The Freight Coach Podcast

What's the biggest threat to your freight business right now—fraud, market volatility, or outdated regulations?

Today, let's break down the harsh reality of trust issues between brokers and carriers, as fraud reaches all-time highs across social media and industry platforms!

Tune in to find out the exact verification steps I use to spot real carriers, why load boards are becoming less relevant as reliable partnerships take over, and why details like pallet counts, addresses, and special requirements matter more than ever for protecting deals!

This episode also covers current market conditions, how interest rates and tariffs tie into recovery timelines, the keys to surviving long downturns, my take on tech investments, compliance updates, and what's really needed to protect our industry from the inside out!

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart's purpose, visit https://www.haveaheartinc.org/donate.

🚀🔥 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 today's episode, NMFTA's Keith Peterson and Farooq Huda of Worldwide Express join us to talk about how the Digital Standards Development Council (DSDC) is changing the game for freight tech!

We explore how universal API standards are eliminating repetitive integration work across LTL, full truckload, 3PLs, and shippers, making "build once, use everywhere" a reality.

Our guests share real-world adoption from companies like Worldwide Express, the benefits of an ecosystem approach, and why this move toward industry-wide digitalization will improve compliance, reduce back-office overhead, and unlock massive long-term value!

DSDC Website: https://dsdc.nmfta.org/home

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart's purpose, visit https://www.haveaheartinc.org/donate.

🚀🔥 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/

What if you could quote thousands of lanes in minutes, respond to shippers in under two, and still have time to grow your customer base? Let's welcome Tabi Connect's Dan Hellmann back to the show to explain how quoting automation, RFP modules, and lightning-fast rate delivery are changing the game for freight brokers and carriers!

We discuss why speed is your biggest competitive advantage in today's market, how data-driven sales build trust with shippers, and why honest onboarding beats over-promising every time.

Dan covers more topics to help you automate smarter, execute flawlessly, and deliver more value than the competition, so keep tuning in!

About Dan Hellmann

With a career spanning 19 years in the transportation and logistics industry, Dan Hellmann is a dynamic and results-driven leader. Currently serving as the Chief Sales Officer at Tabi Connect, he has been at the forefront of the company's success for the past 3.5 years. In this role, Dan leads sales, marketing, account management, and customer success, driving the company's growth and ensuring client satisfaction.

Dan is deeply involved in industry associations, serving as a Board Member for the Logistics and Transportation Association of North America (LTNA), an active member of the Young Executive Committee for the Transportation Intermediaries Association, and serves as a Board Member for the Denver Transportation Club.

A true veteran in the brokerage field, Dan Hellmann has accumulated invaluable experience in sales leadership, P&L management, and strategy. His journey includes successfully starting up a brokerage for a former customer, steering it to an impressive $50 million in revenue.

Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to industry events. His passion for innovation, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence make him a compelling voice in the world of transportation and logistics.

Connect with Dan

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hellmann-ctb/
• 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart's purpose, visit https://www.haveaheartinc.org/donate.

🚀🔥 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, let's cover some industry headlines, from UPS buyout extensions and automation plans, to truck manufacturers suing California over emissions rules, to the decline in rail intermodal market share!

Tune in to find out why my 12-month market outlook remains conservative and why consistent daily prospecting, 40, 50, even 60 calls a day, will keep you ahead no matter the conditions!

Bottom line? Your best play is staying focused, dialing daily, and matching the right freight to the right customers!

References / Resources

• https://www.freightwaves.com/news/ups-extends-buyout-offer-deadline-after-low-driver-interest
• https://www.ttnews.com/articles/4-top-truck-makers-sue-carb
• https://www.joc.com/article/us-domestic-rail-intermodal-market-share-shrinks-analyst-6061226

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart's purpose, visit https://www.haveaheartinc.org/donate.

🚀🔥 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/

What's really going on in freight brokerage right now? Why are rates stuck, and how should we position ourselves as brokers for the next market shift?

Together with our guest today, Ken Adamo of DAT Freight & Analytics, we dig into the supply-and-demand imbalance that's keeping rates flat, the impact of tariffs and interest rates on shipper behavior, and why DAT's acquisition of Convoy's tech could change how we approach automation!

Plus, the reality of cold calling in a stagnant market, how shorter RFP terms make sense right now, and why consistent service still beats chasing margin in building trust with shippers! Hear all these and more from today's episode!

About Ken Adamo

Ken Adamo, Chief of Analytics and Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at DAT Freight & Analytics, leads strategy, customer engagement, and industry analysis. He played a key role in DAT's acquisition of Trucker Tools, strengthening the company's visibility solutions.

A recognized expert in freight market trends, Adamo has helped customers navigate shifting conditions by translating complex data into practical insights. He has led key strategic initiatives, advanced predictive analytics, and serves as a trusted resource for industry analysts, customers, and journalists.

Before DAT, he led pricing and decision science teams at FedEx, developing forecasting models to optimize decision-making and profitability.

He was named a 2025 Pro to Know (Rising Stars category) by Supply & Demand Chain Executive and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal and trade publications.

Ken holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Akron and an MBA from The Ohio State University.

Connect with Ken

• Website: https://www.dat.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-adamo-8481611a/ / https://www.linkedin.com/company/dat-freight-and-analytics/

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart's purpose, visit https://www.haveaheartinc.org/donate.

🚀🔥 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 today's live show, you'll learn how to find shippers, build a prospect list, and grow your freight business without spending thousands on lead-generation tools!

This episode is about real freight industry insights, no gimmicks, no "guaranteed freight" scams, just what works!

Discover why choosing one freight mode and owning your niche is key, how to dominate your local market, and the importance of tracking every lead, building daily, repeatable systems that keep you consistent for the long haul, and why human connection will always beat tech automation!

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart's purpose, visit https://www.haveaheartinc.org/donate.

🚀🔥 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 spot rates really holding, or is capacity starting to tighten under the surface? Today, let's talk about the DAT's load board data, seasonal freight patterns, how tariffs and interest rates are shaping the future of the industry, the recent FMCSA enforcement on English language proficiency and accountability gaps around fraud, and why human conversations still matter in carrier vetting, despite all the technology!

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart's purpose, visit https://www.haveaheartinc.org/donate.

🚀🔥 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, a former top-ranked commercial truck sales rep, Sean Lyden of Systematic Selling, breaks down what actually works in freight sales!

We talk about the 90-day rule in B2B, how to reframe cold calls as shopping for customers, and why your Ideal Customer Profile isn't just about who to target, but also who to avoid. Sean also shares his dial-based prospecting strategy, KPI tracking tips, and why consistency beats intensity every time!

If you're a freight broker, carrier representative, or logistics founder, this is the kind of tactical strategy that can immediately shift your sales game. Want better conversions and a stronger pipeline? Tune in and start doing the work!

About Sean Lyden

Sean is the founder and CEO of Systematic Selling, where they help SMB owners and their sales teams in the service trades scale their sales (without the chaos).

Sean is a former U.S. Top 25 medium-duty truck sales rep (GMC, Chevrolet, Isuzu brands), has been in sales for 28 years, has handled over 1,200 coaching sessions for founders, owners, and their sales teams, and the co-author of Collaboration Effect on Profit: Overcoming Founder's Syndrome to Achieve Sustainable Success (2024).

Connect with Sean

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanlyden/
• Newsletter: https://www.systematicselling.co/

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart's purpose, visit https://www.haveaheartinc.org/donate.

🚀🔥 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/

Whether you're building relationships or just booking freight, this episode with the amazing couple from Cowtown Express Logistics, Colby and Raegan Baskin, is full of insights on how to build long-term success in the industry!

Colby and Raegan unpack how they've evolved from a family-run straight truck operation to a high-integrity, full truckload freight brokerage focused on open deck freight, why they made the tough but necessary call to exit their 60-truck asset side to protect safety and values, how they scaled their brokerage with a people-first culture, and why their business strategy is all about doing the right thing, even when it's not the easy thing!

About Colby and Raegan Baskin

Colby and Raegan bring a unique blend of operational expertise and strategic leadership to Cowtown Express Logistics.

Colby, CEO, earned his degree in Supply Chain Management from TCU in 2010. He began his career as a truck driver, gaining valuable hands-on experience before stepping into leadership. He went on to own and operate a fleet of 60 trucks, managing everything from business development to truck maintenance and driver hiring. Today, he leads Cowtown Logistics with a practical, grounded approach. Outside of work, he enjoys working out, cooking for his family, self-development, and learning how to grow a LinkedIn audience to create both personal and professional growth opportunities.

Raegan, COO, graduated from TCU in 2009 with a degree in Biology. She previously served as VP of Training at PhysAssist Scribes, where she led a team that trained over 4,000 medical scribes annually. Now, she focuses on operational growth, team development, and customer success at Cowtown Logistics. Outside the office, she enjoys yoga and spending time with their two children—Vivian (11) and Will (8).

Together, they combine real-world experience with executive vision to drive Cowtown's continued growth and culture.

Connect with Colby and Raegan

• Website: https://www.cowtownexpress.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-baskin-207089118/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/raeganbaskin/

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart's purpose, visit https://www.haveaheartinc.org/donate.

🚀🔥 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/

What if brokers actually owned the data they generate and got paid for it? Today, Sam Tibbs shares how Trochi AI is flipping the script by giving brokers ownership in the data economy they fuel, literally offering equity to those who contribute the most.

We discuss why today's rate tools fall short, how Trochi AI captures real-time load-level insights, and why predictive analytics, not just historical trends, are the next big wave.

It's a must-listen episode if you're into pricing intelligence, automation, and reclaiming broker value in freight tech!

About Sam Tibbs

Sam Tibbs is a product strategist focused on the intersection of freight, data, and technology. As co-founder and CEO of Trochi, he is working to build a truckload pricing and intelligence platform that empowers freight brokers to benefit from the data they create and own.

His trucking experience includes roles at Covenant Logistics Group, FreightWaves SONAR, Leaf Logistics, CloudTrucks, and TriumphPay, where he had the opportunity to learn from forward-thinking teams across the industry. Before entering the industry, Sam served in the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Power Program and worked in academia, those experiences continue to shape his approach to collaboration and problem-solving.

Connect with Sam

• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-tibbs/ / https://www.linkedin.com/company/trochi-data-corp/

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

To donate and contribute to the Have a Heart's purpose, visit https://www.haveaheartinc.org/donate.

🚀🔥 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/