The Freight Coach Podcast

Welcome to Day 2 of the 2026 TIA Capital Ideas Conference, and today, we're joined by Mike Mikulik from SPI Logistics to talk about the absolute necessity of financial solvency and the power of long-term carrier relationships in this shifting market!

We discuss why managing your cash flow and vetting your partners is more critical than ever, especially as we navigate the shift from a loose capacity market to one where service disruptions and cargo theft are real threats.

We also dive into the agent model as a safeguard for business growth, the importance of niching down to where you're strongest, and why sincere, inquisitive networking beats a cold script every single time.

If you're ready to stop forcing market share and start building a book of business rooted in trust and operational excellence, this live episode on the freight cycle and professional development is exactly what you need to listen to!

About Mike Mikulik

Mike Mikulik is the Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at SPI Logistics. He is a very personable and enthusiastic person who is a collaborator and thinks out of the box. Mike has a unique background in all sides of the transportation industry from trucking to international freight forwarding and special projects. With over 25 years' experience he credits his School of Hard Knocks for his success.

You will find Mike easily engaging in conversation and his willingness to help and draw out the best in people. His positiveness is contagious and willingness to support his team grow personally and professionally.

Mike is a collaborator and think out of the box guy. He has had tremendous success in strategically enhancing the customer experience which in turn has led to new opportunities and revenue growth.

Mike lives and resides in Vancouver Canada where he has lived all his life.

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Are you tired of the "manual tax" slowing down your brokerage, or are you looking for the ultimate edge in carrier vetting and real-time fraud detection?

Today, we're live from the TIA Capital Ideas Conference with Kary Jablonski from DAT Freight & Analytics to discuss how the integration of Trucker Tools into the DAT ecosystem is revolutionizing the industry.

We dive deep into the shift from "point solutions" to a unified, one-stop-shop platform that automates up to 95% of a broker's day, allowing you to focus on high-value communication rather than chasing updates.

Kary breaks down their proactive approach to exception management, the launch of proactive driver verification to combat double-brokering, and how the new "smart factoring" via DAT Outgo is adding an essential layer of financial security for carriers and brokers!

About Kary Jablonski

Kary serves on the DAT Freight & Analytics Executive team as EVP and GM, Trucker Tools & Broker Growth. Kary is the former CEO of Trucker Tools, where she led the company to a successful exit. While taking on her new role at DAT, she continues to lead Trucker Tools, staying committed to the company's vision and growth. Prior to Trucker Tools, she advanced through operations, logistics, and strategic planning roles with Uber in the U.S. and internationally and worked as a consultant with Deloitte. She currently lives in Chicago and enjoys anything active, especially running, golf, and basketball.

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Today, I'm getting real about the harsh truths of entrepreneurship as I hit my six-year milestone of being self-employed and the importance of building a consistent system of productivity!

We'll break down why not all revenue is created equal and how targeting the right ideal customer profile (ICP) is the secret to scaling your freight brokerage without burning out.

From mastering time management and shortening fluff-filled meetings to protecting your self-worth from the volatility of the P&L, our discussion today will be your straightforward guide to navigate the "wasteland" between a big idea and true execution!

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Are high detention fees and yard inefficiencies eating into your profit margins, or are you ready to see how cutting-edge tech is revolutionizing the freight game? Renaissant's CEO, Tom Dean, joins the show to talk about the "digital clipboard" revolution that's fixing the massive communication gap between TMS and WMS at the terminal gate!

We discuss how AI-driven verification is tackling the skyrocketing rates of double-brokering and identity fraud, while simple automation is preventing costly mistakes, such as picking up the wrong trailer in a drop-pool.

From industrial shipping to the potential for fractional drop yards, this episode is all about leveraging data to protect your assets and keep your business moving faster and smarter than the competition, so keep tuning in!

About Tom Dean

Tom Dean is the Founder and CEO of Renaissant, an AI-native logistics platform designed to bring digital control to the physical realities of freight movement. Renaissant's platform delivers complete yard control—from scheduling to gate access, dock execution, and yard management—helping logistics operators improve security, productivity, compliance, and safety.

Before founding Renaissant, Tom spent more than two decades at the intersection of analytics, markets, and operations. He served as Head of Global Commodity Trading for a $15 billion hedge fund, where he built teams combining fundamental analysis and quantitative research to optimize large trading portfolios. Earlier, he held leadership roles in electricity and natural gas trading at a Fortune 100 energy company.

Tom holds a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Kansas State University and an MBA in Analytic Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

In this episode, find out why you have to stop quoting based on broad social media headlines and start having honest, week-by-week conversations with your customers to deliver stability in a tightening market!

We're breaking down an anomaly on the Minneapolis to Louisville van lane, where rates are actually trending downward despite rising fuel costs and the geopolitical ripples from recent Middle East trade tensions.

We're also celebrating the fact that actual trucking professionals are finally taking control of the mainstream media narrative, moving past corporate fluff to highlight the grit and reality of small fleet ownership.

From the impact of international tariffs on freight margins to the federal crackdown on double-brokering cargo theft, we are covering the high-level insights you need to protect your book of business and stay ahead of the game!

Resources / References

• https://www.overdriveonline.com/channel-19/article/15821866/truckers-take-control-of-mainstream-media
• https://www.ttnews.com/articles/court-new-case-trump-tariffs
• https://www.overdriveonline.com/life/article/15821860/accused-doublebrokering-cargo-thief-charged-in-court

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Ever wondered how the rapid evolution of freight tech is actually impacting your bottom line? Kyler Ford from SupplyWolf joins the show to cut through the noise of the "AI everything" hype and talk about real decision-making for brokers and carriers!

We dive into the necessity of conducting a thorough tech audit to eliminate "death by a thousand cuts" from overlooked fees, how a supply-chain-centric marketplace can streamline your vendor discovery and onboarding process, and protect your company from cybersecurity threats.

Listen in as this conversation is all about moving the needle with intentional, high-ROI tools rather than just adding another logo to your dashboard!

About Kyler Ford

Kyler is the Co-Founder and CEO of SupplyWolf, a platform transforming how companies discover and evaluate supply chain technology. He brings over a decade of experience in supply chain and logistics technology, having led revenue and growth functions across multiple venture and private equity-backed companies.

Kyler previously served as Chief Revenue Officer at Trucker Tools and Logistics Studio, and as Vice President of Sales at Denim and Maven, where he focused on scaling go-to-market strategies and driving revenue growth. Throughout his career, he has also advised several supply chain technology companies, helping founders and leadership teams navigate growth, positioning, and market expansion.

Connect with Kyler

• Website: https://supplywolf.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylerford/

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Ready to ride the next wave of freight innovation? Tune in to today's conversation with our returning guest, Chris Kolquist of Koliway LLC!

Chris breaks down the high-stakes world of M&A in transportation and why now, in 2026, the real players are finally standing out.

We're cutting through the noise to discuss how AI and automation are completely leveling the playing field, making it so you don't need to be a top-five freight brokerage to have world-class resources, the reality of business development, the common pitfalls of hiring expensive sales teams without a system, and why a solid succession plan is the ultimate value-driver for any founder looking to exit!

If you're a small shop grinding it out or a mid-sized firm looking to scale through a strategic partnership, you shouldn't miss the raw and unfiltered insights from this episode!

About Chris Kolquist

Throughout his career, senior executive and strategic leader Chris Kolquist has been a catalyst in driving commercial growth, positive financial results, and maximum shareholder value in challenging and hyper-competitive markets. He has built a noteworthy reputation for understanding investments, delivering ROI objectives, managing massive change, and building highly effective cultures.

In 2021, Chris launched Koliway LLC, an investment and advisory firm specializing in investments, M&A transactions, board service, and advisory executive logistics work.

Chris began his career with Arthur Andersen, where he served as Senior Auditor from 1998 to 2001, conducting audits, M&A transaction support, and financial due diligence for buy-side and sell-side clients. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1998 and obtained his CPA license in 2001 (now inactive).

Connect with Chris

• Website: https://koliway.com/
• Email: [email protected]

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Stop overcomplicating your logistics strategy and start winning in a shifting market in today's episode! Let's dive into why your ability to read market trends is the ultimate tool for building long-term customer trust, the massive geopolitical impact of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and how fluctuating fuel prices are the primary driver behind tightening capacity and rising rates across North America!

I also cover the $2.2 trillion federal budget proposal and what a $946 million FMCSA funding boost means for shifting the focus from enforcement to critical infrastructure efficiency.

Whether we are seeing a return to COVID-era market extremes or just a volatile new baseline, you'll hear the straight-talk data you need to rip the metaphorical Band-Aid off, have honest conversations with your shippers, and prove your worth as a top-tier transportation professional!

Resources / References

• https://www.ttnews.com/articles/trump-iran-hormuz-passage
• https://www.ttnews.com/articles/trump-dot-fmcsa-budget-2026
• https://www.freightwaves.com/news/freight-market-sees-covid-era-extremes-return

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Looking for a raw, no-nonsense look at what it takes to pivot from the driver's seat to the brokerage office in this volatile market? Today, Nic Spears of NBS Freight LLC talks about the grit and discipline required to build a sustainable book of business!

We dive deep into the current state of the Ohio capacity market, the critical importance of regional subject matter expertise over being a generalist, and why focusing on the process is the secret to surviving long-term market shifts.

Nick shares his perspective on why transparency with carriers is non-negotiable and how physical discipline in the gym translates directly to the hustle of freight sales!

About Nic Spears

Nic Spears is the founder/operator of NBS Freight LLC, a non-asset freight brokerage based in Columbus, Ohio. He decided to embark on this entrepreneurial journey 4 years ago, while focusing on the dry van & reefer full truckload niche. Nic wants to be a differentiator in freight brokerage; as a crucial intermediary, it's vital to connect-the-dots properly. Dealing with brokers himself, he has seen firsthand where certain aspects could be vastly improved. He understands the ins & outs of what truckers go through on a daily basis by lived experiences. He brings deep foundational knowledge, resilience & mental toughness to the broker side.

He has 19 years of expertise in transportation from the driver's seat as a professional driver by way of OTR, regional, local & spotter positions, respectively. He is leveraging his background in trucking through Dry Van, Reefer & Tanker to provide elite service from a different perspective—from someone who has actually driven the truck.

Nic is an Air Force Veteran who helped support Air Force One & F-16 Fighter Jets on Active Duty. As a reservist, he supported C-17 Globemaster cargo planes. He was a valuable member in the Logistics career field as a supply journeyman that has traveled across the world serving his country, proudly & honorably.

A devoted family man, Nic is married with 3 daughters & a dog. When he's not managing freight, he serves as President of a local lowrider car club, Collective. He owns a classic 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham lowrider. He also invests heavily into his healthy lifestyle through working out & meal prepping consistently over the last 5 years. He brings military-grade discipline, energy & integrity to everything he does!

Connect with Nic

• Website: https://nbsfreightllc.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-spears-0baa02221/

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Are you rolling the dice on your business by operating underinsured, or worse, with the wrong coverage entirely? We've got Michele McGinnis from MiKargo247 back on the show today to explain why cargo insurance is the absolute backbone of a sustainable supply chain!

We cover the rising epidemic of cargo theft and why relying on standard carrier policies, which often exclude high-value commodities or driver errors, is a gamble you can't afford to take.

Whether you're a freight broker navigating a tightening market or a carrier looking to secure high-value loads into Mexico or Canada, Michele explains how insurtech is leveling the playing field.

We also dive into the benefits of all-risk spot coverage, the critical difference between reefer breakdown and errors and omissions, and how you can protect your margins with instant, per-load insurance certificates. Don't let a single claim bankrupt your operation; it's time to get your coverage dialed in so you can keep moving freight with total confidence!

About Michele McGinnis

Michele is the CEO and co-founder of MiKargo247, Insurtech for spot/single trip cargo insurance. Since its launch in 2021, Mikargo247 has solved the capacity concerns for carriers, freight brokers and shippers by providing them the ability to purchase freight insurance in seconds for limits and All-Risk coverage not normally carried. By offering a tool to level the playing field, her customers continue to grow and repeatedly return to the MiKargo247 solution. She has attracted transportation market place partners, Trucker Path, and Loadlink for easy access to MiKargo247 within their platforms. MiKargo247's speed, coverage and service are second to none.

Prior to her entrance in the insurance transportation world, she spent over 20 years in the mortgage business on a retail and wholesale level. The skills she developed in customer service and problem solving have parlayed well into her current day to day demands of logistics.

Connect with Michele

• Website: https://www.mikargo247.com/
• Phone: (971) 804-5254

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/