Freight Friends: AI Agents, Returns, and Private Label Power Plays

From AI agents that negotiate contracts to the surprising world of private-label branding, this month’s Freight Friends covers the big shifts shaping logistics right now. Blythe and Grace Sharkey break down Grace’s experience at the Change event, the rise of HappyRobot and other AI-driven workflows, the state of reverse logistics, and how private-label strategies are influencing everything from Costco to Meghan Markle’s failed brand.Key takeaways:Supply chain executives at the Change event are prioritizing education and AI readiness.AI adoption is slowing in some areas, but practical agents like HappyRobot are gaining traction.Reverse logistics is becoming a bigger operational challenge for retailers and manufacturers.Private label strategies separate brand failures from retail giants like Costco.Marketing plays, community spotlights, and Source-to-Porch stories keep freight creative and human.LINKS:Grace’s LinkTreeReturns Category on CargoRexDidero AINRF and Happy Returns ReportMichael Gessen’s Direct Mail Marketing EffortsReachdesk WebsiteHappyRobot WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Anne Reinke didn’t plan on leaving the Transportation Intermediaries Association, but when the longtime IANA leader retired after more than two decades, she received an offer she couldn’t refuse. With a lifelong passion for rail and deep experience at CSX and TIA, Anne stepped into the role of President and CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America.In this episode of Everything is Logistics, Anne shares how she hit the ground running with a listening tour of IANA’s membership, her vision for elevating the association’s profile, and the key policy issues she’s prioritizing in Washington. She also breaks down the often-overlooked benefits of intermodal and why it deserves more attention from shippers and policymakers alike.Key takeaways:Anne’s career path from CSX to TIA prepared her to lead IANA.A nationwide listening tour is shaping IANA’s strategy and member priorities.Intermodal’s complexity often hides its cost and sustainability advantages.Advocacy efforts focus on labor, infrastructure, and independent contractor protections.IANA is working to boost awareness and build trust in intermodal.LINKS:Anne's LinkedInIntermodal Association of North America WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Jason Murray—CEO & co-founder of Shipium and 19-year Amazon vet—joins Everything Is Logistics to unpack what really moves the needle for shippers: accurate delivery promises, multi-carrier execution, and where AI agents add real value today. We get into the “coordination layer” most retailers are missing across OMS/WMS/TMS, building a digital twin of your network, and why faster can actually be cheaper when your method mix and lanes are modeled correctly. Favorite line: Shipium’s role is a “super-sophisticated calculator” for decisions the human brain (and spreadsheets) simply can’t keep up with.Key takeawaysThe coordination gap is costly. Most enterprises make siloed decisions in OMS/WMS; the win is a horizontal optimizer that weighs transportation, inventory, and cost together. Promise precision beats blanket speed. Customers want confidence in “by Thursday,” not generic “2-day.” Model ship dates and probability of arrival—and constantly backtest your predictions. Digital twins drive smarter choices. Shipium models lanes, cutoffs, and costs in real time to choose carrier/method, where to ship from, and what to promise. AI agents = productivity multipliers. Early wins: a “what happened to this shipment?” chat workflow, and agents watching network signals (the old Amazon “little red button”) to trigger reroutes. Money on the table. Method optimization and delivery-promise installs have driven multi-million-dollar annual savings for large retailers. LINKS:Shipium's WebsiteJason's LinkedInWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Freight fraud is one of the biggest threats facing independent brokers today, and many agents are left without a playbook for how to respond. In this episode of Everything is Logistics, Blythe talks with Mark Funk and Shiv Narayan of SPI Logistics about building an action plan to protect agents, their customers, and their carriers. From red flags to response strategies, this conversation lays out the steps every agent should know.Key takeaways: Why freight fraud is escalating and what makes agents vulnerable. The most common fraud tactics used against brokers and carriers. How SPI equips agents with tools and processes to fight back. The role of culture, training, and communication in prevention. What agents should do immediately when they suspect fraud.LINKS:SPI Logistics Freight Agent WebsiteSPI Freight Agent ProgramMark's LinkedInShiv's LinkedInWATCH THE FULL VIDEO HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Mergers and acquisitions are reshaping the logistics tech landscape. In this episode of Freight Friends, Blythe and Grace Sharkey unpack what recent deals mean for the industry, how SEO strategies are shifting under AI pressure, and what freight markets could look like in the coming months. They also explore the ripple effects for carriers, shippers, and the tech companies caught in the middle. Key takeaways: Tech consolidation is reshaping how freight companies compete and collaborate. SEO strategies in logistics are changing fast with AI and shifting consumer behavior. Carriers and shippers are feeling the pressure of an uncertain second half of 2025. Market moves today will set the tone for 2026 freight demand and technology adoption.LINKS:Grace’s LinktreeFreightGames.io"Flexport Tycoon"LinkedIn post on Instagram SEOCloudflare fighting against the LLM botsWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

This solo episode of Everything is Logistics pulls back the curtain on CargoRex’s new Associations directory—why we built it, who it serves, and how to use it to find the right freight, logistics, and supply chain associations for your goals.You’ll hear the product decisions behind the category (taxonomy, search, and selection criteria), the problems it solves for busy operators, and a simple workflow to turn a membership into a pipeline. Plus, how you can suggest an association, claim your listing, and what’s coming next in the CargoRex roadmap.Key takeaways:The problem: association info is scattered, outdated, and hard to compare.The build: a clean index of freight/logistics associations with filters that match how pros evaluate membership.The win: faster discovery, better fit, clearer ROI on dues and time.How to use it: shortlist, compare perks, plan engagement, measure results.What’s next: more categories, better search, and member playbooks.“Membership only works if you work it. CargoRex helps you pick smarter and act faster.”Try it: Head to CargoRex and open the Associations category to search, compare, and submit missing orgs.LINKS:CargoRex WebsiteCargoRex AssociationsBest Trade Associations for Logistics Professionals: Boost Your Network, Knowledge & CredibilityWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Before we can build a base on the Moon, we need something even more important than astronauts: a supply chain. In this episode of Everything is Logistics, we're exploring the "New Silk Road in Space" with Joe Pawelski, CTO and co-founder of CisLunar Industries. Joe breaks down how his company is developing the infrastructure to support in-space manufacturing, power systems, and debris recycling—all to make lunar logistics a reality. From turning orbital junk into usable fuel and metal to enabling sustainable lunar operations, this conversation connects the dots between space innovation and real-world logistics strategy. We cover: How the Space Foundry and Power Processing Units (PPUs) enable space-based supply chains What it takes to build and power a Moon base Why orbital recycling is more than space cleanup—it’s a new source of fuel and materials The METAL framework and what it means for lunar logistics infrastructure What logistics pros on Earth can learn from solving supply chain challenges 240,000 miles away Whether you move freight by truck, ship, or spacecraft—this episode delivers.Listen in and imagine the future where cargo routes don’t stop at the atmosphere.LINKS:Joe's LinkedInCisLunar Industries LinkedInCisLunar Industries WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

The logistics industry can often feel like a numbers game, but Linda Carrion is here to remind us it’s always been about the people, especially the drivers. In this episode, Linda shares how she went from medical assistant to CEO of two freight companies, why her approach to leadership is grounded in empathy, and how local networks like the Propeller Club are changing the business landscape in Jacksonville. Whether you’re building a freight business or just trying to hold on during a tough market, Linda’s story offers real talk and practical advice. Key takeaways: The agent model gave Linda the safety net to grow her business without sacrificing independence. Building trust and transparency with drivers leads to better retention and long-term reliability. Intermodal operations are anything but cookie-cutter and require constant problem-solving. Local organizations like the Propeller Club play a critical role in fostering freight community connections.LINKS:Linda's LinkedInCarry-on Transportation Solutions WebsiteJAXPORT WebsiteTALON Jax WebsitePropeller Club - Port of Jacksonville WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Drones are doing a lot more than flying packages. They’re quietly transforming how warehouses operate behind the scenes. In this episode of Freight Friends, Grace Sharkey and Blythe explore how drones are being used in logistics operations both inside and outside the warehouse, what the second half of 2025 might look like for freight, and the freight businesses and marketing tactics that have their attention. The episode wraps with a few source-to-porch stories that highlight what really moves this industry. Key takeaways: Indoor drones are helping warehouses reduce injuries and boost productivity without major infrastructure changes The second half of 2025 may bring more rate instability and seasonal chaos, especially for Q4 retail Some of the most effective freight marketing right now is low-budget and high-authenticity Source-to-porch visibility is improving, but expectations and execution still pose challengesLINKS:Grace's LinktreeGrace's work at OrderfulImportYetiDexaDroneGaetano DiNardi on SEO Triumph & Loadpay’s Mike Rowe commercial Screwworm in cows Mustard historyThe Dupe Economy: Why Today's Consumers Are Smarter Than EverInside the Shadowy, Lucrative Business of ‘Superfake’ Luxury HandbagsWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

What happens when the company you helped grow suddenly shuts down? For Mia Mazel, it sparked the launch of a brand new one, Talento. Recorded live at TMSA Elevate in Austin, this conversation with Mia explores her journey from grad student to logistics leader, how she navigated the closure of Sworkz, and how Talento is redefining nearshore staffing with a tech-first mindset. She shares how adversity turned into opportunity, why supply chain pricing teams are ripe for transformation, and how blending AI with human expertise creates smarter operations, not job replacements. Key takeaways: Mia launched Talento just 72 hours after her former company shut down, retaining customers and building new processes on the fly. Talento provides talent management solutions and AI-powered tools for supply chain companies with a focus on operational simplicity. Nearshore teams can do far more than customer service, especially in pricing, sales, and data. Mia aims to act as a partner, not just a service provider, offering guidance even when clients aren’t sure where to start. Building brand trust means creating a business that can thrive without being dependent on one person.LINKS:Mia's LinkedInTalento WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HEREFeedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know. -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap. Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery. CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve. Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.