The Freight Coach Podcast

Today, you'll hear more market trends within the trucking industry, sales prospecting strategies, implementing better financial planning, and leveraging AI for operational efficiency! Tune in so you won't miss an episode that is valuable for your freight 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Greenscreens | https://brokers.greenscreens.ai/partnership/chris-jolly
• 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/

Listen to our featured guest today, Scooter Sayers of Cubiscan, sharing their role in the logistics industry, their four decades of journey, and Cubiscan's advanced automated dimensioning systems!

Scooter delves into the upcoming National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) changes, the importance of shippers understanding these changes to minimize invoice discrepancies and optimize pallet dimensioning processes, and the impact of digital transformation in the industry!

About Scooter Sayers

Scooter graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Business Administration. He, his wife, and his cat named Princeton currently reside in northeast Georgia.

He began his career in transportation with ABF Freight in 1991 as a Pricing Analyst, progressing through several positions including Director – Rating & Traffic Services. In this latter role, he held responsibility for 100 employees in the corporate office as well as the Weighing & Research team spread across the ABF Freight network. He developed the LTL industry's first density-based tariff in 1993.

Scooter is a former member of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) where he served as Chairman of the Weighing and Research Committee and Chairman of the Outreach Committee. He also served as a member of NMFTA's Weighing & Research Association. He is a two-time winner of ABF Freight's President's Club. He is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Industrial Engineers.

Following a 25-plus year career at ABF Freight and ArcBest Corporation, Scooter spent 3 years in the 3PL and freight brokerage space with several companies. He then formed Sayers Logistics LLC, an LTL transportation consultancy, to deliver LTL solutions by working with shippers, carriers, trade organizations, 3PLs, and technology providers to help move the LTL industry forward.

Scooter is currently employed at Cubiscan, a leader in freight dimensioning solutions, as their Business Development Director – LTL Solutions. He spends his days speaking with shippers, carriers, and 3PLs to deploy solutions that maximize revenues and profits, minimize costs, and optimize systems.

He enjoys running, the outdoors, BBQ cooking, supporting the special needs community, and following his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks.

Connect with Scooter

• Website: https://cubiscan.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scootersayers/

📊📉 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/
• Greenscreens | https://brokers.greenscreens.ai/partnership/chris-jolly
• 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, we've invited a talent acquisition expert from Global Executive Solutions Group, Josiah DiPaolo, to discuss the intricacies of recruiting effective people within the transportation industry!

Tune in to hear his insights on the job market, the demand for specific freight expertise, particularly in sales roles, and his advice for freight businesses!

About Josiah DiPaolo

Josiah is a Managing Director and within the Transportation, Logistics, & Supply Chain Management practices, with a focus in Intermodal, Drayage, and Port Logistics. Throughout his career in the executive search industry Josiah has established himself as a top resource in his respective niches in order to provide the top level of both search and consultative practices to his clients and candidates. Through a strong understanding of the industry both on a micro and macro level he is able to efficiently identify the right people and develop strong lasting relationships.

Josiah has worked with over 50 organizations both domestically and globally and has been recognized as a top 10% performer within a nationwide network of 650+ executive recruiters for 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024.

As a Managing Director, Josiah's personal work consists of executive level & C-suite search, organizational mentorship, and strategic team building.

Connect with Josiah

• Website: https://gesg.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-executive-solutions-group/

📊📉 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/
• Greenscreens | https://brokers.greenscreens.ai/partnership/chris-jolly
• 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 the key to maintaining a core competency in freight and succeeding for a multi-generational family-owned trucking business? Today, we've got an incredible guest, Pamela Polyak of Polyak Trucking, and hear her real-world experience, business strategies, and commitment to industry improvement!

Some Takeaways From This Episode:

• Strategic Company Focus: Polyak Trucking, a family-owned business, has evolved from milk delivery to specialized in dry van, reefer, and intermodal operations. Customer base diversification strategy—ensuring no client exceeds 25% of total revenue to mitigate risks.
• Business Development Strategy: Diversifying shipper relationships and maintaining a core competency in full truckload services. The Midwest is the main geographic focus, with flexibility for dedicated lanes. Avoiding service overload improves operational efficiency and profitability.
• Compliance and Education: Compliance with FMCSA and DOT regulations is becoming increasingly complex. Pam Polyak's consulting firm focuses on mock DOT audits and compliance education for small fleets, addressing common gaps and enhancing knowledge in regulatory requirements like driver qualification and drug testing.

📊📉 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/
• Greenscreens | https://brokers.greenscreens.ai/partnership/chris-jolly
• 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/

Listen to our last guest this week, Rob Rajfer, the founder and CEO of Waggon, as he speaks about his entrepreneurial journey and success in the transportation industry!

Here's What to Learn From This Episode:

• Rob Rajfer's Entrepreneurial Journey: Rob transitioned from a career at C.H. Robinson to founding Waggon with Tyler Sala. Launched in May 2023, catalyzed by market downturns and a risk-taking mindset post-capital raise from friends and family.
• Waggon's Growth Metrics: Bootstrapped from personal savings, Waggon achieved $3M in top-line revenue in its first six months and targets 6x growth in the second year, with ambitions to 3x again. Emphasis on talent and processes over tech complexity is vital to this growth.
• Key Industry Insights: Rob identifies M&A as significant for industry consolidation, benefiting fragmented small brokerages. Automation and AI will enhance back-office functions, but human interaction remains crucial in sales and customer service for maintaining competitive edge.

About Rob Rajfer

Robert received his BA in Liberal Arts and Business Management from Indiana University and his MS in Law from Northwestern University.

Robert has worked in the supply chain / logistics industry for the past five years. Robert spent the first three years of his career at C.H. Robinson (NASDAQ: CHRW) and the following years at Flock Freight (backed by SoftBank, Google Ventures, and Signal Fire).

In conjunction with his work in supply chain / logistics, Robert is the Managing Partner of Seconds Capital LLC, a boutique micro VC.

📊📉 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/
• Greenscreens | https://brokers.greenscreens.ai/partnership/chris-jolly
• 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, Joe Ohr and Holly Taylor let us explore the powerful features of NMFTA's new freight classification tool, the ClassIT+! Don't miss out on this discussion to hear how ClassIT+ can help navigate NMFC changes!

Here's What to Learn From This Episode:

• ClassIT+ Launch: Significant focus on the upcoming NMFC code changes with a rollout date of July 19, 2025 and industry urged to prepare using new tools.
• User-Centric Development: ClassIT+ aims for modernized classification with a user-friendly interface. Positive beta feedback shows high intuitiveness; the knowledge base supports with 150+ articles to assist users.
• Operational Readiness: Organizations need proactive communication regarding NMFC changes, especially for packaging/density impacts. NMFTA provides resources for shippers, carriers, and brokers to avoid disruptions and ensure smoother transitions.

Visit the Links Below!

• https://info.nmfta.org/2025-nmfc-changes/nmfc-item-lookup-tool
• https://info.nmfta.org/2025-nmfc-changes
• https://info.nmfta.org/classitplus

📊📉 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/
• Greenscreens | https://brokers.greenscreens.ai/partnership/chris-jolly
• 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, we'll talk about the keys to building strong and long-term client relationships with SPI Logistics' Mike Ghouleh! Learn the crucial role of having a support system and his own formula for success by listening to this episode!

Here's What to Learn From This Episode:

• Client Transparency: Mike emphasizes open cost sharing, building strong client trust despite not being the cheapest. Highlights support team's role in client care as crucial for success.
• Sales Strategy: Mike advocates for a quality-focused client base over volume, aligning service delivery with client needs.
• Resilience and Growth: Overcoming setbacks and maintaining a long-term vision, the importance of personal fitness, support systems, and a clear 'why' to combat burnout and sustain motivation.

📊📉 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/
• Greenscreens | https://brokers.greenscreens.ai/partnership/chris-jolly
• 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/

How powerful is it to leverage platforms to vet potential business partners in freight? Let's hear it from Robert Light of CarrierSource in this episode!

Here's What to Learn From This Episode:

• Industry Insight on Accountability: Rob emphasizes mutual accountability & transparency as critical in freight. CarrierSource aims to empower small fleets/owner-operators lacking online visibility to ensure fair play in the industry.
• Importance of Online Reputation: Authentic reviews and SEO are shifting from traditional advertising, making a strong digital presence essential for brokers and carriers to stand out.
• Moderation and Authenticity Assurance: CarrierSource's review system mandates proof of business relationships for publishing reviews, allowing substantiated negative feedback. This balanced approach enhances credibility, vital for combating fraudulent or biased reviews.

About Robert Light

Rob Light is the CEO and Co-founder of CarrierSource, the leading carrier review website where carriers and brokers build a fair reputation with customer reviews, and connect with their ideal shipper prospects. Over the last four years, Rob has led CarrierSource as the team has gathered 70,000+ reviews of carriers and brokers, and helped attract an audience of over 400,000 monthly visitors. CarrierSource is the only industry specific intent data platform that helps transportation providers hone in on their ideal customer persona, and target them when they are in the market for new logistics partners.

Prior to starting CarrierSource, Rob was an early employee at the software review website G2.com. At G2, Rob saw the power of customer reviews and how small businesses could leverage the voice of their customers to compete with the largest companies in the space.

Connect with Robert

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.carriersource.io/

📊📉 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/
• Greenscreens | https://brokers.greenscreens.ai/partnership/chris-jolly
• 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/

Did you miss listening to some expert insights featured on this show about leveraging AI and technology in your freight business?

We're bringing Dhruv Gupta and Brad Hollister back on the podcast for a replay mashup episode to hear their goals in enhancing human capabilities and streamlining business processes through AI and tech!

Connect with Dhruv

• Website: https://www.drumkit.ai/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhruv4/

Connect with Brad

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

Watch Their Episodes on YouTube:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZpZbKdMoSk
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exumEsL36FY

📊📉 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/
• Greenscreens | https://brokers.greenscreens.ai/partnership/chris-jolly
• 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, Sean Smith is back for another valuable conversation about capital management strategies, cash flow optimization, and making wise financial decisions! Keep tuning in to the show!

Here's What to Learn From This Episode:

• Understanding Working Capital: Critical for business continuity; key sources include asset-based loans (lowest rates), AR lines/factoring, predatory factoring, and unsecured advances (highest rates). Match funding sources to needs to mitigate risks and costs.
• Emotional Decision-Making in Cash Management: Overpaying for capital or holding excess idle cash traps businesses. Regularly review expenses and maintain lean operations; avoid pitfalls of both excess and insufficient cash reserves.
• Optimizing Cash Flow and Payment Strategies: Leverage accounts receivable and manage payment timing to enhance liquidity. Recognize red flags (e.g., high credit utilization) and negotiate favorable payment terms to protect business interests. Set clear contracts and maintain open communication for effective relationship management.

About Sean Smith

Sean Smith, VP of Product at Denim, has spent 10 years building and scaling products in the financial services and logistics industries. While leading Product at Denim, he has pioneered new capabilities for the factoring space including risk automation and pricing. Sean has also led work on our client dashboard, job management and collaboration that have revolutionized the process and workflow for broker clients looking to save time on back office operations. He excels at combining his passion for technology with the ability to drive impact on a balance sheet.

Connect with Sean

• Website: https://www.denim.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithseanp/
• Twitter (X): https://x.com/smithseanp

📊📉 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/
• Greenscreens | https://brokers.greenscreens.ai/partnership/chris-jolly
• 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/