phone. Chris is an experienced freight sales coach and consultant who helps transportation and logistics professionals grow their sales. About Chris Jolly is the founder of CJolly Freight Consulting and the host of podcast. Chris has over 14 years of experience in transportation with the bulk of his experience in freight brokerage. His experience within freight brokerage includes operations, sales, and leadership ranging from start-ups to one of the largest brokerages in the transportation industry. His passion is training and development of sales and operations professionals in the brokerage business. Chris earned his Bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Wisconsin- Stout located in Menomonie, WI and holds an associate in Management from Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, WI. About the Freight Coach (CJolly Freight Consulting) CJolly Freight Consulting partners with growth stage transportation companies ranging from traditional freight brokerages, asset-based trucking companies looking to expand into brokerage, as well as technology companies looking to implement their product into the industry. Our main objective is to utilize niche specific transportation training methods to improve efficiencies within the sales process and use our experience to enhance your operations team to execute your freight mix at a higher level. The Freight Coach provides one on one training with leadership as well as carrier and customer sales representatives to ensure that they overcome the barriers they are facing now to pave the way for greater success. Key Takeaways: Becoming More Confident on the Phone To become more confident on the phone, follow these tips from Chris: Be yourself, the best version of you, engaged, positive, authentic, and interesting. Don't be salesy and don't use your sales voice - it's a turn-off. Skip the canned sales script that makes you sound fake. Reading a canned speech makes you sound inauthentic and inexperienced. Whatever you say, own every word. Be passionate about what you are selling. Pick a niche, specialize in a particular area of the business. Become a little famous by blogging, vlogging, podcasts, and or social media. Being a recognized expert in the industry will help you grow your sales. Learn More About Becoming More Confident on the Phone The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16391489

Eliminating Detention and Delighting Drivers with Erik Malin 10/13/2020

Eliminating Detention and Delighting Drivers with Erik Malin Eliminating Detention and Delighting Drivers with Erik Malin and discuss eliminating detention and delighting drivers. Detention and dwell time is upsetting and expensive. As driver satisfaction and hours of service (HOS) become increasingly important to the industry, detention and dwell time must be addressed. Baton has developed an innovative solution to eliminate detention and dwell time. About Erik Malin is the Head of Operations and a member of the founding team at Baton, a freight tech startup focused on eliminating dwell and waste in truckload transportation. In his current position, he is responsible for ensuring promises to customers are kept and scaling Baton’s operations. Erik Malin was the Vice President of Operations strategy at Loadsmart, a digital freight technology company. In this position, he was responsible for leading strategy development and strategic initiatives focused on enabling growth and operational scale. Previously, Malin hailed from AFN, a truckload broker, where he served as Director of Corporate Strategy and was responsible for strategy development and change management initiatives. In a previous role, he was the Executive Vice President of a boutique strategy consultancy, CarrierDirect where he advised publicly-traded and hyper-growth private logistics companies like Werner, Worldwide Express and BlueGrace Logistics on growth opportunities and related change management initiatives. Malin earned his Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Michigan State University. About Baton Baton's motto is "no wasted hours in trucking." Baton is a technology platform that eliminates detention and dwell for truck drivers. Baton's goal is to divide long haul routes into two segments - an urban “final mile” segment and a highway-only segment. Local drivers in the final mile will have the flexibility to deliver off-peak when there is less traffic and lower wait times at warehouses. Long-haul drivers will spend more time on highways allowing them to earn more money with greater predictability on working hours. This all leads to improved profitability for carriers and a decrease in the cost of goods for all of us. Baton is based in San Francisco, CA. Key Takeaways: Eliminating Detention and Delighting Drivers A detention fee is assessed when the truck is held at the pickup or delivery location longer than the allotted “free time.” Now, the “free time,” varies depending on the carrier. Generally, it’s two hours at pickup and two hours at delivery. Usually, detention charges are only applied in truckload shipping. Though it is possible to get these fees in LTL, they are rare. Detention and dwell time is a big problem for everyone involved in shipping: For carriers and drivers, detention and dwell time reduces their opportunity to drive and earn. Since detention and dwell time is hard to predict, drivers and carriers struggle to plan around it. With hours of services (HOS) and driver satisfaction becoming more important to the industry, limiting and or eliminating dwell time is very important. For shippers, detention results in additional costs in the form of detention charges. Additionally, carriers and drivers will be less likely to work with shippers who make them wait to load and unload. Carriers and drivers will eventually charge shippers with long dwell time higher rates. Baton eliminates detention and dwell time, which will reduce detention costs and help carriers and drivers to better plan their time and log more miles. Baton is a logistics service that eliminates waste (wait time, traffic, empty miles) for carriers (trucking companies) in the final mile of long-haul trucking through a nationwide network of drop zones positions just outside major metro areas. Carriers drop off and pick up loads at these drop zones, and then Baton local drivers handle the final mile of delivery so long-haul drivers don’t have to waste hours in detention or traffic. Baton’s software infrastructure coordinates the operation between carriers, drop zones, warehouses, and local drivers, and uses convex optimization to optimize our network and minimize cost. Learn More About Eliminating Detention and Delighting Drivers The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: , , , , , , , , , , /episode/index/show/thelolpodcast/id/16386497

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

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