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Michael Rentz of Gnosis Freight talks about where organizations are quietly losing money & moving beyond visibility to turn logistics data into cost savings.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.50] Why logistics technology is still treated as a cost center, rather than something that can directly improve margin, and how to make that shift. "If you have the right teams, mindsets and technology partner, you can get to a point where it's not a cost center, it's a growth center." [07.49] What changes when a supply chain leader starts looking at logistics data through a P&L lens rather than an operational one. "During the pandemic, for the first time probably ever, we had CFO's asking: "What the hell is demurrage and detention?!" [11.27] Where companies are typically losing money in their logistics operations. "A lot of enterprises have had to make up a for a lack of reliability, and that translates into carrying more inventory… How much it costs to move goods is also at a premium." [15.07] How you connect operational events – like a delayed container, missed free time or an inefficient dray move – to their actual impact on landed cost, the value of data, and the problem with the 'flaw of averages.' [17.58] How, from documentation to communication, small operational issues can easily multiply to become significant margin problems. "A best in class standard for an international logistics team is 'Did we hit budget?' I'm not familiar with people asking 'Did we beat budget?' "Your most valuable assets – your people – are being asked to do the exact same task in a slightly different way 50 times a day. How much better could the system be running if you freed up that headspace for them to think critically on behalf of the business?" [19.51] Why we need to think differently about KPIs and budgets if we're going to see supply chain as a value driver not a cost center, and where team priorities fit in. "You have to get teams off the back foot, from a defensive to offensive posture; get them back into doing the work that's actually in their job description." [27.46] How better data can help resolve invoice errors and help companies identify and recover money they're currently leaving on the table. "Invoice discrepancies shouldn't be a driver for profitability or growth, you should always get what your bargained for… AI has unlocked a huge amount of capability when it comes to reconciling matching invoices. The key unlock for us is having the underlying data." [30.41] The key metrics you should put in front of a CFO to prove that better logistics data is delivering a real financial return, and how Gnosis helps customers, through data science, tooling and service, with an outcome-first approach. [40.26] Finding the balance between AI and tribal knowledge, why it's important to think about how dynamic your data really is, and why context is critical. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Gnosis Freight's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Gnosis and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Michael on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Gnosis Freight, check out 559: From AI Hype to Business Value: The Future of Supply Chain Intelligence, with Gnosis Freight. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Geoff Tamman of Shipium & Dean Freson of ODW Logistics talk about reframing peak season as a margin question; simulation; network redesign; & demand surcharges.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.08] Why peak planning conversations are almost always about capacity, labor, carrier commitments – but much less often about margins. "It's an overlooked topic, until it's too late… A small rounding error in August is multiplied exponentially in December – that one penny becomes millions." [05.25] People, systems, or carriers – the first thing that breaks on your worst peak day. "Peak is a four letter word, but the real four letter word is cost. Those peaking surcharges, volume tiers… How are you managing those components, to ensure you're putting the right capacity in the right carrier in the right method, to manage cost structures and margins?" [07.52] What you can still influence in October, and what's already locked in. "If you haven't already, take a second look and audit your contracts." [11.20] When you hit peak, the network runs hot and volume triples; the cost per parcel changes first, and what often surprises people. [12.52] Managing demand surcharges, and what cost can look like at different times of year. [16.44] How you can determine whether you're making money during peak, instead of waiting to find out in February. [18.25] The signals to look at in the first week of peak that tell you whether the network is still economically healthy, rather than just keeping up with volume. "Start to pay attention to the lanes, the origins and destinations." [22.36] How much a 'good' routing or rating decision matters when you're processing millions of parcels, and what happens when that decision gets slower or less accurate. "'Good' isn't good enough. You need precision, alerts and alarms and all those things. But, more so, you need a system and services that are looking at all at these micro decisions and asking: If you're doing a million units a day and one is off, why is that one unit off?" [25.54] The peak decisions Dean would simulate now before committing to them, rather than discovering the answer later down the line. "Having the ability to simulate helps us make a business decision rather than a gut reaction, and understand the impact financially." [30.44] The operational improvement that has had the biggest measurable impact on cost per parcel at ODW, and how they identified it. [31.34] What last peak taught Dean that changed ODW's network design. [33.35] Which parts of last year's peak network Geoff and Dean would redesign today with everything they know now. "Understanding exactly how the carrier volumes and mix plays into the peak surcharge, and how it's calculated. Last year we didn't have all the same tools we have available today, so we're in a better place now with Shipium as a partner." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Shipium's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Shipium and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Geoff or Dean on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shipium, check out: 502: Current Success vs Future Potential: Finding the AI Balance, with Shipium 491: 2028 – Shipium Counts Down to the AI Revolution 299: Modernize Your Ecommerce Supply Chain, with Shipium Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Matt Elenjickal of FourKites talks about AI: key roadblocks to keeping exec buy-in; focusing on outcomes, metrics & shifting from automation to execution. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.52] The mindset shift needed in AI and new technology, and why the real question isn't "What can AI do?" but "What outcome am I accountable for?" "In my role, I talk to a lot of supply chain leaders. And every leader is accountable for an outcome, not a capability. So a VP of supply chain isn't measured on whether or not they've adopted AI – they're measured on whether the product is arriving on-time, in-full, and at the right cost." "Most conversations start with technology and work backwards." [05.40] The difference between optimizing an individual task and optimizing an end-to-end business outcome, and why an outcomes-first approach is so important as companies invest more heavily in AI. "Teams are optimizing in siloes, and that doesn't add up to C-Level outcomes." [11.00] Why applying AI to internal data often hits a ceiling, and the role external data plays in making AI genuinely effective. "The ceiling is the context. So when you work with your internal data, you're only optimizing what you know. You have no idea what's happening outside… But there are a lot of external factors that are impacting your supply chain." [14.26] Why the conversation is shifting from AI that automates to AI that actually executes, the difference between the two, and how executives should rethink their AI strategy if they want measurable business outcomes rather than isolated productivity gains. [16.51] Why, as AI takes on more execution, traditional business metrics don't tell the full story, and why 'invisible success' is a real challenge for leaders. "When you think about traditional metrics, they count what happened. But when you think about prevention, it's measuring what didn't happen. And it's very hard for a CFO to credit something that didn't happen." [21.03] The new metrics organizations should be looking at to understand AI's real impact. [23.43] What a successful AI-enabled operating model looks like when everyone is measuring the right outcomes. "Start with the people. With the right model, they'll stop firefighting and start leading." [28.32] From 'the pilot trap' to data readiness, the biggest barriers preventing organizations from realizing the full value of AI, especially when it comes to buy-in, and how FourKites tackle them. [32.50] How unrealistic expectations or poor implementation lead to loss of executive sponsorship. "Sponsorship survives when you set the floor, not the ceiling." [34.56] Matt's advice for executives trying to maintain board confidence as they scale AI initiatives. [37.28] What the most innovative organizations are doing today that others haven't caught up with yet, and what's next. "They've stopped talking about tools." [40.22] Matt's big predictions for the future of enterprise AI.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to FourKite's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with FourKites and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube, or you can connect with Matt on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more insightful content from FourKites, check out: 550: Discover The Blueprint For Your Autonomous Supply Chain, with FourKites 536: Prevent Supply Disruptions and Protect Revenue, with FourKites 235: Use Real-Time Visibility To Transform Your Entire Supply Chain, with FourKites Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Steve Blough of Infios talks about 2026 peak season - the state of the market, from challenges to rates; the capacity crunch; & the role of AI and new tech.    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.33] Steve's career background, his key areas of focus in supply chain, and the challenges he currently hears from shippers and carriers. "Capacity is tight, rates are high, and shippers are taking a hard look at how they're moving freight." [06.41] The state of the market in 2026 and why capacity is a big challenge. "Capacity has contracted so much faster than anyone thought it would… So, when you look at the market, it's a demand story not a supply story." [08.41] What rates look like now, and where Steve expects them to go through the remainder of 2026. "Spot rates are climbing and as they climb… some of the carriers guaranteed capacity has evaporated." [13.49] 2026 peak season and why it's arriving earlier than usual, from tariff fear to changes on the Panama Canal. [16.47] How current challenges and technologies are changing the way shippers operate, communicate, and seek out partners. "That communication backbone, and the need to get data back and forth quickly, has become critical." [18.37] Why the capacity crunch is a network problem, not a rate problem, and an example of an Infios client leveraging the capacity in their network to move more goods at lower rates. "Everyone can win by looking broadly." [21.09] Why good data and communication between systems are critical. "As systems and solutions have got more modern, APIs have made those communications much easier.. So one of the things that excites me most about AI is the ability to improve data." [23.04] What network-level decision-making actually looks like in practice, compared to the lane-by-lane process most teams are still running. "It's not just looking at something and going: "I should put that in a truck." It's: "Should I do intermodal, truckload, parcel, zone-skipping… With all the different modes, what's the right thing to look at with the freight I have now?" [25.43] Consolidation, and the capacity hiding inside a shipper's own network that most companies aren't using. [28.42] Whether tighter capacity creates more business risk. [30.36] What AI can actually do for a shipper during peak season, and technology's role looking ahead. [34.28] How much autonomy we should give AI as organizations look to manage effective automation, risk, cost and people. [35.36] An overview of Infios, and what it means to deliver Intelligent Supply Chain Execution. [38.06] What shippers should focus on between now and the holiday peak.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Infios' website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Infios and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Steve on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Infios, check out: 544: How To Move Toward Intelligent, Connected Execution, with Infios 532: Turning Purposeful AI into Business Outcomes, with Infios 520: Enter the New Era of Supply Chain Management, with Infios Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Mahesh Rajasekharan of Cleo talks about what they do; data & visibility challenges; the evolution of supply chain orchestration; & their new Executive Report.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.38] What excites Mahesh about transformation, why he calls Cleo a 'neo-startup', and how he has shaped their mission and growth strategy. "I've always been attracted to transformation opportunities… Cleo had great technology, loyal customers and an important market position. But it also had enormous untapped potential." [04.47] Who Cleo is, what they do, and what it means to orchestrate a supply chain, as opposed to simply integrating it. "Visibility tells you what happened, but orchestration is what helps you decide what to do about it. It's going from systems of record to systems of action." [06.29] The problem with historic working siloes, and how orchestration forces collaboration and a customer-first approach. "Often, planning has all the context but cannot execute. Execution systems can execute, but don't have enough context. The ability to bridge the co-ordination gap can unlock significant value – and every participant in the supply chain is responsible." [10.34] Cleo's north star – 'to make global supply chains better' – and the big turning points that have defined their evolution. [13.47] The ideal client for Cleo, how that profile has changed over the course of their evolution, and why supply chain has to become a revenue driver. [21.14] Why Cleo conduct an annual Global Supply Chain Executive Report, and the most surprising findings from 2026. [23.52] With 88% of organizations increasing their use of automation, yet 55% reporting increased operational complexity as a result, a closer look at exactly what's driving that disconnect. [25.43] Why only 16% of organizations say they have true end-to-end, real-time visibility across their supply chain, despite visibility being a critical goal for over a decade. "Supply chains have become true ecosystems, not enterprises… So the data an organization needs oftentimes sits outside its four walls." [29.46] As leaders become increasingly comfortable with AI-based recommendations but still struggle to trust the underlying data, where companies should actually focus if they want AI to deliver real value. "The two most important things are context and governance… You can't get to a data 'holy grail', but if you can establish a superior context, then you can execute." [35.10] How organizations can improve their data context and trust more quickly. [39.13] How companies can streamline order processing with Cleo to course correct problems, improve on-time and in-full performance, boost speed, reduce cost, and enhance customer relationships. [44.20] How sitting on the boards of Cleo, Ascend Software, and Banyan Software helps Mahesh understand the wider market and develop Cleo's own strategy moving forward. "It really makes you understand how universally challenging operational complexity has become… And it provides a strong perspective on what separates companies that successfully transform from those that struggle." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Cleo's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Cleo and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Mahesh on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Tom Murray of Dairy Farmers of America talks about their partnership with Samsara, overcoming challenges; safety & efficiency; & driving success every day.     IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [01.50] An introduction to Tom, and the Dairy Farmers of America. "We're a dairy co-operative. We're owned by 9,000 dairy farmers across 5,000 farms… and they govern us! The farmers run the business." [03.52] Tom's roots on his family's creamery, and how it informs his current role at DFA. "It's given me a really great appreciation for the supply chain, from farm to the consumer, and all the complexities that brings. I've lived it." [04.49] The DFA members, and what it really means to them to be part of a co-operative. "We're creating something that represents their values." [06.19] The DFA supply chain, and its unique position in terms of speed, flexibility and supply and demand. [07.46] The challenges involved in moving fresh produce, and how DFA adapt. [10.04] Why technology and innovation are critical to DFA's ongoing success. "We're very focused on cost, safety, compliance and visibility, and technology has really improved all of that. We have control, and we know where our opportunities are." [11.48] What safety and efficiency mean to DFA, and why they're foundational elements for success. "You can be efficient, but you better be effective too." [14.28] How DFA determined that Samsara were the right partner. "Sometimes it's better to be lucky than to be smart." [15.55] Which Samsara solutions DFA use, and how they work to solve their unique challenges and complexities. [17.20] How one small success metric drove big results for DFA. [20.02] Tom's role on Samsara's Customer Advisory Board, the value for DFA, and the importance of collaboration and open feedback loops. [22.09] DFA's culture of excellence, how it helps drive success, and how Samsara feeds into that internal culture as an external partner. [25.02] The future of technology and innovation at DFA, and why unification will be key.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Samsara's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Samsara and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Tom on LinkedIn. You can also follow Dairy Farmers of America on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Samsara, check out: 557: Maintenance Reimagined, with Samsara 555: How To Build A Technology Partnership That Drives Results, with Samsara Customer XPO 552: Expand Your Visibility and Achieve Asset Tracking at Scale, with Samsara 529: Empower The People Who Power The World, with Samsara 524: Increase the Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability of Your operations, with Samsara Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Jake Hoffman of Gnosis Freight talks about AI – trust; misconceptions; data; asking the right questions; measuring success; & why the real innovation isn't AI. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.08] The biggest misconceptions people have about AI in logistics. "There's a big misconception that AI itself is the differentiator, that if you have good AI that means all your problems go away. AI is just an amplifier of whatever is underneath the surface… People are learning that the hard way." [04.16] What being an AI-native company means for Gnosis Freight, why they've changed how they talk about AI, and how AI changed their understanding of how software would become cheaper and easier to build. "We use it so we can make ourselves better, so we can do more for the customer." [07.56] The origin of the name 'Gnosis'. [10.41] With more and more logistics platforms adding AI features, whether AI itself is becoming a commodity, and why real innovation isn't AI, it's the infrastructure behind it. "If you're not using it, you're behind… But sometimes it becomes a checkbox." [16.19] If AI is only as good as the data it's trained on, what separates good logistics data from bad logistics data. "It's a bunch of people optimizing a local system for a local maximum or minimum, but there's nobody that's orchestrating the entire thing to give you the entire system maximum and minimum." [18.59] As AI pilot failure continues to be a big issue, the questions companies should be asking vendors as they evaluate AI-powered logistics platforms, and the new strategies they should be embracing. [23.31] How companies should measure AI success – not just celebrate the launch of AI initiatives. [25.46] Where Gnosis sees AI making a measurable impact on cost, efficiency, and margins in logistics. [31.47] What autonomous execution looks like in practice for logistics teams, and which logistics processes are closest to being fully automated with AI today. [33.36] What needs to happen before businesses can trust AI to make operational decisions on its own. "Implementing AI with the right guardrails is key… Often our first implementation is a recommendation, not a final decision." [37.29] How AI will change the role of logistics professionals. [40.32] Jake's advice for supply chain leaders looking to invest in AI over the next few years. "Don't buy the product, buy the system. Don't pick the software solution, pick the partner." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Gnosis Freight's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Gnosis and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Jake on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Sean McGee of Samsara talks about maintenance; tackling key pain points; the impact of automation; flexibility, and driving successful change management.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.15] An introduction to Sean, his role at Samsara, and why their conference, Samsara Beyond, is the highlight of the year. [03.31] What the landscape of maintenance has typically looked like, and why Samsara have learned to pay attention to post-it notes. "A lot of operators are trying to figure out how to go from reactive and chaotic to proactive and planned." [05.52] Why Samsara has gone all-in on maintenance. "What caused us to take the next step was… getting out into the field, talking to the shop managers, and hearing the pain of how hard it is to close the loop. And AI accelerated that. A lot of the pain points we can automate now." [07.29] The biggest pain points maintenance teams see day-to-day. [08.37] How Samsara puts a focus on realistic adoption and usage to meet people where they are. "We had this idea, we went out into the field and tried it… and it was an immediate fit… but we had to run the feedback loop to understand that." [10.24] How Samsara's 'Day In The Life' process helps drive successful change management. "We map out the process and then work into the technology piece. It's not about: 'Here's the demo – good luck!'... We co-create." "Flexibility is so important, and what a lot of the legacy systems got wrong was they're very rigid, they're very opinionated… You almost have to fit the tool instead of the tool fitting you." [13.14] How seeing maintenance differently is a competitive advantage for both Samsara and their customers. "If you can tell us: What does this fault code mean, what does it tell us, and how fast is that going to happen - that is operational advantage." [16.59] A real-life example exploring how post-it notes on a customer's shop floor led to the development of a custom Samsara solution to fit their workflows. [20.00] The future for maintenance and asset management, and where Samsara are focusing next. "Everything is possible – science fiction is becoming reality right in front of our eyes." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Samsara's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Samsara and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Sean on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Samsara, check out: 552: Expand Your Visibility and Achieve Asset Tracking at Scale, with Samsara 529: Empower The People Who Power The World, with Samsara 524: Increase the Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability of Your operations, with Samsara Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Dan Gardner of Trade Facilitators talks about AI hype, challenges & opportunities; & how their Total Landed Cost engine is driving big impact for US importers.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.17] Dan's collection of currency notes, and what they say about his career journey. [05.33] How, and why, Dan transitioned from logistics to global supply chain management. "There's a lot of competition in that space, so to legitimately differentiate is difficult… I started to look beyond logistics, to see how I could enhance a clients performance in other areas." [10.26] Dan's experience as an adjunct professor of global trade, and his perspective on the future of trade related education in the 'Age of AI.' "There's a need for more education, not less." [14.34] The hype around AI, and how much we should all be buying into it. "I don't believe the hype, but I do believe in the fundamental power of AI… It's data-oriented and the global supply chain runs on data, so there's a natural compatibility there." "Blockchain didn't do us any favors!" [19.06] Why TFI focus on Machine Learning, and some of the best applications Dan currently sees in the market. [23.30] The issue of job displacement alongside the rise of AI, and how individuals need to think about upskilling at all career stages. "People have to continue to skill up – but that might not be enough." [26.54] From cost to over-reliance, the key pitfalls of AI that supply chain professionals need to keep an eye on. [29.47] Why TFI developed the Total Landed Cost engine for U.S. importers, and why it matters. [33.25] What makes TFI's Total Landed Cost engine different. "Total landed cost is what drives so many other activities across the supply chain… How do you know how to price a product unless you really know what it will cost you?" [36.35] How TFI's Total Landed Cost engine navigates constantly changing tariffs. "The element of human knowledge still plays a huge role in all of this." [41.26] The data security issues around AI, and how companies can address the 'oversharing' of data and still achieve their goals. "Legal, policy, technical and monetary – you need to bring these things together." [44.27] From 'hyper-scalers' overwhelming power grids to heavy water consumption, how sustainability concerns around AI data centers are driving innovation.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Trade Facilitator's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Trade Facilitators and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Dan on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Tony Graham of XPO talks about their partnership with Samsara; AI; the importance of gaining employee buy-in; & driving impact with new technology solutions.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [01.18] An introduction to Tony and his nearly 30-year career journey at XPO. [02.35] An overview of XPO, what they do, and how they help their customers. "We have about 300 locations, 22,000 employees – we moved 16 billion pounds of freight last year!.. So we play a pretty important role in the North American supply chain." [03.45] Re-investing in LTL – how XPO has evolved over the past few years. [04.57] The importance of technology at XPO, and why they're committed to investing in proprietary systems. "Technology is a big part of our DNA, it's infused into every aspect of our business." [06.13] From dock operations to immediate employee feedback, how AI is driving results for XPO. "AI helps to improve the customer experience at every touchpoint." [09.11] How XPO determined they needed a partner, and why they chose Samsara. "We're very proud of our proprietary technology so to go outside of that box wasn't an easy choice… But we wanted to better support our drivers… And we knew it wasn't going to be a one-size-fits-all, so we wanted a partner that could grow with us." [11.04] Tony's advice for other businesses looking to find the right match. "It all starts with: what are the problems you're trying to solve, and what are the goals you're trying to achieve?" [12.13] From in-cab cameras to digitizing maintenance, how XPO leverage Samsara solutions to tackle challenges and drive value. [14.14] How XPO navigate change management and effectively roll out technology to frontline employees and gain buy-in, particularly from drivers. [17.17] How technology will make an impact at XPO over the next five years.   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Samsara's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Samsara and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Tony on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Samsara, check out: 552: Expand Your Visibility and Achieve Asset Tracking at Scale, with Samsara 529: Empower The People Who Power The World, with Samsara 524: Increase the Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability of Your operations, with Samsara Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Edward Burek of SmartKargo & Marco Ferrara of DeliverDirect talk about issues impacting small parcel delivery; fuel price reality; & keeping costs low & simple.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.04] An introduction to Edward and Marco, and their roles at SmartKargo and DeliverDirect. [03.07] An overview of DeliverDirect – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers. [03.29] As the industry deals with ongoing fuel volatility, why Delta Airlines have a structural advantage other carriers don't have, and what it means in practice to have an airline like Delta running the middle mile for e-commerce shipments. "Fuel is the biggest cost with an airline but, because our passenger aircraft are flying around anyway, a lot of that fuel cost is absorbed – we're able to insulate and reduce what we're charging our customers." [05.52] As shippers see fuel surcharges, accessorial fees, and pricing complexity hit unprecedented levels, have surcharges stopped being about fuel and started becoming part of a business model? "There are a lot of carriers that are taking advantage of the market forces right now. A lot of businesses are built on surcharges... It's become a mechanism to dial up your revenue." [08.20] How DeliverDirect are approaching pricing differently. "It's so easy to forecast – it's a CFO's dream!... We want it to be a win-win all the way through the supply chain." [10.50] How DeliverDirect pulls together what already exists in the ecosystem, and the role SmartKargo's platform plays in making those pieces work together as a single delivery experience. [12.42] How SmartKargo is using real-time data and automation to predict shipment issues and recommend corrective actions before DeliverDirect customers feel any disruption. [13.56] Why quality data is the real foundation behind successful AI in logistics. "If you don't have good data, you can't put an AI engine over that." [14.39] From ocean backlogs to cross-border tariff complications, how big industry impacts are translating into challenges for businesses, and the impact of big e-commerce market growth. [16.42] Whether there are enough packages and profitable demand for everyone competing in a tough market, and how companies are differentiating themselves beyond just lowering prices. [19.17] The future for small parcel logistics. "What if it becomes coop-etition?!" RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to DeliverDirect's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with DeliverDirect and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Marco or Edward on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from DeliverDirect, check out 538: Enjoy Ecommerce Delivery at the Speed of Flight, with DeliverDirect. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Chris Hamley of Brecham Group talks about people - 'accidental' supply chain careers; leadership; balancing teams & tech; and creating futureproof careers. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [03.17] An introduction to Chris and the Brecham Group. [04.10] The current pace of change across the industry, and whether it's actually ready for widespread AI adoption. "The speed of change, and the amount knowledge you have to consume and gain, is amazing." [06.34] 'Accidental' supply chain careers – how Chris sees people entering the industry, and why there are so many 'accidental' supply chainers. "They took a job because they needed the income… People didn't start out wanting to do this, but they discovered they were good at it and stayed!" [09.32] What career progression typically looks like for 'accidental' supply chainers, the pros and cons of learning on the job, and why resilience is key. "There's a component of self-awareness: 'what do I need to do to get to the next level?' Because there's not really a playbook for moving from one job to another or getting a promotion." [15.29] What this means for career growth up to leadership level, and the big leadership training gaps. "I had to learn to be a good leader… I was watching people, mimicking, recognizing what I needed to be good at. I created an environment to close the gaps, know my strengths and avoid my weaknesses." [18.42] Why the AI revolution has created a problematic knowledge gap for leadership. [20.49] Whether technology is replacing fundamental understanding, and the impact of bringing people and new tech together. [22.27] Balancing tribal knowledge and learned 'hands-on' skills alongside the integration of AI and new technology. "You don't have to know the details of a process to be an effective leader. But you do have to understand the levers you can pull to change the outcome." [24.47] From employee turnover to productivity loss, the risks inherent in this period of fluctuation in the industry. "We rely too heavily on the data side and not enough on the people side." [28.10] How a different approach to leadership, one that isn't entirely executive-focused, could drive results and fill gaps. [34.56] How businesses can also lean on partners to help fill those gaps. "We solve the same three or four problems everywhere we go. So the value of leaning on a partner is that you don't have to reinvent the wheel… How do you find people that have cracked the code.. and leverage it?" [40.58] Chris's advice for companies looking to navigate this workplace complexity. [44.07] How the workforce will continue to change in the future. "Our thought processes around how and what we do have to evolve." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Brecham Group's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Brecham and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Chris on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Brecham Group, check out 537: How To Ask Better Questions and Drive Project Success, with Brecham Group, 515: Experience Precision Supply Chain Operations, with Brecham Group or their live show Performance Paradox. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

David Gal of Samsara talks about their new Tracking Label; shipment visibility; cargo theft, building a tiered tracking strategy; and becoming proactive. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [01.13] An introduction to David and his role at Samsara. "We digitize everything that's not a vehicle!" [02.03] What visibility into a shipment's journey typically looks like, the biggest barriers to accurate visibility, the solutions currently on the market – and why they don't solve the problem. "For consumers, tracking can be frustrating. But, for businesses, it's a real challenge… The most you're getting is barcode-based scans on the package… And to call that breadcrumbs is generous." [05.25] How the Samsara Tracking Label works, how it evolved from the Asset Tag, and what makes it different from existing shipment tracking approaches, and why the Samsara network is key to success. "Everyone is familiar with the concept of Bluetooth tracking but it didn't exist in the world of physical operations until we built it… In consumer it works with mobile phones, but that's not enterprise-grade and it doesn't scale." [09.28] Real-world use cases for Samsara's range of tagging solutions, and which you should choose for your challenge or asset. [12.09] The big issue of cargo theft, and how the Samsara Tracking Label helps tackle it. [15.04] How customers are thinking about building a tiered tracking strategy, and creating a hybrid approach with Samsara's GPS-powered device, Bluetooth tag and new ultra-compact XS. [18.20] How real-time visibility shifts teams from reactive to proactive and what that means for incident prevention and recovery timelines. "This shifts the game from reactive to proactive... The key is to detect anomalies as they're happening." [20.30] How Samsara's vision of a fully digitized job site could help businesses thrive in a complex landscape. "This is a complicated ecosystem. There's a lot that goes into every shipment… so you need to identify risks sooner." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Samsara's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Samsara and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with David on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Samsara, check out 524: Increase the Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability of Your operations, with Samsara or 529: Empower The People Who Power The World, with Samsara. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Ita Zur of Veho talks about what they do; the ecommerce industry; the Amazon effect; & balancing cost, speed and optionality for the best customer experience. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Veho's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Veho and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter) or YouTube, or you can connect with Ita on LinkedIn. Check out our other podcasts HERE.

Jimmy Sebastian of FourKites talks about AI; visibility; the problem with 'AI-washing;' the simple steps to get started; & how to measure scalable success. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [02.57] An introduction to Jimmy, his background, and role at FourKites. "I care about AI that's not just powerful, but explainable, secure, and enterprise-ready." [04.38] An overview of FourKites, their evolution, the three layers that make up their offering, and the customers they serve. [07.28] How visibility has evolved from differentiator to table stakes, what that means for businesses, and how agentic AI is helping to bridge the gap. "10 years ago, knowing where your truck was was a great competitive advantage. Today, everybody has that… The problem we see now is that companies are information rich, but action poor… Visibility tells you there's a problem, but it doesn't fix it." [09.46] The difference between an AI agent and a chatbot. "It's almost like a team mate that gets the job done." [12.18] The impact 'AI-washing' is having on leaders and teams, how to avoid getting stuck in 'pilot purgatory,' and how companies can cut through the noise. "Slapping AI on everything breeds skepticism, teams get burned by pilots and once burned, twice shy." [17.14] Finding the balance for governance – understanding areas that need to be tightly controlled versus kept loose enough for innovation. [19.33] An overview of persona-based AI agents and how they're different, why they're a good fit for supply chain, and how they can help drive adoption. "Some organizations have gone the route of building one giant monolithic AI brain – we've built a team." [23.22] What AI agent autonomy really means, and finding the right balance between independence and control. "We need agents to be autonomous because that's ultimately where the value is… but it has to be under controlled conditions. It's not all or nothing. It's a dial, not a switch." [25.38] The best practices for developing that correct level of autonomy, and red flags to look out for if organizations aren't seeing the right results with AI agent autonomy. "It needs to be actively managed." [30.20] How organizations can find the balance between people and technology, and what change management and AI trust-building should look like. [33.06] How teams can get started with AI agents, the best workflows to test first – and why you don't need perfect data to start. [35.18] What success should look like, and how organizations can think about measuring it, in the short and longer terms. [37.52] From self-healing supply chains to shifting human responsibilities, the future developments we can expect in supply chain AI. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to FourKite's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with FourKites and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube, or you can connect with Jimmy on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from FourKites, check out: 536: Prevent Supply Disruptions and Protect Revenue, with FourKites 235: Use Real-Time Visibility To Transform Your Entire Supply Chain, with FourKites Check out our other podcasts HERE.