Semi-Related

In this episode of The Semi-Related Podcast, host Jacob Eischen sits down with Oliver Jones, co-founder and CEO of Manifold, to explore his journey from software engineer to freight tech founder. Oliver shares his path from building large-scale storage systems to joining Convoy in its early days, where he helped shape automation in spot bidding, tendering, and integrations during the company’s rapid rise.

Oliver opens up about the lessons learned through Convoy, the pivotal decision to apply to Y Combinator, and the early days of building Manifold as a connectivity layer that unifies scattered spot freight opportunities. He talks about customer-driven product development, the role of AI in lowering barriers to tech adoption, and why the future of freight lies in making smarter, data-backed decisions rather than chasing standardization.

Whether you’re curious about the realities of startup life, the challenges of automating logistics, or how AI is reshaping freight technology, this conversation offers candid insights, hard-earned lessons, and a look at what’s ahead for the industry.

In this episode of Semi-Related, host Jacob Eischen chats with Third Person founder and CEO Matt Hertz about his journey through the fast-paced world of e-commerce logistics. From cutting his teeth at Rent the Runway with nothing but a dry cleaner’s backroom and an Excel sheet, to scaling Birchbox through multiple 3PL transitions, Matt shares gritty, firsthand lessons in scaling operations and navigating the complexities of fulfillment.

On the latest episode of the Semi-Related Podcast, NMFTA COO Joe Ohr and Director of Cybersecurity Artie Crawford join host Jacob Eischen to discuss how dark-web ransomware rentals, AI-forged emails, and hacked telematics give thieves a back-door pass to your freight and how fleets can prepare a road-ready defense plan. They also preview the NMFTA’s Cybersecurity Conference this October and the no-cost tools rolling out to help carriers of every size stay a step ahead of the next breach.

In this episode of Semi-Related, Jacob Eischen sits down with Raghav Midha, co-founder and CEO of Terminal, to explore the journey of building a startup from scratch—and the critical role Terminal plays in modernizing logistics. Raghav shares how his background in fintech and his co-founder’s deep roots in trucking led them to discover a major gap in telematics integration.

Hear how hundreds of interviews, late nights, and a mission to "make something people want" shaped Terminal’s unified API for telematics, fueling faster innovation across insurance, dispatching, TMS, and shipment visibility. From humble beginnings with a landing page prototype to powering hundreds of thousands of vehicles, Raghav reflects on the importance of trusting your gut, never wasting a crisis, and staying customer-obsessed as Terminal continues to grow.

In this episode of Semi-Related, Chris Torrence welcomes longtime logistics veteran Michael Campese, now Chief Business Officer at DDC Group. With a career spanning over three decades—most of it spent rising through the ranks at Estes—Michael shares stories of getting his start in a warehouse, pursuing a career in LTL sales (yes, on purpose), and eventually pitching a business plan directly to Rob Estes that launched his corporate career.

Chris and Michael dive into what’s changed—and what hasn’t—in transportation, why the industry remains behind in tech adoption, and how leaders can close the gap between legacy systems and modern solutions without losing sight of people and process. They talk domain knowledge, the myth of the all-knowing AI, and how the best tech implementations always start with a full-body diagnostic—metaphorically speaking.

Plus, Michael shares how DDC Group approaches transformation projects, why bringing the right people into the room matters more than ever, and why he’s optimistic about the next generation in freight.

In this episode of the Semi-Related Podcast, host Jacob Eischen sits down with guest Eric Williams to dive deep into the world of freight, logistics, and procurement innovation. Eric shares his career journey—from his early days on the trading floor to his pivotal role in transforming how brokers, shippers, and carriers navigate pricing and capacity challenges.
Listeners will gain insights into how traditional RFP processes can be streamlined and enhanced with technology, learn about the creation and evolution of his tool, Beagl, and hear firsthand stories of market shifts and dynamic decision-making in an ever-changing industry. With candid discussions on the impact of tariffs, the art of pricing, and the importance of strategic partnerships, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of finance, logistics, and innovation.

Dive into the fascinating world of operations research and network optimization in this episode of the Semi-Related Podcast, hosted by Jacob Eischen. Featuring special guest Dr. Halit Üster—a professor in Operations Research and Engineering Management at SMU—this conversation uncovers the intricacies of designing relay networks for the trucking industry, building biomass supply chains, and planning large-scale emergency evacuation systems. You’ll learn how systems thinking, data science, and stakeholder perspectives all combine to influence real-world decisions in fields ranging from agricultural logistics to disaster preparedness.
Tune in to hear Dr. Üster’s journey from mechanical engineering in Turkey to becoming a leading researcher in North America, along with his passion for applying mathematical models to real-world problems. Whether you’re interested in the future of AI-driven optimization, the challenges of aligning business and driver incentives in trucking, or new approaches to preventing gridlock during hurricanes, this conversation has you covered.

In this episode of the Semi-Related Podcast by Optym, host Jacob Eischen sits down with Keith Peterson from the NMFTA to explore sweeping changes in freight classification and how the industry can prepare for the future .

Keith delves into “Classification Reimagined,” shares insights on the Digital Standards Development Council’s work to standardize and streamline LTL and truckload processes, and highlights the importance of cybersecurity in keeping freight operations secure.

Tune in to hear Keith’s personal journey through multiple generations of trucking, the critical role of density-based shipping, and how modern technology—from open-source APIs to advanced data practices—is driving the industry forward.

Whether you’re a carrier, shipper, tech provider, or simply passionate about logistics, this conversation offers practical tips and a forward-looking perspective on the road ahead.

LTL pricing and operations are evolving fast, and SMC3’s Brian Thompson is at the center of it. In this episode of Semi-Related, host Chris Torrence and Brian break down two of the biggest shifts happening in the industry right now: the NMFTA’s proposed classification changes and the push for standardized APIs.

They discuss how the NMFTA Digital Standard Development Council is working to modernize data exchange, the impact of new freight classification changes, and how SMC³ is helping carriers, shippers, and 3PLs adopt digital-first solutions.

If you’re in the freight industry, this is a must-listen for understanding how better data sharing and automation are shaping the future of LTL.

In this episode ofSemi-Related, hostChris Torrence sits down withEric Johnson, Senior Editor of Technology atJOC.com & S&P Global, to explore the intersection of journalism, supply chain, and technology. They discuss Eric’s journey into logistics reporting, the challenges of journalistic integrity in a fast-moving industry, and the evolving role of AI in freight.

The conversation dives into the latest trade war developments, tariff policies, and their impact on shippers, carriers, and global supply chains. Plus, Eric shares insights on the explosion of AI-driven freight tech and whether the hype matches reality. They also touch on the changing dynamics of logistics events likeTPM and how the industry is adapting to uncertainty.

A mix of sharp analysis and candid conversation, this episode is a must-listen for supply chain professionals, freight tech enthusiasts, and anyone navigating the complexities of global trade.