Logistics Unplugged™

Logistics Unplugged™

By BlueGrace LogisticsBusiness
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Logistics Unplugged™ episodes

  • Summer Freight Forecast: Seasonal Produce & Its Impact

    In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock sits down with Will Baker, Senior Manager of 3PL Brokerage at BlueGrace Logistics, to dig into the impact of produce season on freight.


    They break down how seasonal harvests from Florida citrus to California berries drive major shifts in capacity, pricing, and carrier availability. Whether it’s managing time-sensitive flower imports or navigating multi-pick produce loads, Will shares how the right strategy and the right team keep things moving on time.


    To close things out, Brian challenges Will to a top five summertime song showdown. From reggae to classic rock to beach bar anthems, it’s a playlist that brings the heat.

    22 min
  • Inside the LTL Summit Part One: The Power of Pricing & Transparency

    Get ready for a special edition of Logistics Unplugged as host Brian Blalock kicks off Part One of the LTL Carrier Summit. In this episode, we sit down with carrier leaders from Southeastern Freight Lines, Roadrunner, FedEx Freight, TForce Freight, and SAIA for candid conversations about the real-world challenges, big decisions, and evolving dynamics redefining the freight industry.

     

    From pricing strategies and transparency to trust, advocacy, and building high-impact partnerships—this episode goes beyond surface talk and straight into what’s truly shaping the future of LTL. You’ll also hear unexpected origin stories and favorite trucking anthems from the guests behind the wheel of progress.

     

    Whether you're on the dock, on the road, or in the boardroom, don’t miss this firsthand look at the forces driving the LTL space forward.

    42 min
  • Q3 2025 Logistics Confidence Index

    In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock is joined by Jason Lockard, SVP of Managed Logistics, for a deep dive into the Q3 2025 BlueGrace Logistics Confidence Index®.

     

    They explore the latest shifts in shipper sentiment, revenue forecasts, and inventory trends—especially in the wake of new tariff developments. From unexpected optimism to the growing focus on nearshoring, Brian and Jason break down what the data says and what it means for the months ahead.

     

    As the conversation winds down, Jason talks offshore fishing, his go-to playlist on the water, and how he grills up the perfect wahoo. He also highlights the upcoming Crosthwait Memorial Fishing Tournament, a long-running charity event supporting local causes.

    15 min
  • Freight Market Update - April 2025

    In this month’s Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock welcomes back Bryce Williford, VP of 3PL Services at BlueGrace Logistics, for a fresh look at the freight market. Bryce breaks down the latest shifts in LTL, truckload and flatbed, from spot rate trends and tariff impacts to key takeaways from the recent BlueGrace LTL Carrier Summit.

    They discuss how ongoing uncertainty is shaping shipper behavior, why flexibility at the order level matters more than ever, and what seasonal changes in flatbed demand signal for the months ahead. Bryce shares real-time insights to help logistics professionals stay informed, stay agile and plan for what comes next.

    Tune in to stay prepared and make confident supply chain decisions.

    25 min
  • Sustainable Logistics: Building Stronger Supply Chains

    Can a greener supply chain also be a stronger one? In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock sits down with Will Augustine, Senior Director of Engineering, to explore how sustainable logistics is shaping better supply chain strategies.

     

    From improving inventory placement to building more efficient shipment consolidation programs, they share real-world examples of how businesses are shrinking their carbon footprint and strengthening their bottom line.

     

    Whether you are focused on cost savings, emissions goals, or both, this episode delivers insights you can put into action.

    25 min
  • Summer Freight Forecast: Peak Season Prep

    In the first episode of this four-part Summer Freight Forecast series, host Brian Blalock sits down with Holt Parsons, Senior Manager of Specialized Freight at BlueGrace Logistics, for a candid conversation on what really happens when the market heats up.


    They dive into:

    • Why summer shipping season tightens capacity across the board
    • The ripple effects of produce, building materials, and beverage demand
    • How to become a shipper of choice when capacity is limited
    • The power of honest conversations and smart planning
    • Real stories from the frontlines of peak season


    Whether you're navigating summer for the first time or looking to refine your approach, this episode sets the foundation for making better decisions when freight volumes surge.

    21 min
  • From Content to Conversations: Modern Marketing in Logistics

    What does marketing in logistics really look like behind the scenes?


    In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock chats with Adam White, VP of Marketing at BlueGrace Logistics, for a candid conversation on blending creativity, technology, and strategy in an industry that moves fast.


    They discuss:
    🧠 How AI is changing the way logistics teams brainstorm and build content📚 Why creativity and unexpected ideas can make all the difference in marketing📞 How aligning with sales creates stronger customer connections🏢 The real ROI of trade shows (and how to make them worth it)


    If you're looking for fresh ideas, real talk, and a better way to approach marketing in logistics, this one’s for you.

    29 min
  • Modes of the Industry: The Small Parcel Edition

    In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock sits down with Lis Miller, Director of Parcel Services at BlueGrace Logistics, for a deep dive into the evolution of small parcel shipping. From navigating the complexities of carrier negotiations to post-COVID shipping trends, Lis shares her unique perspective shaped by experience on both the customer and carrier sides.


    They dig into the rise of regional carriers, tech-driven delivery, and how shipping from store, e-commerce growth, and sustainability are reshaping the landscape. Lis shares practical advice for small businesses—packed with insights and just the right amount of shipping puns, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

    24 min
  • Freight Market Update - March 2025

    In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock brings back Bryce Williford, Senior Vice President of 3PL Services at BlueGrace Logistics, for a direct look at what shaped the freight market in Q1.

    They unpack why the quarter felt flat, challenge predictions that never materialized, and explain how seasonality and automation continue to influence supply chain strategies. Bryce shares how shippers are adjusting, where technology is making an impact, and what to expect heading into Q2.

    The episode also features some unforgettable moments from the road — including a homemade warehouse “robot” and a driver who picked up more than just freight.

    If you want a clear, real-world view of today’s logistics landscape, this conversation delivers.

    23 min
  • Inside Logistics Technology: Real-Time Data, AI, and the Road Ahead

    In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian BIalock chats with Eric Stamm, Manager of Software Development at BlueGrace Logistics, about the evolving world of logistics technology. From building game servers as a kid to leading tech initiatives at a major 3PL, Eric shares how his passion for innovation is helping shape the future of supply chains.

     

    They explore the shift from EDI to real-time data exchange, the push for standardization, and how logistics technology — including AI, automation, and cloud platforms like AWS and Azure — is improving visibility and efficiency. Eric also breaks down the difference between orders and shipments and why it matters.

     

    Plus: a Corvette, a new baby, and a ping pong rivalry that’s definitely not just for fun.

    21 min

About Logistics Unplugged™

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Logistics Unplugged is your inside look at the business of logistics, freight, and supply chain. Join industry experts, carriers, and thought leaders as they share unfiltered insights, tackle…