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Michael Caney, COO of Highway, came ready to talk, and he did not pull a single punch. In this lively episode of *Supply Chain Decoded*, Michael joins Jenni Ruiz to trace his journey from booking freight with a fax machine and manufacturers guide to helping Highway rethink identity, trust, and governance across the freight transaction. Michael explains why Highway has evolved beyond carrier vetting into an integrated platform, how the entire freight industry is undergoing a real-time penetration test, and why stronger technology has pushed thieves toward fewer, more sophisticated, higher-value attacks. He also offers a blunt diagnosis of why so many freight tech startups fail: they arrive with capital, hubris, and a solution before taking the time to understand the people moving the loads. They also get into: - Why brokers cannot build their own way out of every security problem - How network effects, proprietary data, and vertical integration create a durable technology moat - Who truly owns carrier telematics and freight transaction data - Why the Supreme Court’s *Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II* ruling is an opportunity for brokerage to professionalize - How consistent carrier standards can strengthen growth rather than restrict capacity - Why pricing and carrier eligibility must be evaluated together, load by load - How AI can produce exponential gains—and exponentially larger mistakes - Why shippers must accept more responsibility for the risk structures they helped create The through line is clear: freight brokers win by focusing on their commercial relationships and service, while trusted platforms handle the security infrastructure that becomes stronger at scale. Equal parts history lesson, hot-take marathon, and candid look at freight’s next chapter, this is Michael Caney at full speed. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Aqil Naeem and Caleb Sirak entered the freight industry by convincing a conference to give them a student discount. There, one of the first technology leaders they met was Transfix co-founder Jonathan Salama. Now, the best friends and co-founders of E3 Group have come full circle as Transfix partners. In this episode of *Supply Chain Decoded*, Aqil and Caleb join Jenni Ruiz to discuss how E3 applies its “explore, experiment, expand” philosophy to some of freight’s hardest problems—beginning with cargo theft. They unpack Shield, E3’s driver-verification platform, and explain why preventing fraud requires knowing who actually arrives at the dock—not merely which carrier was onboarded. Their approach places legitimate drivers at the center, helping them establish trust while giving brokers and shippers better information before freight changes hands. The conversation also explores: - Why AI implementation must begin with an operation’s existing workflows and incentives - How E3 builds alongside drivers through an advisory group and 24/7 human support - Why companies must continuously evaluate AI tools instead of treating deployment as the finish line - How open-source models can offer businesses greater control and lower costs - Why brokers and shippers must collaborate more closely to combat cargo theft - How asking “ridiculous” questions can produce genuinely transformative technology It’s a conversation about friendship, experimentation, driver advocacy, and building AI that works beyond the demo—and at the dock. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

The national freight market may look flat—but underneath the averages, major legal, regulatory, and regional shifts are reshaping capacity. In this episode of *The Transfix Take*, Jenni Ruiz and NFI market expert Justin Maze examine C.H. Robinson’s decision to appeal a closely watched Texas judgment and the freight industry’s continuing debate over broker liability. They also unpack a sudden cross-border capacity shock following the reported revocation of thousands of Mexican driver visas—and what mounting enforcement changes could mean for brokers, carriers, and shippers heading into 2027. They discuss: - Why the C.H. Robinson appeal could have broader implications for freight contracting - How enforcement changes are constraining cross-border capacity - Why diesel remains unpredictable despite relatively stable linehaul rates - What tender rejections holding near 12.7% reveal about the market - Where rates are declining across the Southeast, Coastal, Southern, and Midwest regions - Why West Coast rates continue to climb as the Pacific Northwest enters peak season - What a soft spot market could mean through early November Plus, Justin explains why the market could remain quiet for several more weeks before holiday freight begins shifting more volume into the spot market around mid-November. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

What changes when you stop playing a supporting role in your own career and step fully into the spotlight? Amber Romando returns to *Supply Chain Decoded* with a new title, a new company, and more energy than ever. Now Vice President of Operations at BWS Logistics, Amber joins Jenni Ruiz to discuss embracing unfamiliar territory, leading with intention, building culture across a remote workforce, and remaining a student—even after more than 20 years in supply chain. The conversation also spotlights CSCMP Chicago’s third annual Women Empowering Women event, **Main Character Energy**, taking place October 29 in Naperville. Hosted by Amber and featuring a panel moderated by Carly Gunby, the event brings together women at different stages of their careers for honest storytelling, meaningful networking, and candid conversations about self-worth, authenticity, and taking ownership of your next chapter. In this episode, Amber shares: - Why success means having the power to choose your next move - How to recognize when you’ve become a supporting character in your own story - Why leaders must listen directly to carriers, employees, and partners - How relationships and trust drive business in a volatile market - Why men should also attend and support the women in their workplaces and lives It’s your career, your story, and your time to shine. Learn more and register for **Main Character Energy** at https://cscmpchicago.org. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

The freight market just delivered an October surprise. Rates climbed across every region—outpacing the gains seen over Labor Day—while one of the largest brokerage acquisitions in industry history signaled that freight consolidation may only be getting started. In this episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and NFI market expert Justin Maze unpack C.H. Robinson’s $5.8 billion agreement to acquire RXO and what the deal could mean for brokerage scale, AI integration, and future consolidation. They also examine the unexpected rate surge, shifting regional capacity, and the growing importance of service as shippers head deeper into RFP season. They discuss: Why the C.H. Robinson–RXO deal could become a major industry domino How national average linehaul rates climbed six cents to $2.18 per mile Why tender rejections remain elevated at approximately 12.7% Where capacity is tightening most across the Midwest and Northeast Why the Pacific Northwest and California remain markets to watch How declining diesel prices could affect next week’s regional rates Why Prime Day is unlikely to create a significant freight-market ripple How service failures and spot-market exposure could influence 2027 contract rates Plus, Justin explains why some recent gains may flatten in the coming week—even as stubborn capacity constraints keep the market difficult for shippers. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

What happens when 100 conversations with the people moving supply chain forward are transformed into a field guide you can actually hold? In this episode of *Supply Chain Decoded*, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Nathan Chaney, founder of Supply Chaney, to discuss his new book, *Supply Chain Story Time*. Drawing from the first 100 episodes of his podcast, the book turns each conversation into an accessible two-page guide featuring the personal stories, career paths, and hard-earned insights of brokers, operators, founders, executives, and innovators across the industry. Nathan explains why he wanted to take these stories out of the cloud and give them greater staying power in print—and why the names of every featured guest belong front and center on the book’s cover. They also explore: - Nathan’s journey from warehouse operations and freight brokerage to full-time content creation - How a community-first mindset shaped Supply Chaney and the Supply Chain Social Club - Why B2B creators and “freight fluencers” are becoming an important part of industry marketing - How aspiring creators can find their voice and build meaningful industry connections - Why relationships—not technology alone—are the network beneath every successful supply chain More than a collection of podcast highlights, *Supply Chain Story Time* is a celebration of the people whose experiences, ideas, and connections keep the industry moving. Learn more about the book at supplychaney.com/book. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Q4 is here, but the freight market isn’t moving in one direction. Linehaul rates remain relatively flat while diesel prices stay volatile, spot volume rises around the end of the quarter, and capacity tightens across several key regions. In this episode of *The Transfix Take*, Jenni Ruiz and NFI market expert Justin Maze break down the regulatory, operational, and pricing trends shaping the start of Q4. They examine the FMCSA’s rejection of a return to paper logbooks, a major cross-border labor lawsuit, and unconfirmed calls for a driver strike—plus what each development could mean for the trucking industry. They discuss: - Why ELD requirements aren’t going away anytime soon - What the cross-border driver lawsuit could mean for future compliance - Why a widespread driver strike remains unlikely to disrupt the market - How diesel volatility is affecting carriers and regional freight costs - Why tender rejections remain elevated between 12% and 13% - Where capacity is tightening across the Midwest, Northeast, and Pacific Northwest - Why the South and Southeast continue to soften - What shippers and brokers should expect from an unpredictable RFP season Plus, Justin explains why spot volume could decline during October before holiday demand brings more freight—and more volatility—back into the market in November. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

What does it take to grow a logistics company from a single box truck into a thriving omnichannel 3PL—and rebuild it after everything burns to the ground? In this episode of *Supply Chain Decoded*, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Leo Rodriguez, Vice President of River Plate Logistics, to trace the remarkable story of the family business his mother, Daniela Yvonne Rodriguez, founded more than 30 years ago. What began as local freight and courier work between Los Angeles and San Diego has grown into a nearly 140,000-square-foot operation serving today’s fast-moving retail and e-commerce landscape. Leo shares how River Plate rose from the ashes of a devastating warehouse fire, evolved from paper-based processes to AI-enabled systems, and maintained the personal relationships that remain essential to great logistics. They also unpack: * How tariffs and tighter margins are reshaping decisions for consumer brands * Why retailers are replacing large purchase orders with smaller, more frequent shipments * How 3PLs can help brands reduce hidden costs and protect profitability * Where AI is making the biggest difference in warehouse and transportation operations * Why successful 3PL partnerships require ongoing collaboration long after implementation Through every market shift, Leo’s message is clear: technology can surface the answers, but communication, reliability, and true partnership are what keep supply chains moving. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Linehaul rates have fallen back to pre-Labor Day levels—but that doesn’t mean freight is getting cheaper. Diesel prices have surged 68 cents in two weeks, placing enormous pressure on carriers and complicating transportation costs across the country. In this episode of *The Transfix Take*, Jenni Ruiz and NFI market expert Justin Maze examine how fuel volatility is reshaping the freight market, even as spot activity and linehaul rates soften. They also warn drivers about fraudulent websites impersonating official government resources and recognize the carriers keeping freight moving during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. They discuss: * Why diesel’s rapid rise is threatening smaller carrier operations * How fuel costs can spill into linehaul rates and shipper budgets * Why national average linehaul rates returned to roughly $2.16 per mile * What tender rejections above 12% may signal for a volatile Q4 * Where capacity is tightening across the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest * Why California fuel prices could become a major market curveball * What declining spot activity could mean through early October Plus, Justin explains why the next two weeks may bring a looser freight market—and what could interrupt that outlook if fuel prices continue climbing. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Labor Day delivered a bump to the freight market—but not the surge many carriers may have hoped for. With diesel prices climbing, post-holiday volumes softening, and capacity pressures varying sharply by region, the rest of September is shaping up to be anything but uniform. In this episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and NFI market expert Justin Maze break down the latest freight trends, including the proposed REVOKE Act targeting “chameleon carriers,” the growing impact of fuel costs, and what the market’s muted Labor Day response could signal for the weeks ahead. They discuss: – How the REVOKE Act could help combat carrier fraud and repeat bad actors - Why higher fuel prices are pushing up all-in transportation costs - What post-Labor Day volume declines mean for spot rates - Why brokers and shippers should plan carefully as RFP season begins - Where capacity is tightening—and where the market remains loose - Why Northeast rates have climbed more than 13% over the past 90 days - What produce season, holiday freight, imports, and weather could mean for Q4 Plus, Justin shares his outlook for the remainder of September, including why national average linehaul rates could fall roughly 2.5% before seasonal demand begins building again in October and November. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

The rules of global e-commerce are changing—and brands built around shipping every order across borders are being forced to rethink their fulfillment strategies. In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Phil Rees of Shipmax International to unpack how tariffs and changes to de minimis thresholds are accelerating the shift toward localized fulfillment. Phil explains why placing inventory closer to the customer is becoming increasingly important—and why finding the right 3PL requires much more than a quick Google search or the lowest quote. They discuss: - How tariff changes disrupted the traditional direct-to-consumer model - Why brands should localize their highest-performing products first - The operational, commercial, and cultural factors that define a strong 3PL partnership - How smaller brands can find right-sized fulfillment providers - Why the cheapest supply chain option often becomes the most expensive - How AI, automation, and robotics are reshaping logistics and the future of work From international fulfillment and inventory strategy to AI-powered productivity, this conversation explores what brands and logistics providers need to consider as supply chains become more localized, automated, and complex. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Compliance Is Becoming the Cost of Doing Business in Supply Chain Compliance used to be something transportation and logistics companies could afford to treat as a back-office function. That era may be over. In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Joe Hurst, Co-Founder and President of Veroot Compliance, to unpack the changing world of supply chain compliance, CTPAT, customs regulations, importer of record requirements, and freight broker liability. At the center of the conversation is a new executive order reshaping expectations for foreign importers of record (FIORs) and the customs brokers that serve them. Joe breaks down what the changes could mean for companies importing goods into the United States, why CTPAT certification and validation are suddenly getting much more attention, and how businesses should prepare as compliance shifts from penalties after the fact toward proving eligibility and security upfront. Jenni and Joe also decode the bigger compliance picture across transportation, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), TSA air cargo security, cross-border freight, carrier vetting, documentation, audit trails, and the Montgomery v. Caribe Transport ruling affecting freight brokers and carrier selection. In this episode: * What CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) actually is and how the program works * The difference between CTPAT certification and validation * What the new requirements could mean for foreign importers of record and customs brokers * The operational benefits of becoming a CTPAT trusted trader * Why cross-border shippers should be thinking about compliance before a deadline forces the issue * How TSA cargo security, chain of custody, and carrier compliance fit into the larger picture * Why freight brokers and logistics providers need a defensible documentation trail * How the role of the compliance professional is becoming increasingly central to executive decision-making * Why Joe believes transportation companies need to start treating compliance as a real investment, not an administrative afterthought From customs and cross-border trade to trucking, air cargo, and freight brokerage, the message is increasingly clear: if you touch the shipment, you need to understand your responsibility for it. For logistics companies wondering how much compliance is enough, Joe’s advice is simple: don’t wait until the penalty, lawsuit, customer requirement, or government deadline tells you. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

The freight market is loosening as summer winds down, but the question is how long that relief will last. This week on the Transfix Take Podcast, Jenni Ruiz and NFI Industries market expert Justin Maze break down falling tender rejections, easing linehaul rates, and the regional shifts shaping the market ahead of Labor Day. While much of the country is seeing softer conditions, pockets of tightening in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest show why location and lane direction still matter. In this episode: * Tender rejections fall to just above 12% after reaching 18% in mid-July * National linehaul rates drop roughly 2% week over week to $2.24 per mile * Why rates could fall another 3–3.5% before Labor Day * Continued softening across the Southeast and South as produce season fades * Why the Northeast remains tighter, particularly on freight heading south * Wildfires and late-summer produce putting pressure on Pacific Northwest capacity * What declining spot freight volumes could mean for routing guides and upcoming RFP season * Why carrier capacity reductions and tighter safety standards could have a much bigger impact on rates heading into 2027 * An update on federal rulemaking around English-language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers The market may be quieter than it was a few weeks ago, but beneath the surface, capacity is still shifting. And what happens between now and the holiday season could tell us a lot about where freight rates are headed next year. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

The freight market is finally cooling after an unexpectedly tight July, but that does not mean rates are returning to their old lows. This week, Jenni Ruiz and NFI market expert Justin Maze unpack the late-summer slowdown, including how tariff-driven import front-loading, persistent driver constraints, rising fuel costs, and elevated tender rejections are shaping the market heading into Labor Day. They break down where rates are falling fastest across the Southeast, Coastal and Southern regions, why the Northeast continues to tighten, and what shifting import volumes could mean for the West Coast. Plus, Justin looks back at July’s surprises and forecasts how much further the market could decline before holiday volatility enters the picture. In this episode: • Why July stayed tighter longer than expected • How tariff deadlines fueled a surge in imports • Why capacity remains constrained despite falling rates • Where regional spot rates are rising and falling • What elevated tender rejections signal for the months ahead • Justin’s forecast for August and the approach to Labor Day The summer slump may be arriving, but the freight market is far from quiet. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

What does more than six decades in freight brokerage teach you about navigating today’s most pressing risks? In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Jeff Tucker, third-generation CEO of Tucker Company Worldwide, to explore how freight brokerage has evolved from index cards and towering tariff books to sophisticated, data-driven operations supporting pharmaceuticals, aerospace missions, and some of the largest shipments moving on wheels. Jeff shares the history behind TIA’s carrier selection framework, why the recent Montgomery decision should be treated as a wake-up call rather than an entirely new risk, and what brokers, forwarders, and shippers need to understand about documented carrier-selection procedures, organizational accountability, and insurance coverage. The conversation also goes inside the rarefied world of pharmaceutical cold chain, where Tucker Company relies on just 27 carefully vetted carriers and where one temperature excursion, security failure, or operational shortcut can carry life-altering consequences. Plus, Jeff explains why the future of independent brokerage belongs to companies willing to specialize, customize, and become exceptional at solving a defined set of problems, rather than trying to be everything to everyone. In this episode: • How freight brokerage has changed since 1961 • What the Montgomery ruling actually means for the industry • Why written carrier-selection procedures must be consistently followed • The operational realities of pharmaceutical cold chain • Why incentives and safety decisions should remain separate • The growing importance of specialization and customization • How internal silos quietly undermine supply chain performance This is a master class in institutional knowledge, operational discipline, and building a brokerage designed to withstand both industry cycles and courtroom scrutiny. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.