In this mashup episode, we're presenting our first two guests from the 2025 IANA Intermodal Expo, Kristy Knichel of Knichel Logistics and Gary Van Tassel of INFORM GmbH!

Kristy shares the strategies behind running a non-asset-based intermodal company, how customer retention, flexibility in equipment, and strong carrier relationships gave them an edge during the COVID equipment shortages, and why events like the IANA Conference are critical for long-term business development.

Gary talks about how automation, AI, and cybersecurity are shaping the future of supply chain efficiency and security!

About Kristy Knichel

Meet Kristy Knichel, the heart and brains behind Knichel Logistics and a proud Pittsburgh native. She didn't just inherit the logistics torch from her father; she turned it into a blazing success story. Taking the helm as president in 2007 was more than a title shift; it was a game-changer. Since becoming president, Kristy's been playing logistics Jenga, stacking up growth year after year. Kristy's success in growing Knichel Logistics can be attributed to her strategic decision-making and ability to identify expansion opportunities, such as adding OTR, LTL, and specialty services, as well as a slew of technological advancements to boost efficiency. Through her leadership, Kristy has not only tripled the business but also solidified Knichel Logistics' reputation as a top player in the IMC community.

Kristy has quite a few awards and accolades under her belt. Check out some of her most recent accomplishments, including the 2022 Women in Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the 2022 Top Woman-Owned Companies in Transportation Award from Women in Trucking, and being the Intermodal Logistics Conference Chair on the TIA Board of Directors from 2019 to 2023. And get this: Kristy's the only woman to receive the E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year award for the East Central Region in 2022!

Today, Kristy's focus is to elevate Knichel Logistics to new heights through strategic development. She's dedicated to providing her team with opportunities for growth and self-improvement. When Kristy isn't busy conquering the business world as well as being a devoted mom to Brayden and wife to Jason, she's rooting for the Steelers or embarking on a camping adventure with her loved ones. With a leader like Kristy, there's more than just logistics at play!

• Website: https://www.knichellogistics.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyknichel/ / https://www.linkedin.com/company/knichel-logistics/

About Gary Van Tassel

Gary van Tassel is a logistics and terminal operations expert with over 20 years of experience in maritime, intermodal, and rail environments, specializing in strategy, automation, and change management. Having started his career at APM Terminals, he has held senior leadership roles at REMPREX and CSX Intermodal Terminals, where he oversaw large-scale technology-enabled transformation initiatives, including greenfield terminal developments and automation programs. Since March 2025, Gary serves as Director Sales North America at INFORM's Terminal & Distribution Center Logistics Division, a German-based software company with a history of over 55 years in optimizing logistics processes.

• Website: https://www.inform-software.com/en/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-van-tassel-5751b2220/ / https://www.linkedin.com/company/inform/

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

Help Sgt. Murphy's Kids Soar: A Fallen Hero: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-sgt-murphy-support-his-children

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/