For decades, the freight industry has leaned heavily on compliance data and opaque reputation systems, leaving carriers, brokers, and shippers with little visibility into actual service quality. Reviews often sat behind paywalls, skewed negative, or lacked validation altogether, making it difficult to separate reliable partners from unreliable ones. Today, the vast majority of trucking remains highly fragmented — out of the nearly 580,000 active motor carriers that are registered with the FMCSA, more than 91% run 10 or fewer trucks, and 99% run fewer than 100. That scale imbalance makes digital visibility and trusted reputation tools all the more essential, and it’s exactly where CarrierSource is betting that transparent, two-sided reviews can reshape how freight decisions are made.

So, how can peer-driven reputation systems change the game for trucking companies, freight brokers, and the shippers that depend on them?

Welcome to Hammer Down. In the latest episode, host Mike Bush sits down with Robert Light, CEO and co-founder of CarrierSource, to explore how his company is bringing Yelp- and G2-style transparency to the logistics world. Together, they dive into why reputation matters, how CarrierSource validates reviews to ensure integrity, and what role AI and tech innovation will play in the future of supply chain efficiency.

Key takeaways from the conversation…

Redefining carrier trust: CarrierSource moves beyond compliance data, providing a transparent platform for brokers, carriers, and shippers to share authentic, validated reviews.

Fighting fake feedback: Every review goes through human moderation, requiring proof of a real working relationship to ensure authenticity.

Future of logistics tech: Light predicts AI will finally solve long-standing inefficiencies in fragmented supply chain processes, opening new opportunities for innovation.

Robert Light is the CEO and Co-founder of CarrierSource, a platform that combines verified reviews with FMCSA data to help brokers, shippers, and carriers build trust and grow their businesses. Before founding CarrierSource in 2020, Light spent over four years at G2, where he advanced from research specialist to Research Principal, focusing on enterprise solutions, AI, and analytics. His career highlights center on scaling review-based platforms, leveraging data to improve decision-making, and driving digital transformation in traditionally offline industries.

Drayage, the short-haul transport of containers from ports to warehouses, has become a critical link in global logistics. E-commerce growth and shifting supply chain strategies have pushed this step into sharper focus. U.S. containerized imports totaled 28,196,462 TEUs in 2024, a 13 percent increase from the previous year, underscoring the rising demand for port-to-warehouse transport. Delays at this stage create ripple effects across entire networks, impacting both costs and customer expectations.

How do major retailers like Wayfair ensure drayage is reliable, efficient, and profitable while maintaining long-term supplier relationships?

On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush speaks with Summer Griffin, Drayage Procurement Manager at Wayfair. Griffin shares her path from ocean carriers to her current leadership role at CastleGate, Wayfair’s freight forwarding arm. Their conversation explores how her team manages procurement, profit optimization, and supplier partnerships to keep goods moving smoothly.

Key Points from the Conversation:

The dual role of procurement and profit management: Griffin explains how her team negotiates drayage rates while optimizing margins for CastleGate.

What makes drayage unique: From port arrivals to warehouse delivery, drayage plays a specialized role in domestic distribution.

Career insights for supply chain newcomers: Griffin emphasizes the importance of cross-training across supply chain functions for effective drayage management.

Summer Griffin is the Procurement Manager for Drayage at Wayfair, where she leads carrier negotiations, profit management, and cost-saving initiatives for CastleGate Forwarding. She brings over eight years of experience in supply chain operations, beginning her career with K-Line and Ocean Network Express, where she developed expertise in equipment management, procurement, and large-scale system integrations during a global merger. Griffin is recognized for strengthening drayage networks through vendor partnerships, operational improvements, and cross-functional collaboration.

The freight logistics industry is undergoing a quiet transformation. With financial instability affecting brokerages and shifting commission structures prompting sales talent to explore new paths, the “agent model” — a 1099 contractor framework for freight brokers — is seeing renewed attention. As more logistics professionals seek greater flexibility, ownership, and earnings potential, understanding the mechanics and risks of this model is becoming increasingly important. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the transportation and warehousing sector is projected to add over half a million jobs between 2022 and 2032, signaling steady growth and drawing new entrants to the field with one key question:

Should freight brokers go independent as agents or stay in traditional W2 roles?

Welcome to Hammer Down. In the latest episode, host Mike Bush sits down with Matt Dahl, Director of Agent Recruiting at HDShips, to break down the nuances of the freight agent model. They discuss the advantages, misconceptions, and red flags associated with the shift from employee to entrepreneur in logistics sales.

Key takeaways from the episode…

Freedom over finances: While many assume money is the primary motivator for going agent, Matt shares that freedom, flexibility, and escaping micromanagement often top the list.

Readiness matters: Jumping into the agent model without a book of business or prior experience can lead to burnout and financial stress. Discipline and planning are key.

Non-competes vs. non-solicits: Matt breaks down why non-competes are widely disliked in the industry and advises new grads to scrutinize employment contracts carefully.

Matt Dahl is a logistics professional with a strong background in freight brokerage, account management, and agent recruitment. He currently serves as Director of Agent Recruiting at HDShips, where he leads the development of 1099 agent networks. He has previously held sales and operations roles at DestiNATION Transport and Logistic Dynamics. Matt is also the co-host of 2 Dawgs, 1 Pod, where he explores industry trends and insights across the freight and logistics landscape.

At the ACT Expo, Hammer Down host Mike Bush dives deeper into the future of freight with a hands-on look at Windrose Technology’s electric Class 8 trucks. Joined by Joseph Jaramillo, Driver Supervisor at Talon Logistics Inc., Mike takes a test drive to experience the smooth ride, dual digital displays, and unique features—like advanced regen modes and a sunroof—that are rare finds in heavy-duty trucks.

Representing Windrose, Kyle Maki, Director of Customer Success & Operations, and Michael Millar, Marketing Lead, North America, shared how the company, with roots in China and operations in California and Belgium, is rethinking electric trucking from the ground up. Their truck tackles weight and range challenges head-on with an 82,000-pound capacity and 420-mile range.

As the logistics industry rapidly evolves, this episode underscores how purpose-built electric trucks are steering the future—and doing it with style and efficiency.

In a special episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush hit the show floor at ACT Expo, one of the logistics industry’s premier events for sustainable transportation. The conversations highlighted real-world innovations and clean trucking technology accelerating the shift to a lower-emissions future.

Prathamesh Dabholkar, Project Engineer at OneH2, discussed the company’s mobile hydrogen fueling units. These systems offer a flexible solution for fleets needing quick and space-efficient hydrogen access, without the need for permanent infrastructure.

Thomas Heck, Director of Key Account Management at Schaeffler of America, showcased the company’s electric drivetrain technologies, including a modular eAxle. Schaeffler’s solutions support both battery-electric and fuel-cell power, with additional hybrid components designed to reduce emissions from combustion engines, broadening the practical use of clean trucking technology across heavy-duty applications.

To address growing EV adoption, Steve Kingsley-Jones, Senior Product Manager at WEX, introduced a streamlined platform that helps fleets reimburse drivers for at-home EV charging. The system automates installation, usage tracking, and payments—all while maintaining driver privacy and utility integration.

From hydrogen to hybrid systems and smarter EV infrastructure, ACT Expo confirmed that clean logistics tech is not just emerging—it’s arriving, fast.

Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) are transforming how supply chains address the persistent challenge of inventory accuracy. Warehouses and 3PL providers face mounting pressure to maintain real-time stock visibility as ecommerce accelerates fulfillment demands. According to McKinsey & Company, automation can reduce logistics costs by 30% in high-performing operations. AMRs also minimize human error in repetitive inventory tasks, improving efficiency across warehouse networks. These capabilities position AMRs as essential tools for modern inventory management.

How are robotics companies addressing the widening gap between what's on the shelf and what's logged in the system? Also, what does that mean for the future of inventory management?

On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush converses with Dan Johnson, Founder and CEO at Dane Technologies, during the Manifest Conference in Vegas. They discuss the evolution of Johnson’s company from a safety-first automation startup to a leader in inventory-focused AMRs for multi-site warehouses and retail environments.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Robots That Think for Inventory: Dane’s latest AMRs integrate best-in-class barcode scanning using Cognex cameras, helping reconcile actual stock locations with warehouse management systems.

• From Finance to Fulfillment: Johnson explains how customer collaboration drove the company’s pivot from his roots in finance to advanced robotics in logistics.

• A Sector Built on Growth: Johnson highlights how macro trends and constant innovation make supply chain tech an ideal field for early-career professionals.

Dan Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Dane Technologies. He is an entrepreneur and seasoned executive with expertise in launching and scaling technology companies across logistics, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Johnson has led the development of autonomous mobile robots and patented software solutions for asset and emissions management. His earlier finance career included senior roles at RBC Dain Rauscher and Van Kampen, equipping him with strong capital-raising and operational leadership skills.

Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) are transforming how supply chains address the persistent challenge of inventory accuracy. Warehouses and 3PL providers face mounting pressure to maintain real-time stock visibility as ecommerce accelerates fulfillment demands. According to McKinsey & Company, automation can reduce logistics costs by 30% in high-performing operations. AMRs also minimize human error in repetitive inventory tasks, improving efficiency across warehouse networks. These capabilities position AMRs as essential tools for modern inventory management.

How are robotics companies addressing the widening gap between what's on the shelf and what's logged in the system? Also, what does that mean for the future of inventory management?

On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush converses with Dan Johnson, Founder and CEO at Dane Technologies, during the Manifest Conference in Vegas. They discuss the evolution of Johnson’s company from a safety-first automation startup to a leader in inventory-focused AMRs for multi-site warehouses and retail environments.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Robots That Think for Inventory: Dane’s latest AMRs integrate best-in-class barcode scanning using Cognex cameras, helping reconcile actual stock locations with warehouse management systems.

• From Finance to Fulfillment: Johnson explains how customer collaboration drove the company’s pivot from his roots in finance to advanced robotics in logistics.

• A Sector Built on Growth: Johnson highlights how macro trends and constant innovation make supply chain tech an ideal field for early-career professionals.

Dan Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Dane Technologies. He is an entrepreneur and seasoned executive with expertise in launching and scaling technology companies across logistics, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Johnson has led the development of autonomous mobile robots and patented software solutions for asset and emissions management. His earlier finance career included senior roles at RBC Dain Rauscher and Van Kampen, equipping him with strong capital-raising and operational leadership skills.

Logistics networks continue to grow more complex as supply chains race to meet rising ecommerce demand. As of 2024, 80% of consumers expect retailers to offer same-day delivery, with 30% anticipating this service to be free. This pressure is pushing supply chain operators to modernize traditionally overlooked segments like yard management and dock scheduling. Amid this transformation, automation and data-driven scheduling tools are no longer optional; they are essential.

How can shippers optimize throughput without expanding physical capacity? What role can smarter coordination play in solving delivery bottlenecks?

Greg Braun, Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, joins Mike Bush, host of Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, to explain how a legacy logistics tech company continues to evolve after 25 years in the space. Braun shares how C3 Solutions enhances operational efficiency in ways many shippers overlook, from automating dock scheduling rules to launching a driver collaboration tool.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

• The Hidden Power of Dock Scheduling: C3 Solutions helps shippers turn complex capacity planning into automated workflows, preventing operational slowdowns caused by misaligned delivery windows and resource planning.

• Driver Visibility and Communication: The new C3 Hive platform allows drivers to check in remotely, provides live updates, and reduces delays at entry points—streamlining gate and yard operations.

• Operational Roots, Not Just Code: Unlike many tech-first startups, C3 was built by logistics professionals who spent time inside yards and warehouses before ever writing software.

Greg Braun is the Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, a logistics software firm specializing in yard management and dock scheduling. Over a 25-year career, Braun has guided the company’s transformation from on-premise systems to cloud-based SaaS offerings used by global shippers. He holds a background in business administration and computer science, and his early hands-on experience in crosstalks and truck operations still informs the company’s practical approach to software design.

Logistics networks continue to grow more complex as supply chains race to meet rising ecommerce demand. As of 2024, 80% of consumers expect retailers to offer same-day delivery, with 30% anticipating this service to be free. This pressure is pushing supply chain operators to modernize traditionally overlooked segments like yard management and dock scheduling. Amid this transformation, automation and data-driven scheduling tools are no longer optional; they are essential.

How can shippers optimize throughput without expanding physical capacity? What role can smarter coordination play in solving delivery bottlenecks?

Greg Braun, Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, joins Mike Bush, host of Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, to explain how a legacy logistics tech company continues to evolve after 25 years in the space. Braun shares how C3 Solutions enhances operational efficiency in ways many shippers overlook, from automating dock scheduling rules to launching a driver collaboration tool.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

• The Hidden Power of Dock Scheduling: C3 Solutions helps shippers turn complex capacity planning into automated workflows, preventing operational slowdowns caused by misaligned delivery windows and resource planning.

• Driver Visibility and Communication: The new C3 Hive platform allows drivers to check in remotely, provides live updates, and reduces delays at entry points—streamlining gate and yard operations.

• Operational Roots, Not Just Code: Unlike many tech-first startups, C3 was built by logistics professionals who spent time inside yards and warehouses before ever writing software.

Greg Braun is the Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, a logistics software firm specializing in yard management and dock scheduling. Over a 25-year career, Braun has guided the company’s transformation from on-premise systems to cloud-based SaaS offerings used by global shippers. He holds a background in business administration and computer science, and his early hands-on experience in crosstalks and truck operations still informs the company’s practical approach to software design.

Global shipping continues to grapple with fragmented billing processes, often delaying cargo movement. According to McKinsey, adopting an electronic bill of lading could save $6.5 billion in direct costs and enable $40 billion in global trade. As vessels carry goods for thousands of shippers per voyage, the administrative burden of managing and reconciling invoices through outdated systems has made digital freight invoicing a rising priority for modernization.​

How can digitized invoicing and integrated payment platforms reduce administrative overhead and accelerate the cargo release process?

On Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, host Mike Bush talks with Rishav Mondal, Senior Key Account Manager at ODeX. Mondal dives into how the company helps shipping lines and customers manage documentation and payments at scale. He explains how ODeX replaces inefficient email workflows with instant access to invoices, shipment reports, and digital payment options—all in one platform.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Centralized Access to Freight Documents: ODeX eliminates the need for back-and-forth emails by consolidating all shipping invoices and documents on one platform. Customers can log in, view pending invoices, and track documents in real time, saving time and reducing human error.

• Faster Payment Confirmations: Before ODeX, many customers waited up to 48 hours for payment confirmation through traditional ACH or wire methods. ODeX shortens this process to six hours. This faster turnaround helps prevent cargo delays caused by pending financial approvals and strengthens the case for digital freight invoicing across global shipping networks.

• Expanding Across North America: ODeX launched in the United States in 2023 and has since onboarded more than 1,000 customers. After strong demand, the platform is now available in Canada. It supports over 150 global shipping lines and continues to grow across 15 countries.

Rishav Mondal serves as the Senior Key Account Manager for Implementation and Relationship Management at ODeX. He supports platform adoption across new markets and collaborates with global stakeholders to streamline digital workflows in freight logistics. His background in international operations, project coordination, and client success has played a key role in ODeX’s expansion across 15 countries.​