SPS Commerce: Optimize Speed to Revenue with Wes Arentson

In "SPS Commerce: Optimize Speed to Revenue", Joe Lynch and Wes Arentson, Senior Sales Manager, Logistics at SPS Commerce, discuss how streamlining the supply chain's Order-to-Cash cycle is the key to accelerating business growth. About Wes Aretson Wes Arentson is a Sales Manager at SPS Commerce. He leads a logistics sales team focused on providing 3PLs and Carriers with tools to optimize their supply chains, connect with their partners more efficiently and make onboarding new customers easy. Wes has over 15 years of experience in supply chain and technology helping customers solve business problems with software and automation. About SPS Commerce SPS Commerce is the world's leading retail network, connecting trading partners across the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all stakeholders in the retail ecosystem. The company enables data-driven partnerships through innovative cloud-based technology, customer-centric service, and a team of accessible industry experts—allowing clients to focus on their core business. With over 45,000 recurring revenue customers spanning retail, grocery, distribution, supply, manufacturing, and logistics, SPS Commerce powers a vast and growing global retail network. Key Takeaways: SPS Commerce: Optimize Speed to Revenue In "Optimize Speed to Revenue", Joe Lynch and Wes Arentson, Senior Sales Manager, Logistics at SPS Commerce, discuss how streamlining the supply chain's Order-to-Cash cycle is the key to accelerating business growth. Direct Correlation: Order-to-Cash Speed = Revenue Acceleration. The single most critical factor in optimizing revenue is the speed of your Order-to-Cash (O2C) cycle. Wes stresses that every inefficiency in processing orders, from receipt to payment, translates directly into delayed revenue. Streamlining O2C with efficient data exchange is the fastest way to pull cash forward. Stop Margin Leaks by Eliminating Disconnected Systems. Learn how disjointed or manual systems create costly margin leaks—the silent erosion of profitability. These leaks are often caused by the lack of connection between trading partner portals, forcing manual data re-entry and increasing the risk of chargebacks and penalties. EDI as the Foundation for Impeccable Data Quality. At the core of SPS Commerce's success is the commitment to data quality. Listeners will understand that clean, standardized, and automated data transmission via modern EDI is essential not just for compliance, but for enabling accurate forecasting and preventing operational errors for all SPS Commerce customers. Master Retailer Scorecards by Fixing Data Exchange. Achieving and exceeding Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)—the foundation of retailer scorecards and milestones—is non-negotiable. Wes explains that a failure to meet these standards is often a symptom of poor EDI connections or the lack thereof, not operational failure. Automated, accurate EDI is the fix. Accelerate Onboarding with Proven Compliance and Security. Wes highlights the comprehensive service offered by SPS Commerce, focusing on mapping, testing, compliance, and security. This end-to-end approach drastically shaves weeks off the process of onboarding new trading partners, ensuring systems are instantly compliant and secure, which minimizes risk and accelerates time-to-revenue. The EDI Advantage: Consolidate Portals and Win More Tenders. True efficiency moves beyond basic EDI compliance. By consolidating disparate retailer portals into one platform, you eliminate the "swivel-chair" chaos. This improved efficiency and performance not only stops margin leaks but directly improves your scorecard performance, helping you win more high-value tenders. Future-Proof Partnerships with Automated Data Strategy. The conversation culminates in the shift from tactical order management to a strategic, data-driven approach. Wes advocates for using centralized EDI to build continuous learning and accountability, allowing companies to focus less on manual data work and more on connecting world-class technology with senior executives who control budget and strategy. Learn More About SPS Commerce: Optimize Speed to Revenue Wes Arentson | Linkedin SPS Commerce | Linkedin SPS Commerce Woods Distribution Case Study Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics Case Study Jay Group Case Study 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

In "Penske's State of Logistics: Leasing, Tech, and Loss Prevention with Andy Moses", Joe Lynch and Andy Moses, Senior Vice President of Solutions and Sales Strategy for Penske Logistics, discuss the critical findings from the State of Logistics Report, the strategic advantage of integrating leasing and logistics services, and the operational necessity of combating escalating threats like cargo theft and cyber fraud. About Andy Moses Andy Moses is the senior vice president of solutions and sales strategy for Penske Logistics. He leads the organization's engineering solutions team and heads corporate sales strategy, advising Penske's product line leaders on sales and development. He was most recently senior vice president of sales and solutions, and previously held the role of senior vice president of global products. He has a distinguished career in the transportation industry in product and sales leadership roles, including prior experience as vice president of sales at Penske Truck Leasing. A member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and a supply chain author, Moses has spoken at industry conferences and guest lectured at top universities. A Master Black Belt in Six Sigma, Moses holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Brooklyn College and a master's degree from Pennsylvania State University in leadership development. About Penske Logistics Penske Logistics  is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company is a leading provider of innovative supply chain and logistics solutions. Penske offers solutions including dedicated transportation, distribution center management, 4PL and lead logistics, transportation management, freight brokerage, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit PenskeLogistics.com to learn more. Key Takeaways: Penske's State of Logistics In "Penske's State of Logistics: Leasing, Tech, and Loss Prevention with Andy Moses", Joe Lynch and Andy Moses, Senior Vice President of Solutions and Sales Strategy for Penske Logistics, discuss how integrated services and proactive technology are building a more secure and agile supply chain. Cyber Security, Cargo Theft, & Freight Fraud: Digital and physical security threats are escalating, making loss prevention a strategic imperative. Logistics providers must invest in robust cyber defenses for operational technology (OT) systems and implement advanced tracking, authentication, and security protocols to mitigate both physical cargo theft and sophisticated freight fraud schemes. The State of the Market (CSCMP/Penske Report): The industry is defined by persistent uncertainty and disruption, requiring a shift from short-term cost-cutting to long-term strategic resilience. The CSCMP/Kearney/Penske State of Logistics Report highlights that while capacity is balancing, geopolitical and economic headwinds, including shifts in trade and the $2.6 trillion U.S. business logistics costs, continue to drive complexity and require agility. Penske's Cross-Over Advantage (Leasing & Logistics): Penske's unique position—providing both truck leasing and logistics services—offers customers a unified and adaptable solution. This cross-over provides superior scale, equipment access, maintenance support, and integrated market intelligence on transportation capacity and emerging market needs. Technology as a Solution Driver: Penske's ClearChain® Technology Suite leverages data, analytics, and AI to provide end-to-end visibility, orchestration, and control. This technology allows companies to move beyond reacting to problems and engage in predictive modeling to proactively address issues before they impact the network. Problems Penske Solves: Penske leverages its engineering and sales strategy to solve critical business problems, including optimizing network design, providing compliant dedicated transportation, offering rapid scalability, and delivering the data-driven transparency required for consumer trust and regulatory adherence. Learn More About Penske's State of Logistics Andy's LinkedIn Penske Logistics CSCMP/Penske State of Logistics Report Penske ClearChain® Technology Suite 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  

In "Tariffs, Typhoons, & Turmoil: Derisking the Supply Chain with Moody's Andrei Quinn-Barabanov ", Joe Lynch and Andrei Quinn-Barabanov, Moody's lead Supply Chain expert, discuss the need to leverage predictive data and holistic strategies to mitigate complex, interconnected global risks. About Andrei Quinn-Barabanov Andrei Quinn-Barabanov is Moody's lead Supply Chain expert.  He works closely with Supply Chain Risk product team to shape the predictive capabilities of Moody's solution and with its customers to identify, assess, prioritize and mitigate supply chain risks. With more than three decades of experience, Andrei brings both practitioner's and consulting expertise to his role.  His career in supply chain included ten years as the head of supply chain risk management at Raytheon.  He also has significant management consulting experience, having worked on global operations for Nike, Sara Lee, Philips, W.W. Grainger, Lafarge and Kennametal. A native of Russia, Andrei is based in Washington DC.  He earned his MBA at Stanford. About Moody's In a world shaped by increasingly interconnected risks, Moody's (NYSE: MCO) data, insights, and innovative technologies help customers develop a holistic view of their world and unlock opportunities. With a rich history of experience in global markets and a diverse workforce of approximately 16,000 across more than 40 countries, Moody's gives customers the comprehensive perspective needed to act with confidence and thrive. Learn more at moodys.com. Key Takeaways: Tariffs, Typhoons, & Turmoil: Derisking the Supply Chain In "Tariffs, Typhoons, & Turmoil: Derisking the Supply Chain with Moody's Andrei Quinn-Barabanov ", Joe Lynch and Andrei Quinn-Barabanov, Moody's lead Supply Chain expert, discuss the need to leverage predictive data and holistic strategies to mitigate complex, interconnected global risks. Financial Resilience Vetting: Supply chain managers must vet the financial health of all partners, not just customers. Use financial services (like Moody's) to assess stability. A stressed supplier is a critical performance risk, especially for industries like automotive and pharma. Geopolitical Planning & Diversification: Geopolitical risk is now a core factor, tied to tariffs and compliance. Aerospace and defense require scenario planning for policy changes and conflicts. Diversify sourcing regions to mitigate sanctions and trade duties. Digital and Physical Security: Threats include both physical cargo theft/freight fraud and sophisticated cyber security breaches targeting operations (OT). An attack on a 3PL or tech supplier (common in high-tech) can halt the chain. Invest in protocols covering digital and physical movement. Ethical & Legal Due Diligence: Pressure is high to ensure clean supply chains. Avoiding companies involved in slavery and/or money laundering requires rigorous checks. Non-compliance is a massive reputational and legal risk for sectors like pharma and energy. Climate-Informed Logistics: Weather risk is rising; use climate science in network design. In regions prone to typhoons or earthquakes, pre-qualify alternative routes, hold strategic buffer stock, and invest in resilient infrastructure. Transparency is Compliance: Achieving transparency and traceability is vital for issues like corruption and ethical sourcing. Modern tools (AI) are essential to trace components. This guarantees provenance for high-tech and ensures regulatory adherence for energy firms. Proactive Risk Modeling: Move beyond reaction to proactive risk modeling. Synthesize data (financial, geopolitical, ethical) to create risk scores for partners. This allows sectors like defense to build resilience by dual-sourcing and stress-testing their networks.  Learn More About Tariffs, Typhoons, & Turmoil: Derisking the Supply Chain Andrei's LinkedIn Moody's Moody's Cyber Report Moody's Auto Report 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

In "Orchestrating Chaos: Lully's Take on the Top Warehousing Challenges", Joe Lynch and Mike Myers, the Founder and CEO of Lully.ai discuss how to supercharge existing Warehouse Management Systems with bolt-on algorithms for labor and cost savings. About Mike Myers Mike Myers is the Founder and CEO of Lully.ai, a bolt on technology that allows warehouses to ship more orders on time, with fewer resources, using the equipment, capabilities, and systems you already have. Mike's career has included roles at a large apparel brand, multiple national 3PL leaders, and finally a automation firm focused on autonomous vehicles. Mike describes himself as "obsessed with warehouses," and it shows! About Lully.ai Lully.ai helps customers drive both cost and labor savings, by leveraging a combination of simple operating rules and world-class algorithms, all available via API. Their approach enables you to supercharge your WMS without the typical pains of technology integration. Lully's focus is on making the work easier for the team on the floor; less travel, fewer location visits, better utilized equipment. The end result is happier employees and bolstered bottom lines. Key Takeaways: Orchestrating Chaos: Lully's Take on the Top Warehousing Challenges The "Orchestrating Chaos" Philosophy: Warehousing challenges are framed not as insurmountable problems, but as "chaos" that can be "orchestrated" using smart, targeted technology. The core message is that efficiency is found in harmonizing existing equipment and processes, rather than in complete overhauls. Supercharge, Don't Replace (The "Bolt-On" Approach): Lully.ai's solution is a "bolt on technology... available via API." This takeaway emphasizes that warehouses can achieve massive optimization by supercharging their existing WMS without the typical high-cost and painful technology integration, making advanced algorithms accessible and fast to deploy. The Dual Bottom Line Focus: The solution directly addresses the two critical pressures in logistics: driving both cost and labor savings. The algorithms are designed to improve the financial bottom line while simultaneously tackling the labor crisis by making floor work more efficient. Human-Centric Optimization: Lully.ai translates optimization directly into benefits for the floor team, leading to happier employees. Key improvements include significantly less travel, fewer location visits, and better utilized equipment, which reduces fatigue, increases accuracy, and improves retention. Experience-Driven Solution: Mike Myers' diverse background—which spans a large apparel brand, 3PL leaders, and autonomous vehicle automation—provides a unique, holistic, and deeply practical understanding of warehouse operations. This real-world expertise informs a solution that is grounded in operational necessity. The Algorithm/Rules Combination: The technology's effectiveness stems from blending "simple operating rules and world-class algorithms." This suggests that complex optimization is delivered via practical, easily adoptable rules, ensuring the technology is not only intelligent but also simple for floor managers and workers to implement. Maximizing Existing Assets (Capital-Light Efficiency): A major takeaway for warehouse leaders is that the solution helps ship more orders on time, with fewer resources, using the equipment, capabilities, and systems you already have. This focus on maximizing current assets offers a capital-light path to high-performance warehousing. Learn More About Orchestrating Chaos: Lully's Take on the Top Warehousing Challenges Mike Myers | Linkedin Lully.ai | Linkedin Lully.ai Lully.ai | YouTube Logistics of Logistics Listeners special offer 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

In "Making a Living and a Life on the Road", Joe Lynch and Dave Nemo, Host of RadioNemo, discuss the blend of essential industry information, driver wellness, and community building that allows professional truckers to find success and connection over a long career on the road.  About Dave Nemo Dave Nemo has been the voice of trucking radio for the past 55 years, drawing on his love of music, useless facts, jokes, and history, coupled with the solemn duty to provide reliable weather and road reports with important news and information every driver should have. His career has been through more changes than you'd believe – through AM radio (where in one nine-year stretch he worked for eleven different companies), satellite ratio, and now digital streaming. And through all the changes, he's managed to keep our over the road professional drivers awake, alert, and alive. About RadioNemo RadioNemo is a radio network stemming from 55 years of radio lineage. Spearheaded by founder Dave Nemo, its talk content has been on both terrestrial and satellite radio. Now, it makes its home on the Internet airwaves for everyone. Catch Nemo Nation Mondays at 8a ET with Dave Nemo, Road Gang Radio Tuesdays-Fridays at 8a ET with Jimmy Mac & Lindsay Lawler, and We Should Write Wednesdays at 12p ET with Lindsay Lawler. For more information, visit www.radionemo.com Key Takeaways: Making a Living and a Life on the Road In "Making a Living and a Life on the Road", Joe Lynch and Dave Nemo, Host of RadioNemo, discuss the blend of essential industry information, driver wellness, and community building that allows professional truckers to find success and connection over a long career on the road. The Enduring Voice of the Road: With over 55 years behind the mic, Dave Nemo's career demonstrates the critical importance of a consistent, reliable voice in the isolated world of professional driving. His longevity (from AM radio to digital streaming) illustrates the constant need for connection and trusted information in the trucking industry. More Than Just Talk: The Blend of Entertainment and Safety: The podcast highlights that a "life on the road" requires stimulation and mental engagement. Nemo's use of music, "useless facts, jokes, and history" is a conscious strategy to keep professional drivers "awake, alert, and alive," making entertainment a vital safety measure. Holistic Driver Wellness is Key to Longevity: RadioNemo's content moves beyond trucking logistics to focus on the driver as a whole person. Segments like "Highway to Health" address critical issues such as nutrition, managing conditions like diabetes, and accessing resources for mental health—recognizing that physical and emotional well-being is essential for a successful career. The Need for Community and Connection: For a traditionally solitary profession, RadioNemo fosters a powerful sense of community ("Nemo Nation"). The "Breaker Breaker Backtalk" segment (where drivers share stories and questions) demonstrates that this network serves as a communal watercooler, transforming the isolation of the cab into a shared experience. Navigating the Business of Trucking: "Making a Living" requires staying current on regulations, maintenance, and policy. The network's partnership with advocacy groups like OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association) shows the importance of staying informed on critical issues like broker transparency, safety rules, and legislative changes that directly impact an independent driver's bottom line. Adaptability and the Digital Future: Dave Nemo's transition from terrestrial radio to satellite and now to digital streaming reflects the evolution of the industry itself. The shift to Internet airwaves, on-demand streaming, and podcasting shows that successful professionals must embrace new technologies to maintain relevance and reach the next generation of drivers. Culture and Identity on the Road: The inclusion of culture and storytelling (such as the "Sleeper Cab Library" and We Should Write segments) suggests that a "life" in trucking is about more than miles and freight. These features validate the need for drivers to maintain interests, read, reflect, and engage in deeper conversations that build a rich personal identity despite long stretches away from home. Learn More About Making a Living and a Life on the Road Dave Nemo | Linkedin RadioNemo | Linkedin RadioNemo RadioNemo | iHeart RadioNemo | Audacy RadioNemo | YouTube RadioNemo | Facebook RadioNemo | TuneIn RadioNemo | Alexa 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

In "Scaling Logistics Innovation at Descartes Systems Group", Joe Lynch and Dan Cicerchi, the General Manager of Transportation Management Solutions at Descartes Systems Group, discuss the strategic integration of trustworthy AI to enhance existing core logistics technology and solve practical pain points across the global supply chain. About Dan Cicerchi Dan Cicerchi is the General Manager of Transportation Management Solutions at Descartes Systems Group, where he leads strategy and innovation for one of the industry's most widely adopted logistics technology platforms. A seasoned entrepreneur and logistics tech pioneer, Dan co-founded MacroPoint, a real-time freight visibility solution that transformed how brokers, shippers, and carriers track and manage loads. Following its acquisition by Descartes, he has continued to champion technology that drives efficiency, transparency, and resilience across global supply chains. With decades of experience spanning startup growth and enterprise leadership, Dan is passionate about applying practical AI and automation to solve the freight industry's most pressing challenges. He frequently shares insights on freight visibility, fraud prevention, and the future of transportation management. About Descartes Systems Group Descartes Systems Group is a global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions designed to improve the productivity, performance, and security of logistics-intensive businesses. Headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, with offices and customers worldwide, Descartes helps shippers, carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers connect, collaborate, and automate across the supply chain. Its portfolio includes transportation management, visibility, customs and regulatory compliance, and e-commerce logistics solutions. By combining deep industry expertise with innovative technology, Descartes enables organizations to streamline operations, reduce costs, and deliver superior customer experiences. Thousands of companies around the world rely on Descartes' logistics network and software to move goods more efficiently, mitigate risk, and stay ahead in an increasingly complex global marketplace. Key Takeaways: Scaling Logistics Innovation at Descartes Systems Group In "Scaling Logistics Innovation at Descartes Systems Group", Joe Lynch and Dan Cicerchi, the General Manager of Transportation Management Solutions at Descartes Systems Group, discuss the strategic integration of trustworthy AI to enhance existing core logistics technology and solve practical pain points across the global supply chain. Trust First: AI adoption in logistics must be built on governance and trust, using frameworks like NIST to ensure data security and accountability. AI Augments, Doesn't Replace: AI is a powerful enhancer for core systems (TMS, visibility), not a standalone replacement. Its primary role is to improve efficiency. Focus on Practical Pain Points: Start AI implementation by targeting tedious manual tasks (e.g., check calls, data entry, carrier onboarding) for rapid, measurable ROI. Stability Over Startups: Partnering with existing, integrated tech vendors (like Descartes) ensures greater stability, expertise, and roadmap alignment than relying on new AI-only startups. Audit Your Current Tech: Before investing in new AI, ensure you are fully utilizing the latest features and integrations of your current mission-critical systems. Build Trust with Staff: Overcome internal resistance by layering AI into current workflows and establishing clear performance baselines (ROI) before deployment. Enhance What Works: The path to resilience is through strategically integrating AI into proven, existing workflows step-by-step, not by chasing every new technology trend. Learn More About Scaling Logistics Innovation at Descartes Systems Group Dan Cicerchi | Linkedin Descartes Systems Group | Linkedin Descartes Systems Group 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

In "The State of Logistics Hiring", Joe Lynch and Charlie Saffro, a recruiting and retention expert and CEO of CS Recruiting, discuss why employee-focused cultures and niche expertise are now critical to overcoming talent shortages in the supply chain industry.  About Charlie Saffro Charlie Saffro is a recruiting and retention expert, a female entrepreneur, and a TEDx speaker with a passion for sharing ideas around human leadership, talent acquisition and retention, employee engagement, and company culture. Charlie founded a third party recruiting firm in 2010 with the goal of connecting employers and professionals within the Transportation, Logistics, and Supply Chain industry. Today, as the CEO of CS Recruiting, Charlie leads a thriving organization and a talented team of professional career matchmakers. She is dedicated to helping leaders of all industries prioritize employee-focused cultures. Charlie is an established thought leader and offers personalized coaching, team workshops, and keynotes to share her perspective as both a recruiter and a company leader. About CS Recruiting CS Recruiting focuses on recruitment and talent advisory within the Logistics, Transportation and Supply chain Industry. We partner with clients across North America to help them identify the most qualified candidates for their niche hiring needs. Our client base consists of 3PLs, Asset Providers, Shippers (Manufacturers/Distributors) and companies that offer a technology platform, equipment solution or consulting services. We pride ourselves on our industry expertise, competitive market knowledge and network of talent to support searches for positions of all levels and functions that influence the Supply Chain. CS Recruiting's goal is to partner with clients and candidates to develop long lasting relationships and make appropriate and time sensitive career matches. Key Takeaways: The State of Logistics Hiring In "The State of Logistics Hiring", Joe Lynch and Charlie Saffro, a recruiting and retention expert and CEO of CS Recruiting, discuss why employee-focused cultures and niche expertise are now critical to overcoming talent shortages in the supply chain industry. Culture Drives Retention: Employee-focused cultures are the primary strategy for both attracting and keeping talent in logistics. Specialization is Essential: Hiring success demands deep niche industry expertise within the Logistics, Transportation, and Supply Chain sectors. Broad Talent Demand: The hiring crisis spans across 3PLs, Shippers, and Tech providers—the entire supply chain ecosystem. Prioritize Human Leadership: Effective recruitment and engagement rely heavily on human leadership skills to improve employee experience. Recruiting as Advisory: The best firms view recruiting as a strategic talent advisory partnership, not just a transaction. External Expert Insight: Companies are leveraging external thought leaders (like Charlie Saffro) for coaching and workshops to refine internal processes. Candidate-Driven Market: Logistics hiring requires understanding and addressing what motivates top talent, as candidates currently hold the leverage. Learn More About The State of Logistics Hiring Charlie Saffro | Linkedin CS Recruiting | Linkedin CS Recruiting Charlie's TEDx Talk Recruiting and Retaining Top Performers in Logistics with Charlie Saffro Winning the Logistics Talent War with Charlie Saffro 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

In "Beyond TMS: McLeod's Open Ecosystem and Automation", Joe Lynch and Doug Schrier, Vice President of Growth and Special Projects at McLeod Software, discuss the strategic pivot toward an open, automated ecosystem that redefines modern supply chain management. About Doug Schrier Doug Schrier, Vice President of Growth and Special Projects at McLeod Software, is a driving force behind the company's strategic expansion while upholding a customer-centric philosophy. With a comprehensive background encompassing over two decades of operations and strategic leadership, Doug has dedicated the past 15 years to the transportation sector. His impactful roles at Covenant Logistics and Transflo have honed his expertise and allowed him to champion innovation. Doug's commitment to pioneering innovation remains unwavering, further solidifying McLeod Software as the premier TMS provider in the industry. About McLeod Software Since 1985, McLeod Software has been transforming the transportation industry by providing powerful transportation management and trucking software solutions. These solutions, developed entirely by our company, are comprehensive and support integration with a broad array of complementary logistics products. We are the leader when it comes to software for trucking dispatch operations management, freight brokerage management, fleet management, document imaging, workflow, EDI, and business intelligence and process automation solutions for trucking, freight brokerage, third party logistics, and shipper companies in the United States. Key Takeaways: Beyond TMS: McLeod's Open Ecosystem and Automation In "Beyond TMS: McLeod's Open Ecosystem and Automation", Joe Lynch and Doug Schrier, Vice President of Growth and Special Projects at McLeod Software, discuss the strategic pivot toward an open, automated ecosystem that redefines modern supply chain management. The Shift "Beyond TMS": McLeod Software's evolution from a traditional Transportation Management System (TMS) provider to offering a comprehensive suite of logistics solutions that addresses the needs of trucking, freight brokerage, 3PLs, and shippers, encompassing everything from dispatch to document imaging and fleet management. The Power of the Open Ecosystem: The strategic importance of an "open ecosystem," highlighted by McLeod's ability to support seamless integration with a broad array of complementary logistics products, providing flexibility and interoperability that customers demand. Automation as a Core Strategy: The critical role of business intelligence, workflow, and process automation solutions in modern transportation, moving beyond basic transaction management to drive efficiency and reduce manual intervention for their customers. Leadership Driven by Deep Industry Experience: Doug Schrier's two decades of strategic leadership, including 15 years in transportation at companies like Covenant Logistics and Transflo, provides McLeod with an operations-first perspective that shapes their product innovation and customer-centric philosophy. Innovation Rooted in Longevity: McLeod Software's position as a premier industry leader is reinforced by its founding in 1985 and sustained commitment to developing all its solutions internally, providing a stable and unified platform for growth. Customer-Centric Growth: The discussion reinforces how McLeod's strategic expansion (driven by Schrier) is governed by a customer-centric philosophy, ensuring that new technologies and solutions are developed to solve real-world industry challenges. The Future of Logistics Technology: The episode outlines how McLeod is solidifying its market leadership by championing pioneering innovation focused on next-generation capabilities like process automation, which will be essential for fleets and brokers to remain competitive. Learn More About Beyond TMS: McLeod's Open Ecosystem and Automation Doug Schrier | Linkedin McLeod Software McLeod Software | Linkedin McLeod Software | Facebook McLeod Software | Instagram 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

Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight", Joe Lynch and Rob Light, CEO & Co-founder at CarrierSource, discuss how their platform provides the real-time intent signals and AI tools necessary to turn passive interest into high-value revenue. About Rob Light Robert Light is the CEO and a Co-Founder of CarrierSource, the leading review website for brokers and carriers. Rob has been building CarrierSource for the past five years, and prior to that was an early employee at the software review website G2.com. At G2, Rob saw the power of customer reviews and how small businesses could leverage the voice of their customers to compete with the largest companies in the space. He's excited to bring this same opportunity to logistics and transportation. About CarrierSource CarrierSource is revolutionizing the freight industry with real-time Shipper Intent Data and AI-powered Research Agents. For the first time, brokers and carriers can see when a shipper is searching for capacity, viewing competitor profiles, or interacting with their own listing. These signals empower teams to engage high-intent prospects at exactly the right moment, turning passive interest into closed business. With Research Agents, teams can go from shipper intent signal to context to outreach in minutes, bridging the gap between intent and action. CarrierSource is built on top of the first truly two-sided review marketplace. Brokers and carriers can review each other, and shippers can find freight partners through verified reviews, FMCSA safety and insurance data, and detailed company profiles. With over 75,000 reviews across 40,000+ brokers and carriers, CarrierSource is where reputations are built. It's now also where intent turns into revenue. Key Takeaways: Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight", Joe Lynch and Rob Light, CEO & Co-founder at CarrierSource, discuss how their platform provides the real-time intent signals and AI tools necessary to turn passive interest into high-value revenue. Real-Time Shipper Intent is the New Gold: The most critical factor in winning freight is knowing when a shipper is actively in the market. CarrierSource provides real-time signals—such as a shipper searching for capacity or viewing a competitor's profile—allowing brokers and carriers to engage prospects at the precise moment of highest intent. AI Closes the Intent-to-Action Gap: The platform utilizes AI-powered Research Agents to bridge the gap between signal and outreach. This technology ensures that teams can move from identifying an intent signal to gathering necessary context and initiating an informed outreach effort in minutes. Reputation is the Foundation for Conversion: Rob Light's experience at G2 highlights the power of customer voice. CarrierSource is built on a two-sided review marketplace with over 75,000 reviews, establishing that a verified and strong reputation is essential for converting a high-intent prospect into closed business. Democratizing the Competitive Edge: The technology empowers smaller and mid-sized brokers and carriers. By providing access to high-value intent data and leveraging the voice of their customers through reviews, they can effectively compete head-to-head with the largest companies in the logistics space. A Holistic View Wins the Business: Winning freight requires more than just knowing intent; it demands credibility. The platform integrates real-time intent data with essential compliance information, including verified reviews, FMCSA safety data, and insurance details, providing a comprehensive profile for shippers. The Shift to a Proactive Revenue Model: The industry is shifting from a reactive approach (waiting for RFPs) to a proactive one. CarrierSource enables a model where "intent turns into revenue," fundamentally changing the sales motion from passive interest tracking to immediate, targeted engagement. Leverage Reviews to Compete on Par: A core lesson from Rob's previous work is that customer reviews are a powerful tool to level the playing field. By making the voice of the customer central to the partner selection process, brokers and carriers of all sizes can use their established service reputation to secure new freight opportunities. Learn More About Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight Rob Light | Linkedin CarrierSource CarrierSource | Linkedin 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  

In "Who Stole Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar's Tequila", Joe Lynch and Jessica McFate, Sr. Director of Intelligence Solutions at Babel Street, discuss how national security intelligence methods are now vital for solving commercial theft and securing global supply chains. About Jessica McFate Jessica Lewis McFate is Sr. Director of Intelligence Solutions at Babel Street and a career intelligence professional, specializing in OSINT for national security. At the Institute for the Study of War, her research won acclaim for forecasting the rise of ISIS. She has authored over 50 publications, briefed top U.S. government agencies, appeared in print and broadcast media, and testified before Congress. A West Point graduate, she served as a U.S. Army officer with 34 months in country deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan supporting signals intelligence, human intelligence, and counter-corruption roles. About Babel Street Babel Street delivers mission-grade risk intelligence for organizations across government, defense, and the private sector to expose hidden identities, secure vendor networks, and identify threats. Our AI-native platform empowers the most trusted organizations in the world with the strategic advantage needed to stay ahead of risk and protect their missions. Headquartered in the U.S., Babel Street has an established presence in Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, and the U.K. For more information, visit babelstreet.com.  Webinar: Securing Tomorrow: The Critical Role of Intelligent Vendor Vetting in Government Supply Chains For more information on how intelligent vendor vetting can protect your supply chain and help ensure compliance with new U.S. government contractor requirements, register for the upcoming webinar, "Securing Tomorrow: The Critical Role of Intelligent Vendor Vetting in Government Supply Chains," to be presented by Babel Street and Carahsoft on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern. Key Takeaways: Who Stole Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar's Tequila In "Who Stole Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar's Tequila", Joe Lynch and Jessica McFate, Sr. Director of Intelligence Solutions at Babel Street, discuss how national security intelligence methods are now vital for solving commercial theft and securing global supply chains. OSINT: The New Tool in Commercial Investigations: Learn how Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)—the same methodology used to forecast global threats like the rise of ISIS—is now being repurposed to trace and recover high-value commercial assets, such as stolen celebrity tequila, by monitoring online chatter and digital footprints. From Counter-Corruption to Corporate Supply Chains: Understand how the principles of counter-corruption and signals intelligence (SIGINT) that Jessica applied during her military deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan are directly relevant to identifying and neutralizing vulnerabilities in modern-day vendor networks and supply chains. The Tequila Heist as a Case Study for Organized Crime: Discover how the theft of a high-profile brand like Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar's tequila is rarely an isolated incident, but often a sign of sophisticated organized criminal enterprises using the dark market, which requires a "mission-grade" approach to identify the true threat actors. The Power of AI in Exposing Hidden Identities: Explore how Babel Street's AI-native platform is used to rapidly sift through global, multilingual data to "expose hidden identities" involved in commercial theft, showing that the sheer volume of data makes human-only analysis impossible. Forecasting and Pre-Empting Brand Risk: A key lesson is the shift from reacting to theft to predicting it. Learn how intelligence professionals can apply forecasting models to identify and secure distribution choke points or compromised vendor relationships before a high-value product goes missing. The Strategic Cost of Reputational Damage: Beyond the physical loss of inventory, the episode highlights the immense brand and reputational risk for celebrity-backed products. The use of advanced risk intelligence is necessary to protect a brand's integrity and consumer trust following a public security failure. Bridging National Security and Private Sector Intelligence: The conversation will demonstrate the growing imperative for private companies to adopt the rigor and discipline of national security intelligence methods to secure their operations against global threats, transforming how they approach risk mitigation. Learn More About Who Stole Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar's Tequila Jessica McFate LinkedIn Babel Street LinkedIn Babel Street Guy Fieri reveals new details into the criminals who stole $1M of his tequila Thieves Steal 24,000 Bottles of Guy Fieri's Tequila in Elaborate Cross-Country Heist 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