Logistics Unplugged™

On this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock welcomes back Jason Lockard, Senior Vice President of Managed Logistics at BlueGrace, for a breakdown of the Q4 2025 Logistics Confidence Index. The conversation focuses on how shippers are adjusting to ongoing uncertainty in the market, with many shifting to a neutral stance on inventory and order planning while holding steady on revenue expectations.

Jason shares how recent tariff changes are impacting landed costs and explains how shippers are responding by consolidating freight, streamlining movement, and finding new ways to drive efficiency without sacrificing service or margin.

Whether you are managing a national supply chain or trying to plan for the next buying season, this episode offers clear insights into what shippers are experiencing and how they are adapting. Brian and Jason close with a reminder that while uncertainty remains, data-driven planning and operational creativity are giving companies the tools they need to stay competitive.

In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock talks with Christian Schmiz, People Experience Manager, about what it takes to build a workplace people want to be part of. They explore how intentional culture drives hiring, engagement, retention, and community impact.

From Halloween parties and pet food drives to employee surveys and alumni programs, the conversation highlights real ways to create meaningful connections at work. They also discuss why culture fit often matters more than technical skills and how listening to employees encourages long-term commitment.

If you're ready to strengthen your workplace culture, this episode offers practical ideas and honest insights.

In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock talks with Tyler Cooper, Director of Risk Management, and Philip Lamb, Senior Claims Manager, about how risk and compliance impact freight operations every day.

They explain how to vet carriers, prevent fraud, choose the right insurance strategy, and avoid common claim pitfalls. Whether you’re just starting out or managing a national supply chain, this episode delivers practical insights to help you:

- Understand carrier liability and reduce claim exposure- Take proactive steps to manage risk- Evaluate logistics partners more effectively- Support smaller teams with the right tools and resources

Also featuring one very unexpected trucking song and a steak-stealing story you won’t forget.

On this episode of Logistics Unplugged, Brian Blalock sits down with Carly Bly, VP of LTL Pricing and Carrier Relations at BlueGrace Logistics, to break down the NMFC updates going into effect this Saturday, July 19 and what they mean for shippers, carriers, and anyone moving freight.

They explore how the new 13-tier density structure could affect pricing, liability, and customer-specific agreements, and explain why getting your NMFC codes and dimensions right is more important than ever.

Whether you’ve been preparing for months or are just now catching up, this episode offers straightforward advice, real-world examples, and a few laughs along the way.

Listen in before the changes take effect on Saturday, July 19.

In the final installment of the Summer Shipping Series, Logistics Unplugged host Brian Blalock is joined by Jonathan Swart, Senior Director of 3PL at BlueGrace Logistics, for a conversation that looks at what’s shaping freight through the summer and beyond.

They unpack key indicators, discuss market pressures, and explore how recent developments could affect capacity and planning. Along the way, they mix in a few unexpected stories and end the series with a lighter touch.

Don’t miss the final episode in the series. It’s focused, timely, and worth a listen.

In this month's Market Update, Brian Blalock catches up with recurring guest Bryce Williford to explore the latest shifts in freight, from the sudden surge in imports following the 90-day tariff pause to domestic capacity tightening as produce season moves up the coast.

They talk through how shippers are adjusting strategies, managing uncertainty and finding cost savings through supply chain optimization. They also dig into how data helps companies make smarter and faster decisions in a market that refuses to stay still.

To wrap things up, they trade snake stories, debate gators versus rattlers and toss in a few movie references for fun. Stay informed and entertained in one go with this engaging conversation.

Kick off Part Two of the Logistics Unplugged LTL Carrier Summit as host Brian Blalock sits down with carrier leaders from Estes, XPO, ABF Freight, and AAA Cooper. This episode highlights the strategies, relationships, and real-world experiences that keep LTL freight moving.

The guests share what it takes to build strong carrier and 3PL partnerships from trust and communication to consistency in the face of change. They reflect on their career journeys, favorite trucking songs, and a few unexpected moments along the way.

Whether you're in the office or out in the field, this conversation gives a clear view into the people and values shaping the future of freight.

In the next installment of Logistics Unplugged's Summer Shipping Series, host Brian Blalock is joined by Jimmy Canzolino, Senior Director of 3PL Client Strategy at BlueGrace Logistics, for a wide-ranging conversation on summer shipping and how to prepare for the unexpected.

From hurricane season and wildfires to infrastructure impacts and flash floods, they dig into how natural disasters disrupt freight and what proactive planning actually looks like. They also explore:

• The role of technology in staying flexible and responsive
• The human side of crisis management in logistics
• How to support both shippers and carriers without cutting corners

Plus, Jimmy shares his journey from lacrosse to logistics, the best street taco recipe ingredient, and his pick for best beach (hint: it squeaks).

Tune in for practical advice, a few laughs, and insights that go beyond the forecast.

In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock sits down with Jason Lockard of BlueGrace and Scooter Sayers of Cubiscan to tackle one of the biggest pain points in LTL shipping: inaccurate weights and dimensions.

With new NMFC changes putting even more emphasis on dimensional accuracy, the pressure is on for shippers to get their freight data right. Brian, Jason, and Scooter unpack the persistent disconnect between what’s planned and what actually ships—how missing or incorrect weights and measures can derail load planning, lead to misrouted freight, inflate invoice variances, and cut into profitability.

From stories on the dock to advances in dimensioning systems, this episode covers:

• The growing impact of freight data discrepancies

• How the latest NMFC updates are reshaping carrier expectations

• Why dimensional scanning systems are now essential, not optional

• How shippers are recovering major costs by tightening up their data

If you're a shipper, 3PL, or supply chain professional trying to navigate the evolving LTL landscape, this conversation is packed with real-world insight and solutions to help you stay ahead.

In this month’s Market Update episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock sits down once again with Bryce Williford, SVP of 3PL at BlueGrace, for a conversation that blends timely industry insights with a few personal moments.

They break down the ripple effects of DOT Week, shifting produce patterns, and the latest developments in tariff policy. From nearshoring trends to inventory strategies, they explore where the freight market stands and where it might be headed.

And yes, the alligator story continues and you'll hear Bryce’s top 3 summer songs. Tune in for a fresh perspective on what’s moving logistics this season.