Rahmel Wattley discusses starting Truck N Hustle as a passion project, growing it into a multimedia empire, transitioning to on-location video interviews, and using positivity and opportunity to build community in transportation. He and Blythe Brumleve explore leveraging partnerships, using AI tools, and creating crossover content.

LINKS: 

• SAVE 15% off your ticket to FreightFest by using our code EIL15
• Subscribe to Truck N Hustle on Youtube and follow the podcast
• Connect with Rahmel on Linkedin

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE

Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap.

Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery.

CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.

Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Our latest episode explores how AI tools like Otter.ai and Opus Clips can transform workflows and marketing for bootstrapped businesses.

Learn how I use these tools daily to optimize content creation, transcription, and more - saving time and money while gaining a competitive edge.

We also discuss resilient strategies like maintaining a survival mindset and having multiple income sources to navigate unpredictable economic landscapes and challenges like the Yellow crisis. Don't miss this vital discussion on leveraging AI to amplify your business.

Watch this on YouTube

Tools mentioned: 

• Opus Clips
• Otter AI

Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.

-----------------------------------------

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap.

Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery.

CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.

Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

What if you could understand the intricacies of the trucking industry from its challenges to its future prospects? Fasten your seatbelts as we take a ride through Kevin Rutherford’s journey from being an owner-operator to becoming the CEO of Let’s Truck. Through his personal saga, we explore the importance of cost control, the genesis of his software company, to hosting a radio show, and eventually launching Let’s Truck.

We shift gears to discuss a critical yet often overlooked aspect of trucking - the health and nutritional challenges that truckers face. Rutherford, a nutritional therapy practitioner, shares his innovative approach towards aiding truck drivers to lead healthier lives.

Connect with Kevin:
https://store.letstruck.com/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MRy1YoGsJgU

Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.

-----------------------------------------

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap.

Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery.

CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.

Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Ever wondered how AI and robotics are revolutionizing the logistics industry? Our guest today, Jonathan Briggs, VP of Sales and Solutions at Nimble, shares his fascinating journey from unloading trucks at UPS to spearheading cutting-edge AI robotics technology at Nimble—where the company is leveraging AI to transform order picking, box packing, and decision-making, rapidly adapting to a volatile industry.

• Connect with Jonathan on Linkedin
• Check out Nimble's website

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/zVTqONG5pAI

Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.

-----------------------------------------

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap.

Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery.

CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.

Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Gear up to unlock the secrets of a successful freight agent as we host an inspiring chat with Dino Del Grosso, an esteemed agent at SPI Logistics. He unwraps his journey of transitioning into the freight world, revealing how he discovered a company that became his professional family. As Dino paints the vibrant picture of SPI's support-centric, family-oriented culture, it’s easy to see why he describes it as a place where agents truly thrive.

But the conversation doesn't stop there. Dino also opens up about his unique business model of building sub-agents, providing a golden opportunity for those aspiring to become freight agents themselves. Through his lens, we get to understand how this model is mutually beneficial, offering a secure safety net for all involved.

See more about becoming a freight agent with our new Digital Dispatch Guide to Becoming a Freight Agent.

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/H9mEIoa79WM 

Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.

-----------------------------------------

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap.

Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery.

CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.

Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

It's no secret that the entire logistics industry has seen its share of peaks and valleys--and now we have the data to prove it.

In this special episode with CartonCloud COO Shaun Hagen, we're checking the pulse of this industry using their 2023 Logistics Index report that surveys 2,000 employees working in freight. Using these responses, we can get a better pulse-check around burning issues like environmental sustainability, staffing, and other stats, such as the alarmingly high number of companies still relying on paper processes.

Brace yourselves as the conversation escalates into the realm of AI and robotics, exploring their impact on the industry and the challenges SMEs face when budgeting for these technologies.

To download your own copy of the 2023 Logistics Industry Index, be sure to visit the CartonCloud website here.

To connect with Shaun, hit up his Linkedin profile here.

Watch the video version of this interview on Youtube.

Learn more about CartonCloud's intuitive, easy-to-use WMS and TMS software, and book your FREE Demo to see their software in action. Mention this interview on Everything is Logistics to get half off your first three months!

Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.

-----------------------------------------

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap.

Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery.

CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.

Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Ever wondered about the future of the supply chain and its intersection with the fast-paced world of fashion? Join us as we untangle these complex threads in a captivating conversation with our returning guest, Grace Sharkey from FreightWaves. We kick things off with a deep dive into the heart of the trucking market, discussing the potential fallout of current freight volumes, the rates carriers are charging, and how student loans could soon drastically affect spending. We also share insights from the recent Future of Supply Chain conference, exploring how technology is acting as a beacon amidst economic turmoil.

The story doesn't end there. We move onto the darker side of fashion, scrutinizing the ethical concerns surrounding fast fashion and its impact on labor practices, as seen in the backlash against SHEIN. We explore the role of influencers and the responsibility resting on consumers' shoulders to understand the supply chain dynamics of major corporations. We also delve into the origins of fast fashion and discuss the concept of greenwashing, underscoring the urgent need for transparency in the industry.

We round off the episode by touching on intriguing conspiracy theories, including the legacy of the Titanic. We delve into the supply chain issues affecting Sriracha production, revealing the controversies behind Hoi Fung Foods and Underwood Ranches. In the end, we discuss the launch of Meta's new social media platform, Threads, and the implications it holds for Mark Zuckerberg's rivalry with Elon Musk.

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/45rNY5l9z78

LINKS:

• Grace Sharkey's work
• Search for ethical brands
• Faking podcast interviews for klout
• Fruit Roll-Up Smuggling
• Why Meghan Markle's podcast failed
• The Sriracha Shortage

Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.

-----------------------------------------

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap.

Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery.

CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.

Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Who wouldn't want to accelerate mundane tasks, spark fresh ideas, and swiftly create content? Tune into our latest podcast episode where we, your hosts Trey Griggs and Blythe Brumleve, peel back the curtain on how ChatGPT and AI technologies are shaping the world of marketing and sales. We chat about the wonders of ChatGPT and Swell AI, and even guide you on creating large language models using your very own data sets. 

Rest assured, the conversation is not all tech. We pivot towards the subject of personal growth and its undeniable role in professional success. Joined by the industrious Kameel Gaines from Rigs On Wheels, we delve into how they use cutting-edge marketing strategies to reach drivers. We underscore the significance of curiosity, asking questions, and taking command of our schedules to make room for learning. 

Ever thought about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace? Eileen Dabrowski, director of learning and development at Reed TMS Logistics, joins us to share her enlightening thoughts on these momentous topics. We also spin the conversation towards alternative content avenues for marketing and sales professionals and the untapped potential of podcast sponsorships. Rounding off the discussion, we chat with David Hoppens and Mike Mikulik on the latest in the brokerage world,  starting a podcast, building a brand, and transportation marketing strategies. So gear up for an episode chock-full of valuable insights and practical advice!

Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.

-----------------------------------------

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap.

Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery.

CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.

Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

In this episode, Blythe Brumleve shares her takeaways from the TMSA Elevate Conference. She discusses the innovative marketing strategies of the Savannah Bananas, a minor league baseball team, and the operational efficiency of the Port of Savannah. Blythe also shares her experience co-hosting a live show during the conference.

What You Will Learn:

1. Innovative marketing strategies from the Savannah Bananas.
2. The importance of employee engagement and investment.
3. The operational efficiency of the Port of Savannah.
4. The experience and benefits of hosting a live show at a conference.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction
• [01:00] Overview of the TMSA Elevate Conference
• [03:00] Marketing strategies of the Savannah Bananas
• [10:00] Employee engagement and investment
• [15:00] Operational efficiency of the Port of Savannah
• [20:00] Experience of hosting a live show at the conference
• [25:00] Conclusion

Links to Brands/Tools Mentioned:

1. Savannah Bananas
2. Port of Savannah
3. TMSA Elevate Conference

Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.

-----------------------------------------

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap.

Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery.

CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.

Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.

Ready to seize control of your financial future? Tempted to trade security for the thrill of running your own freight agent business? Join me for an enlightening conversation with Warren Debiak, freight agent business owner at SPI Logistics. 

Warren provides a raw account of his journey into the freight world, shedding light on the fear, triumph, and the simmering question of job security versus risk-taking. We also delve into the heart of the heated debate over the relevance of cold calls in this social media driven era.

Our conversation cuts through the complexities of cold calling and social media, dissecting their roles in the COVID-impacted business landscape. Warren shares his nuggets of wisdom on batching, outsourcing, and growing a business. We also touch on the content creation boom since 2020 and the urgent need to refresh your messaging. Expect a holistic exploration of the freight business, filled with practical insights and valuable tips from an industry insider. 

Feedback? Ideas for a future episode? Shoot us a text here to let us know.

-----------------------------------------

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Are you experienced in freight sales or already an independent freight agent? Listen to our Freight Agent Trenches interviews powered by SPI Logistics to hear from the company's agents on how they took the entrepreneurial leap.

Shipium is the ML-powered shipping platform built by the executives that created Amazon's supply chain technology. They help 3PL & retail leaders like Stord, Ryder, and Saks Off 5th to reduce shipping costs by an average of 12% while improving on-time delivery.

CargoRex is the logistics industry’s go-to search platform—connecting you with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.

Digital Dispatch manages and maximizes your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.