The Logistics of Logistics

The TextLocate Story with Ryan Rogers Ryan Rogers and Joe Lynch discuss the TextLocate story. Ryan is the Founder and CEO of TextLocate which provides a freight location tracking and communication solution for brokers and partner carriers. About Ryan Rogers Ryan Rogers is the Founder and CEO of logistics tech startup TextLocate. TextLocate bridges the gap between truck drivers and logistics professionals by creating a simple way to locate freight through a proprietary text message platform that has taken the logistics industry by storm. Prior to founding TextLocate, Ryan's extensive experience dates back over 20+ years and includes stints with Amazon as well as both Covenant Logistics and U.S. Xpress--two top trucking firms headquartered in Chattanooga. At Covenant, Ryan had direct responsibility for technology, continuous improvement, mergers and acquisitions, innovation and strategic planning across the Covenant enterprise. His experience at U.S. Xpress included time spent as corporate treasurer and Chief Operating Officer at the company's logistics division during a time of extensive growth in revenue. He also served as a transportation executive at Amazon.com, leading procurement and carrier development at a time when e-commerce – led by companies like Amazon -- turned heads around the transportation and logistics industry with increasing sales and demand for capacity. He currently serves as a mentor at Chattanooga-based transportation and logistics incubator Dynamo and is a member of the Chattanooga Technology Council. Ryan holds an MBA and undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he and his wife, Nicole, have chosen to make their home in the 'gig city' with their children, Kate and Jack. About TextLocate TextLocate is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was founded in 2021 by logistics technology executive Ryan Rogers as the solution to freight location tracking and communication for brokers and partner carriers. Rogers, a Chattanooga native, has formerly held executive positions with Amazon.com and Chattanooga transportation companies U.S. Xpress and Covenant Logistics. Key Takeaways: The TextLocate Story Ryan Rogers is the Founder and CEO of freight tech firm, TextLocate which provides a freight location tracking and communication solution for brokers and partner carriers. In the podcast interview, Ryan describes his successful career in the logistics business and his entrepreneurial journey. TextLocate is a simple method for check call updates with partner carriers. TextLocate simplifies the process using TextLocate's custom one-time location update from your partner carrier's driver with one simple text message. Ryan's vision for TextLocate is to complement existing visibility platforms using a one-time text message that is more agreeable to some drivers who resist using apps and other visibility systems. TextLocate's automation makes it very easy for users to make check calls to drivers. Drivers love it because there is no app to download and they are not constantly tracked. With TextLocate, users request a one-time location update as a text message sent to the driver. The message includes company name and unique load ID. All the driver has to do is click the hyperlink within the text and approve the one-time location update. The response updates TextLocate dashboard with the driver's current city, state and zip code. The process is convenient for the operations team to request and simple for the driver to respond without a phone call interruption. TextLocate offers an easy to implement, simple to use process for communicating with drivers. The process is safe, convenient, cost effective, and uses texting technology so there is no training and no learning curve. TextLocate has a free option so users can get started by signing up for a free account. Learn More About The TextLocate Story Ryan Rogers LinkedIn TextLocate LinkedIn TextLocate Why Chattanooga is the Silicon Valley of Trucking with Craig Fuller 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: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

Amazon vs Target vs Walmart with Rick Watson Joe Lynch and Rick Watson discuss Amazon vs Target vs Walmart and their strengths and weaknesses in the areas of ecommerce, fulfillment, distribution, and logistics. About Rick Watson Rick Watson founded RMW Commerce Consulting after spending 20+ years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the ecommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes. Watson was one of the first employees at ChannelAdvisor, spending 10 years there in various executive capacities and launching many of the company's flagship offerings. He was then recruited to launch the third-party marketplace at BarnesandNoble.com, expanding the company's product catalog by over 1 million items. After the successful marketplace launch, he served as CEO of Merchantry and led the company to a $30M acquisition by Tradeshift. Upon fulfilling the transition obligations of Merchantry to Tradeshift, Watson directed the cross-border product strategy of Pitney Bowes, a $450M business, comprised of Borderfree and the eBay Global Shipping Program. Watson's work today is centered on supporting investors and management teams incubating and growing direct-to-consumer businesses. Most recently, in partnership with WHP Global, Rick was a critical resource in architecting the WHP+ platform, a new turnkey direct-to-consumer digital ecommerce platform that powers AnneKlein.com and JosephAbboud.com. About RMW Commerce Consulting RMW Commerce Consulting supports investors and management teams incubating and growing digital businesses online – both direct-to-consumer and B2B. RMW was founded by Rick Watson after his more than 20 years as a technology entrepreneur and operator exclusively in the eCommerce industry with companies like ChannelAdvisor, BarnesandNoble.com, Merchantry, and Pitney Bowes. Key Takeaways: Amazon vs Target vs Walmart The lines have blurred when it comes to retail and ecommerce. In the past, consumers either bought online or bought from their local retailers. Today, consumer expectations have risen in large part because companies like Amazon, Target, and Walmart have created such a wonderful customer experience. During the discussion, Rick talked about each company's business model, along with their relative strengths and weaknesses in the areas of customer experience, fulfillment, and delivery. Amazon Amazon is a pioneer in the ecommerce space, but to ensure that the customer experience, delivery, and fulfillment is world-class, Amazon has invested heavily in fulfillment centers close to consumers. The fulfillment centers enable Amazon to store inventory close to consumers which allows for fast delivery and even same-day / next-day delivery. Amazon has raised the bar on digital communication with customers and their accurate, on-time home deliveries set the benchmark for the rest of the industry. To further cement their position as the leader in-home delivery, Amazon has started an asset-based logistics company to keep the packages moving. Amazon is first and foremost a technology company and they will use their superior tech capability to stay a leader in the business. Target Target started as an old-school retailer with virtually no technology or online presence. In terms of selling online, Target had a very late start. Target was not equipped to manage an online store and they even had Amazon manage their online sales for a short time. As a traditional retailer, Target couldn't just copy Amazon's strategy. Target ultimately decided to invest in their stores. They made each store a fulfillment center and today, 90% of Target's online orders are fulfilled by their stores. Additionally, Target has pioneered several purchasing/fulfillment options including BOPAC (Buy online and pick up at curb) BOPIS (Buy online and pick up in store), and same-day / next-day deliveries via Shipt (an independent subsidiary of Target). Shipt facilitates same-day delivery from various retailers to its members through either phone apps or via their website. Shipt has over 200,000 personal shoppers delivering products to homes. Walmart Walmart is the world's largest company by revenue, with over $524 billion USD in 2020. Walmart is also the also the biggest food retailer in the USA. Walmart is a juggernaut when comes to sales and operational excellence. Walmart's inventory management, distribution, and logistics are arguably the best in the retail world. Obviously, the company understands retailing, but they struggled with their transition to online sales. Walmart was late to the online party and they had a few missteps. In recent years, Walmart has made major investments that enable their stores to be fulfillment centers. With over 11,500 stores worldwide, Walmart has locations close to the world's population centers. In addition to their store and fulfillment center investment, Walmart purchased Jet.com to gain the experience and resources of a web-native ecommerce company. Learn More About Amazon vs Target vs Walmart with Rick Watson Rick Watson RMW Commerce 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: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

Understanding Conrail with Brian Gorton Brian Gorton and Joe Lynch discuss understanding Conrail. Brian is the President & Chief Operating Officer of Conrail Shared Assets, which serves as a contract local carrier and switching company for its owners, CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railway. About Brian Gorton Brian E. Gorton joined Conrail in 1987 as a conductor. He advanced to the position of Assistant Terminal Superintendent before departing Conrail prior to the CSXT and Norfolk Southern acquisition of Conrail in 1998. After his departure from Conrail, he worked at the Union Pacific Railroad where he held various positions in the Transportation Department including General Manager of UP's Houston and Gulf Coast Service Units. On April 19, 2021, Brian rejoined Conrail and was appointed President & Chief Operating Officer of Conrail Shared Assets headquartered in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, bringing with him over 30 years of railroad experience and expertise. About Conrail Conrail is an American railroad company. It operates three networks—the North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit Shared Assets Areas, where it serves as a contract local carrier and switching company for its owners, CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railway. Customers located along Conrail's lines have access to the national rail network through either railway. As a local rail service provider, it's Conrail's job to make sure that customers' freight shipments are safely and efficiently moved between their rail sidings and the long-distance freight trains operated by CSX and Norfolk Southern. CSX and Norfolk Southern handle all commercial matters for customers. However, Conrail plays a critical role in serving shippers and receivers as a service provider for our owners. Key Takeaways: Understanding Conrail Brian Gorton is the President & Chief Operating Officer of Conrail Shared Assets, which serves as a contract local carrier and switching company for its owners, CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railway. In the podcast interview, Brian explains Conrail's capabilities, service area, history, operations, and the advantages that rail brings to high-volume shippers. In the spring of 1997, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) and CSX Corporation (CSX) agreed to acquire Conrail through a joint stock purchase. CSX and NS split most of the Company's assets between them. The approved merger plan restructured Conrail into a Switching and Terminal Railroad operating about 1,200 miles of track in three regional areas. On June 1, 1999, Conrail began operating as a Switching and Terminal Railroad for its owners, NS and CSX, in the three geographical areas of Northern New Jersey, Southern New Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit, Michigan. In 2007, it expanded its operations from Northern New Jersey to Staten Island, New York. Advantages of rail transport: Cost effective. Shippers often save money by switching from truck to rail. Sustainability. Rail transport is more environmentally friendly and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than over the road trucking. Great option for high-volume shippers. A double-stacked train can move more freight than hundreds of trucks. Reliability. Trains run on a track and on a schedule, so traffic and weather are seldom an issue. Access to capacity. Many shippers use rail as an alternative to the driver and truck constrained over the road market. Intermodal shipping which utilizes rail transport is often the most efficient transportation mode for shippers, particularly high-volume shippers. Learn More About Understanding Conrail Brian Gorton Conrail 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: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

Where Business is Done with Thibault Serlet Thibault Serlet and Joe Lynch discuss where business is done. Thibault is the Co-Founder and Chief Researcher at Adrianople Group, a research and advisory firm focused on educating the world about Special Economic Zones (SEZs). About Thibault Serlet Thibault Serletis Co-Founder and Chief Researcher at Adrianople Group, where he assisted in building the recently launched Open Zone Map, the world's largest and most extensive dataset on Special Economic Zones (SEZs). He is an expert on Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and is the Founder of Startup Societies Foundation, a Utah based non-profit think tank that studies Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and publishes an academic journal. He is on the board of advisors of the Center for Innovative Governance Research, and has worked at several startups in the cybersecurity, hardware, and blockchain fields. In addition to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Thibault studies the history of banking, medieval history, and charter cities, and is a black belt in Kempo Karate. About The Adrianople Group The Adrianople Group is a research and advisory firm focused on educating the world about Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The Adrianople Group launched the Open Zone Map, the first map encompassing all Special Economic Zones (SEZs) globally. Leading organizations including McKinsey & Company, PwC, and World Wildlife Foundation rely on the company's data to make impactful decisions. The Adrianople Group's data around Special Economic Zones (SEZs) provides geopolitical market research and business intelligence solutions to investors, government officials, academics, and others interested in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Adrianople team members and associates consist of a staggeringly diverse array of doers and thinkers, located everywhere from San Francisco to Singapore, London to Lagos. Key Takeaways: Where Business is Done Thibault Serlet is Co-Founder and Chief Researcher at Adrianople Group, a research and advisory firm focused on educating the world about Special Economic Zones (SEZs). In the podcast interview, Thibault and Joe discuss where business is done. The answer is special economic zones. A special economic zone (SEZ) is an area in a country that is subject to different legal and economic regulations than other regions within the same country. Special economic zones (SEZs) are typically created in order to facilitate rapid economic growth by leveraging tax incentives to attract foreign investment and spark technological advancement. Thibault Serlet and the team at Adrianople Group recognized that information about special economic zones is scarce and hard to find. The Adrianople Group is on a mission to radically increase the quality and amount of data about Special Economic Zones and related projects. While exact numbers are not available, Thibault believes that the majority of supply chains past through special economic zones. The Open Zone Map is the world's first comprehensive attempt at mapping every single Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The map includes all known SEZs, capitals, airports, and ports. The map was created to improve public understanding of SEZs. The goal is to inspire other researchers studying SEZs to create their own data sets, sparking a knowledge revolution. The Adrianople Group is a research and business advisory services provider focused primarily on Special Economic Zones and similar projects. Learn More About Where Business is Done Thibault Serlet The Adrianople Group Open Zone Map 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: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

The Basics of Dedicated Contract Carriage with Bob Elkins Bob Elkins and Joe Lynch discuss the basics of dedicated contract carriage. As the SVP of Ruan, a company that specializes in dedicated, Bob has a deep understanding of the service and the value it provides to shippers. About Bob Elkins Bob Elkins serves Ruan 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, Ruan 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 over 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 Bob Elkins Ruan Ruan - Red Magazine White Paper - Five Lingering Headaches to Address for Healthier Supply Chain in 2021 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: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

5 Reasons You Lose Customers with Paula Courtney Paula Courtney and Joe Lynch discuss 5 reasons you lose customers. Paula is the CEO of The Verde Group, a Customer Experience (CX) research consultancy specializing in measuring, tracking and improving the specific customer experiences statistically linked to growing revenue, market share, and customer life-time value (LTV). About Paula Courtney A passionate change agent and entrepreneur, she believes that organizations remain competitive and profitable when they are brilliant at the basics of service delivery. As President of The Verde Group, a global market research consultancy specializing in helping companies improve customer retention, Paula leads the development of new research methods for helping companies quantify the financial impact of their customer experience. The Verde Group's Canadian and US retail studies have been published globally in over 35 publications including Business Week, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and Fortune. A frequent conference presenter, Paula has delivered keynote presentations for various industry and professional associations and is also a regular guest lecturer at the Wharton School of Business. Paula also sits on the board of Covenant House, Canada's largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk. Paula holds a BSc in Psychology and a post graduate certification in Personnel & Industrial Relations (CPIR) from the University of Toronto. Paula is also fluent in French, Spanish and Portuguese. About The Verde Group The Verde Group is a Customer Experience (CX) research consultancy specializing in measuring, tracking and improving the specific customer experiences statistically linked to growing revenue, market share, and customer life-time value (LTV). Our proprietary experience analysis methodology is known as Revenue@Risk Analysis. Based on decades of social science academic research and practical in-market business application, Revenue@Risk uses dissatisfaction analysis of problem experiences to understand why customers behave in a certain way and what actions to take to alter those behaviours. Verde Group has applied Revenue@Risk successfully for nearly 20 years with Fortune 500 clients in technology, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, retail, and financial services categories. Their practice is roughly 65% B2B and 35% B2C. Key Takeaways: 5 Reasons You Lose Customers Paula Courtney is the President of The Verde Group, a Customer Experience (CX) research consultancy specializing in measuring, tracking and improving the specific customer experiences statistically linked to growing revenue, market share, and customer life-time value (LTV). In the podcast interview, Paula explains the 5 reasons you lose customers. Reason 1 – Lack of customer support. When customers don't receive the customer support that they expect, they may begin looking for alternatives. Poor follow-up, getting the run-around, and being transferred by phone repeatedly without resolution is frustrating and damaging to customer relationships. Reason 2 – Ineffective problem resolution. There are more channels for customers to connect than ever before, however, if the customer is not able to get quick and effective resolution to their problems, they will move on. Reason 3 – Digital tools that are overly complicated or don't meet customer expectations. Technology that is supposed to improve the customer experience can sometimes be overly difficult to use and actually negatively impact the experience. Reason 4 – Lack of consistency across channels. Technology has enabled companies to engage with their customers in multiple channels (website, social media, phone, email, app, etc..) and the policies, procedures, experience, and outcomes must be consistent. When customers have different experiences across different channels, they lose faith in the company. Reason 5 – Lack of proactivity. Customer expectations are always rising and successful companies will always look for ways to deliver more for their customers. Get closer to your customer and find new ways to add value. Key areas associated with revenue growth: Frictionless experience Effective recovery from problems Engagement with customers The Verde Group helps their clients prioritize and tackle the customer experience problems that negatively impact their business. The Verde Group utilizes a unique non-traditional customer dissatisfaction research and social science-based Attitude-Behavior Consistency Model, which enables them to to isolate the most business-critical pain points across the customer journey, financially quantify revenue at risk, and reverse your customers' most damaging experiences. Learn More About 5 Reasons You Lose Customers Paula Courtney LinkedIn The Verde Group Logistics case study HBR Article 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: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

The Promise of the Digital Supply Chain with Dyci Sfregola Dyci Sfregola and Joe Lynch discuss the promise of the digital supply chain. Dyci is the Founder and Managing Director of New Gen Architects, a consulting company that helps their clients transform their supply chains. About Dyci Sfregola When it comes to supply chain and product operations, Dyci Sfregola's experience is that most organizations are leaving money on the table due to disorganized processes. She founded New Gen Architects in 2020 to show companies how to transform business operations starting with their supply chain. Leveraging her business acumen and technical expertise, Dyci's vision is to empower clients to be customer-centric and scale intelligently. Through business and digital architecture advisory services, she directs clients on how to establish efficient processes, identify and implement digital technologies, and effectively engage people as a roadmap for success. Dyci holds a Master's in Engineering Management from Kennesaw State University where she also studied Industrial Engineering. She also completed her undergraduate studies in Spanish at the University of Georgia. About New Gen Architects New Gen Architects bridges the gap between business and technology to help companies achieve successful supply chain transformation. We advise clients on their corporate evolution, rooted in business continuity planning. As a thought partner and facilitator, we set-up clients with a secure foundation and layer in ownership. Our team guides clients on technology tool selection, project management and transformation road mapping. We support scalable and efficient supply chain transformation, making us industry change-makers. We are business and digital architecture advisors to companies seeking to scale their retail and direct-to-consumer operations through supply chain transformation. Key Takeaways: The Promise of the Digital Supply Chain Dyci is the Founder and Managing Director of New Gen Architects, a consulting company that helps their clients transform their supply chains. In the podcast interview, Joe and Dyci discuss the promise of the digital supply chain. A digital supply chain ideally would be more agile, more resilient, and faster than a traditional supply chain. A digital supply chains are more efficient, more effective, and make their companies more competitive and more profitable. Digital supply chains are able to respond quickly to changes in demand and supply. Digital supply chains also utilize labor saving automations like optical character recognition (OCR) and robotic process automation (RPA). Dyci believes that more firms will invest in the technology for their supply chains once they recognize the value and ROI of investing in the right supply chain technology. Dyci and her team works with clients to analyze financial and operational data to determine the optimal timeline for change and works alongside them throughout their journey to help keep external partners accountable and internal stakeholders on board. New Gen Architects makes sure you know how to ask the right questions and sift through the buzzwords to make sure the technology selected is the best fit for their use case and will deliver the expected ROI. Learn More About The Promise of the Digital Supply Chain Dyci Sfregola LinkedIn New Gen Architects Leveraging Automation to Build a Competitive Advantage with Alfonso Quijano 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: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

The Transfix Story with Drew McElroy Drew McElroy and Joe Lynch discuss the Transfix story. Drew is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Transfix, a market-leading, next-generation freight platform transforming the traditional and digital freight sector while bringing transparency, trust, and sustainability to the transportation ecosystem. About Drew McElroy Drew McElroy is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Transfix. After seeding the idea of the first freight marketplace, Drew has helped Transfix mature from an industry upstart into Forbes' "Next Billion Dollar company. Prior to founding Transfix in 2013, Drew was the President of Priority Distribution Inc. (PDI), a mid-market transportation management and third-party logistics provider (3PL). He officially joined the company as Director of Business Development in May 2004 but had been working with his parents at PDI over the summer since he was 12. He helped the company scale from three people to 20 people, grew revenue by 4x, and was one of the first 3PL to work with SaaS and TMS solutions. Drew also previously served as the President of the New Jersey Roundtable of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and International Business from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. He currently resides in Manhattan. About Transfix Transfix is a market-leading, next-generation freight platform transforming the traditional and digital freight sector while bringing transparency, trust, and sustainability to the transportation ecosystem. The company combines deep industry expertise and a world-class class carrier network with advanced technology. The result? Competitive pricing, superior service and reliability, and an intelligent platform designed to optimize the supply chain from start to finish. Today, some of the world's most recognized brands rely on Transfix's trusted carrier network. Transfix was named one of Forbes' "Next Billion-Dollar Startups" and is headquartered in the heart of New York City. Key Takeaways: The Transfix Story Drew McElroy is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Transfix, a market-leading, next-generation freight platform transforming the traditional and digital freight sector while bringing transparency, trust, and sustainability to the transportation ecosystem. In the podcast interview, Drew describes his personal entrepreneurial journey and the many challenges he and his Co-founder, Jonathan Salama have experienced since starting Transfix. Transfix is a leading freight marketplace connecting shippers to a national network of reliable carriers. Fortune 500 companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Unilever, and Target rely on Transfix to handle their most important FTL freight needs. With instant pricing tools, guaranteed capacity, data-driven insights, and reliable service, Transfix is changing the world of transportation one load at a time. Transfix's technology can quote thousands of loads in under a minute and manage the entire process from beginning to delivery-- saving shippers hours each day. Transfix was named one of Forbes'​ "Next Billion-Dollar Company"​ in 2018. Learn More About The Transfix Story Drew McElroy LinkedIn Transfix LinkedIn Transfix website Transfix Market Updates 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: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

The Pain of Picking the Wrong 3PL with Esther Kestenbaum Prozan Esther Kestenbaum Prozan and Joe Lynch discuss the pain of picking the wrong 3pl. Esther is President of Ruby Has Fulfillment, a rapidly growing ecommerce fulfillment provider for direct-to-consumer brands and retailers. About Esther Kestenbaum Prozan Esther Kestenbaum Prozan is President of Ruby Has Fulfillment, a rapidly growing ecommerce fulfillment provider for direct-to-consumer brands and retailers. During her tenure at Ruby Has, the company has experienced a period of unprecedented growth, and tripled in size since the Covid pandemic began. Its best-in-class automation and integration technologies have catapulted Ruby Has to one of the top fulfillment providers in the industry. In her role as president, Esther draws on more than 20 years of leadership and C-Suite roles within venture-backed ecommerce startups and retail technology companies, including several exits – both acquisitions and IPOs. Prior to joining Ruby Has, Esther was CEO of DayOne, a baby and prenatal services company operating in ecommerce, retail and B2B channels. Prior to that, she was founder and CEO of TheShops.TV, an ecommerce company leveraging QVC-style video. Esther has also held SVP and VP roles with retail marketing technology companies specializing in mobile, ad tech and data analytics. About Ruby Has Fulfillment Ruby Has Fulfillment is one of the fastest growing ecommerce fulfillment and logistics providers for direct-to-consumer brands and retailers. With a strategically located international footprint of distribution centers in the United States, Canada, and the UK, Ruby Has Fulfillment is a company in hyper-growth. The logistics leader has been ranked by Crain's Fast 50 since 2018 and Inc. 5000 for six consecutive years. It leads the 3PL industry with cutting-edge technology, seamless integration, and an uncompromising commitment to quality that empowers ecommerce brands to scale with efficiency and speed. Key Takeaways: The Pain of Picking the Wrong 3PL Esther Kestenbaum Prozan is President of Ruby Has Fulfillment, a rapidly growing ecommerce fulfillment provider for direct-to-consumer brands and retailers. In the podcast interview, Esther and Joe discuss the pain of picking the wrong 3PL. Picking the wrong the 3PL to manage transportation and logistics is a big hassle, but picking the wrong 3PL to manage your direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipments is a disaster. A 3PL that manages your DTC shipments has your inventory in their building and in their control. Breaking up is costly, emotionally upsetting, and may lead to service failures and dissatisfied customers. The best way to avoid the pain of picking the wrong 3PL is to spend the time to select the right 3PL. The right 3PL has the culture, leadership, processes, technologies, team, facilities, and locations to effectively manage your business. Developing a win-win relationship between the 3PL and the shipper will pay long-term dividends. Ruby Has Fulfillment provides accurate pick and pack, efficient 3PL, and quality fulfillment of all ecommerce platforms including Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento and more. Locations across the U.S. and Canada allow DTC ecommerce brands and retailers to ship faster and reduce freight costs. Fulfillment locations include New York, California, New Jersey, Kentucky, Nevada, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Learn More About The Pain of Picking the Wrong 3PL Esther Kestenbaum Prozan LinkedIn Ruby Has 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: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

Home Depot's Empty Mile Solution with Eduardo Silva Eduardo Silva and Joe Lynch discuss Home Depot's empty mile solution. Eduardo is the Group Product Manager at Loadsmart, a digital freight brokerage that leverages cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to help shippers and carriers move more with less. About Eduardo Eduardo Silva is the Group Product Manager at Loadsmart. He oversees a team of product managers that are building automated solutions that make it easier for shippers and Loadsmart's internal teams to price, book, schedule, move, track, pay and charge for freight. Eduardo has extensive experience developing software products for different verticals like construction and insurance. He has also worked on digital transformation, helping companies to change their priorities and use technology as a core competency - instead of as a cost center. After spending his time consulting large insurtech companies, Eduardo joined Loadsmart and has spent the past three years helping the company to reduce waste in trucking. Eduardo is leading the team that's co-developing Flatbed Messenger About Loadsmart Loadsmart is a freight technology company that is removing the barriers between shippers and carriers so freight can move in the most efficient, transparent and automated way. By bringing shippers, carriers, and warehouses together on a connected platform, Loadsmart is helping to solve deep-rooted inefficiencies in transportation. Loadsmart's Flatbed Messenger leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and strategic partnerships to bring the first supply-led marketplace. Flatbed Messenger eliminates empty miles by matching Home Depot's dedicated capacity to Loadsmart shippers who need flatbed services. Enterprise brands looking to reduce empty miles from their dedicated/private flatbed capacity can reach out directly to flatbedmessenger@loadsmart.com for more information. Key Takeaways: Home Depot's Empty Mile Solution Eduardo Silva is the Group Product Manager at Loadsmart, a digital freight brokerage that leverages cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to help shippers and carriers move more with less. In the podcast, Eduardo and Joe discuss Home's Depot's empty mile solution, which is powered by Loadsmart's flatbed capacity platform. The term "empty miles" is used to describe the miles a truck drives with an empty trailer. Approximately 79% of truck miles are with full (or relatively full) trailers, meaning the 21% of the miles are empty. Empty miles are a major problem for the trucking business for the following reasons: Shippers pay more for trucking services, especially, if there lanes require the truck to drive home empty due to the nature of the freight or lack of available backhauls Empty miles account for about 1.5% of greenhouse gas emissions. With the driver shortage more evident than ever, driving empty miles makes even less sense. Drivers and trucks driving empty miles represents capacity that is wasted, which is crazy considering how valuable capacity is right now. Empty miles are an even bigger problem when it comes to specialized equipment like flatbeds. Flatbed transportation has even more challenges as the work is more dangerous, weather is a big factor, drivers are harder to find, and the flatbed carrier market is even more fragmented than the dry van market. Home Depot is one of the country's largest flatbed shippers and they contracted with multiple dedicated carriers for their flatbed capacity. Loadsmart launched an automated supply-led flatbed platform that pairs capacity and price to a shipment. Flatbed Messenger combines Loadsmart's advanced algorithms with dedicated capacity from The Home Depot to help other shippers find flatbed capacity at lower rates. The platform allows shippers access to flatbed capacity that was previously earmarked for a dedicated shipper. Shippers also gain visibility into lower flatbed rates through more affordable backhauls. Learn More About Home Depot's Empty Mile Solution Eduardo Silva LinkedIn Loadsmart homepage Enterprise Shipper Small Business Shipper Carrier Beyond Cost Per Load with Felipe Capella What Will Tomorrow's Freight Broker Do with Ben Buchanan 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: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube