In this Freightvine podcast episode, Chief Scientist Chris Caplice interviews Bill Cassidy, Senior Editor for Trucking and Domestic Transportation at the Journal of Commerce and a transportation expert. They discuss the current "diesel squeeze," where costs jumped 32% in one month, reaching $5 per gallon instead of the expected $3.70—a devastating "black swan" event for small carriers. The collapse of Yellow allowed surviving LTL carriers to maintain pricing discipline with trending rate increases. Data center construction booms create new opportunities for flatbed and LTL carriers. Finally, they explore AI as an enabling sub-technology helping humans solve complex logistics problems faster than standalone products. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Freightvine Podcast, host Chris Caplice sits down with Dr. Matthias Winkenbach, Director of Research at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics, to explore how the “last mile” problem is evolving under modern logistics pressures. Winkenbach explains how rising customer expectations for speed and consistency are stretching traditional optimization models and how machine learning and generative AI are now being used alongside operations research to enable faster, more dynamic delivery decisions. The discussion also covers his shift in research focus from urban megacity logistics to warehouse and facility-level systems, highlighting the growing need to connect internal operations with broader supply chain networks. Finally, they examine how AI-driven scenario modeling is helping companies design more resilient supply chains and better prepare for future disruptions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor at the Journal of Commerce (JOC), part of S&P Global, is the guest on this episode of the Freightvine podcast. Eric leads coverage and analysis of technology's impact on global logistics and trade. He is co-chair of the annual Inland Distribution Conference and founder of TPM Tech, the technology-focused event held in conjunction with TPM - the Transpacific Maritime conference. Our conversation covers many different converging pressures currently affecting freight markets and global supply chains. First, we analyze how fuel cost pressures impact domestic supply chains, and the particular vulnerability of small carriers operating without long-term contract protections or fuel surcharge mechanisms comparable to larger fleets. Second, we explore the broader economic implications of energy supply constraints beyond diesel pricing, including the effects on raw materials, manufacturing inputs, and less visible supply chain dependencies. Third, we examine the ongoing uncertainty surrounding US tariff policy, including the sometimes hidden or mostly forgotten operational burden this creates for customs compliance. This has become even more complex with the looming and currently undefined tariff refund processes. We also address structural questions about freight contracting practices, the role of technology in market efficiency, and current applications and limitations of artificial intelligence in logistics operations. Throughout the conversation, Eric provides context on how current market dynamics compare to previous cycles, and what patterns suggest about medium-term industry trajectories. Whether you work in carrier operations, shipper logistics, or policy development, this episode offers substantive analysis of factors affecting your operations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Freightvine Podcast, host Chris sits down with Jason Traff, co-founder of Shipwell, to explore the transformation of supply chain management from manual spreadsheets to AI-driven automation. Traff recounts his unique journey from shipping art globally to founding a modern Transportation Management System (TMS) at MIT, driven by the need to replace legacy "digital filing cabinets" with proactive, actionable technology. The discussion covers the industry's shift from simple shipment visibility to automated problem-solving, the practical role of AI as a "digital coworker" in reducing manual labor, and how mid-market shippers can leverage these tools to secure significant ROI and future-proof their operations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week’s guest is Chris Pickett, Chief Commercial Officer at Flock Freight as well as the Founder of Pickett Research. Chris Pickett returns to the podcast after 6 years! In the conversation, he discusses the evolution of freight brokerage, from his days building Coyote Logistics to his current focus at Flock Freight. He details how Flock is establishing "Shared Truckload" as a distinct mode from TL and LTL, allowing shippers to pool freight within corridors to reduce costs and carbon emissions. We also discuss his proprietary "Pickett Line" market analysis tool that identifies both the timing and amplitude of the truckload market cycle. Chris issues a bold warning for shippers: prepare for a potential 45% surge in spot rates and double-digit contract increases by the end of 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Erin Van Zeeland discusses the massive technological transformation of the logistics industry in general, and Schneider specifically. Here are Three Key Takeaways 1.AI and Digital Transformation: The company has transitioned from manual processes to using specialized "logistics bots" that interpret customer intent and automate maintenance requests. This technology allows for human-free transactions in routine operations, increasing speed and allowing the team to focus on high-value, complex problem-solving. 2. Strategic Network Engineering: Known as the "secret sauce," Schneider layers dedicated accounts with one-way networks. By matching complementary regional shippers, they maximize driver productivity and asset utilization. This engineering reduces empty miles and creates a more efficient, stable logistics environment. 3. Sustainability and Market Outlook: Schneider reached a milestone of 10 million zero-emission miles in 2025. They also view intermodal transport as a vital green solution. Van Zeeland anticipates a gradual market tightening driven by supply-side regulations and low margins rather than a sudden demand surge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Fab Brasca (SVP at Kinaxis) discusses the evolution of supply chain technology from 1990s silos to modern, integrated systems. The three key takeaways: Concurrency over Silos: Moving beyond sequential processes, concurrency allows for instantaneous, cross-functional visibility. A change in one area—such as a forecast adjustment—immediately ripples across the entire network. Actionable Control Towers: While many towers only monitor, the sources emphasize that they must become actionable. Through scenario planning, teams can evaluate disruptions (like labor shortages) and agree on responses before committing changes to a master plan. AI Democratization: Agentic AI and LLMs are lowering skill barriers, allowing non-planners to use natural language to identify supply chain trouble spots. However, human-in-the-loop governance is essential to ensure reliability. Ultimately, as volatility becomes structural, firms must build adaptable environments to thrive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this podcast, Larry Gross, a long-time industry expert and 2024 Silver Kingpin Award winner, reflects on a career that began before the deregulation of the transportation industry in 1980. Gross spent over two decades developing Road Railer technology, which featured reinforced 53-foot trailers that could act as rail cars through the attachment of detachable rail running gear. Although this innovation was eventually supplanted by the 53-foot domestic container on double-stack rail, Gross notes that "ignorance is the mother of innovation," as he likely would never have started the project had he known the true nature of the obstacles ahead. Gross describes the current relationship between freight modes by stating that truckload is the "dog" and intermodal is the "tail," meaning the health and movements of the trucking market inevitably govern the domestic intermodal sector. Currently, the industry is split between international ISO containers and domestic 53-foot containers, with approximately 60% to 65% of all U.S. intermodal volume tied directly to international trade. While intermodal service is currently as good as it has ever been, its market share has remained stuck in the 6% range for domestic moves. This stagnation is partly due to Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), a strategy focused on reducing costs and operating massive trains, which often restricts intermodal service to only the largest, longest-haul markets. Looking toward the future, Gross is excited by autonomous, battery-powered rail cars that move in platoons. This technology could allow intermodal to reach shorter-haul markets by removing the need to accumulate giant trainloads. However, he warns that autonomous trucking poses a significant threat to rail; by removing the driver, trucking could offer team-driver service levels at costs lower than a single driver, making it even harder for intermodal to compete. Ultimately, Gross views intermodal as a "good enough story," where the service must be reliable and roughly 15% cheaper than trucking to remain an attractive alternative for shippers. Top Three Takeaways 1. The Two-Thirds Rule of Competitiveness: As a practical rule of thumb, intermodal can typically compete with trucking if the rail portion of the trip represents at least two-thirds of the total door-to-door miles. This ratio determines the "drainage area" around a terminal where rail remains economically viable despite drayage costs. 2. Diversified Port Strategies: Importers have shifted from a West Coast-centric model to a "four-corner" or "five-corner" strategy, diversifying volume across the Pacific Northwest, Southern California, the Gulf, the Southeast, and the Northeast. This shift has hurt intermodal because the shorter lengths of haul from East Coast ports naturally favor trucking. 3. The Tension Between PSR and Growth: While Precision Scheduled Railroading has significantly improved railroad profitability and operating ratios, its focus on cost-cutting and large-scale operations acts as an impediment to gaining market share. By restricting service to major long-haul corridors, the railroads may be hitting a ceiling for potential growth. Larry Gross suggests that major shifts in the supply chain are like tectonic plate movements: they are incredibly slow and inexorable, meaning you cannot fight them but must simply learn to accommodate them. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week’s guest is Kevin Zweier, Partner & Lead of North American Transportation Practice for Argon & Co.  Kevin is a leading expert in transportation procurement having been in the practice for three decades now.    In today’s conversation, we discuss the current state of freight procurement as we enter 2026. While market volatility has led to a "cry wolf" syndrome regarding shippers falsely sensing the market tightening for three bid cycles, shippers are now prioritizing stability. There has also been a significant shift toward removing low-volume lanes from traditional bidding processes in favor of API-driven digital solutions and dynamic pricing. Zweier also explains that while generative AI is becoming a valuable tool for task automation and data translation, it has not yet replaced human decision-making in complex strategies. Finally, the discussion touches on the rise of committed capacity, a more flexible alternative to traditional dedicated fleets, as a way for companies to secure reliable transportation in a shifting market.

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