The Freight Pod

Chadd Olesen, CEO of automation technology company AVRL, joined us this week to discuss his company's journey. AVRL started in 2017 focused on natural language processing, but pivoted in 2020 to automate spot freight pricing for brokers. 
Chadd shared how AVRL had to rethink their approach and technology to better fit the needs of freight brokers, rather than trying to force brokers to adapt to their original product. He emphasized the importance of being consultative and collaborative with brokers, allowing their domain expertise to shape the automation rather than fully replacing the human element.
The conversation also touched on the evolving API pricing landscape, the challenges of change management when implementing new technology, and Chadd's personal growth as a leader in navigating the complexities of the freight industry. Overall, the episode provides insights into building a successful freight tech company by deeply understanding the industry and empowering rather than replacing human expertise.

***Episode brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services.***

Uber Freight announced it's newest capacity-as-a-service offering, Broker Access. The tool is designed to provide capacity for other brokers through the Uber platform. Uber has tens of thousands of carriers within it's network through the development of it's own brokerage and the acquisition of Transplace. My concern with this program is, in my opinion, this is a case of double or co-brokering. Whichever terminology you choose to use, it represents a problem as most shippers would be very opposed to any type of arrangement where one broker is procuring capacity from another broker. 

During the episode, I break down why I believe what I do about this program, and what I think Uber should focus on moving forward to eventually reach sustainable profitability.

Kara Smith-Brown joins us on this week's episode to discuss her career in marketing, how her company, LeadCoverage supports the freight industry, and her new book, The Revenue Engine, that comes out November 19th. Together, we explore how aligning sales with marketing can lead to a harmonious and successful business environment. By sharing her journey from the early days at Echo Global Logistics, Kara illustrates the potential of modern marketing tools to create a distinct edge for businesses in a competitive landscape. Her experiences underscore the underestimated power of marketing in shaping a company’s culture and future.

Leadership and emotional resilience take center stage as we discuss the importance of maintaining composure under stress, drawing inspiration from leaders like Doug Waggoner and Scott Pruneau. Our conversation spans meditation practices, the evolving nature of leadership styles, and the unique strengths of Type A personalities. We also tackle the challenges women face in male-dominated spaces, advocating for data-backed opinions and a deep understanding of business finance to gain influence. This episode promises an insightful journey through entrepreneurship, leadership, and strategic marketing, with a dash of real-world triumphs and personal anecdotes to inspire and motivate.

***Episode brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services.***

We are joined this week by entrepreneur and multiple-time founder, Prasad Gollapalli. Prasad got his start in the industry at the old school load board, GetLoaded, which was later acquired by DAT. From there, he began his entrepreneurial journey as he started TruckerTools. After a successful exit, he is now focusing his time and attention on the world of scheduling appointments, and bringing automation and AI to reduce the human touch on this mundane, but important task. His startup, Qued, is receiving a lot of attention in the industry as one of the first players to tackle the appointment scheduling problem.

Our conversation weaves in and out of the startups we've been a part of, as we discuss the challenges and opportunities of building businesses in the freight sector. Prasad provides great insight and advice to logistics professionals and future entrepreneurs. 

***Episode brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services.***

After 6 months of mental back-and-forth, I finally pulled the trigger and recorded a solo episode. No more self-doubt, no more negative self-talk, no more procrastinating. 

Today's theme is Just Do It. 

Hope you enjoy. 

***Episode brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services.***

On this week's episode, Andrew welcomes his older brother Matt Silver to discuss the official launch of his new startup, Cargado - a load board and technology platform focused on simplifying cross-border freight operations between the United States and Mexico. 

Matt shares his background, starting in the logistics industry at Coyote Logistics, where he helped build out the Mexico division. He left Coyote to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, founding Forager. Matt's business would eventually be acquired by Arrive, where he stayed on to lead their Mexico division. He recounts his experience from his first startup, including lessons learned, and opens up about some of the specific challenges that can happen if you don't manage your finances effectively. All those lessons and experiences set Matt up well to bring his next business to life.

The discussion dives into the complexities of the Mexico freight market - from the intricate web of carriers, customs brokers, and logistics providers involved in a single cross-border shipment, to the lack of technological infrastructure compared to the domestic US market. Matt explains how Cargado is aiming to bring more transparency, efficiency and collaboration to this growing segment of the supply chain.

The episode provides valuable insights for freight brokers and carriers looking to expand their cross-border capabilities, as well as the broader opportunities and challenges in the Mexico logistics landscape. Matt's entrepreneurial journey and the vision for Cargado offer an intriguing look at innovation within the freight industry.

***Episode brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services.***

What happens when you record a podcast from the moment your guest walks in, capturing every spontaneous and candid moment? That’s exactly what we did in this episode, and it led to a fascinating discussion about the power of authenticity and the often-overlooked value of raw, unfiltered conversation. We also dive into the challenges of maintaining mental health and motivation without the structure of a traditional job, sharing our own experiences and the importance of personal routines. The conversation gets personal as we talk about how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations drive us in our everyday lives, from professional aspirations to fitness goals.

Our guest, Ryan Schreiber, brings a wealth of experience from his journey from law school to the logistics industry. Through personal anecdotes, Ryan sheds light on how upbringing and familial expectations shape our motivational drivers. We discuss the constant balancing act between financial goals and personal values, using the freight brokerage industry as a case study. The conversation highlights the essence of genuine care and ethical leadership in business, along with the subjective nature of success. Ryan's three business rules—constant vigilance, getting uncomfortable, and the pursuit of fun—offer invaluable insights into maintaining control without micromanaging.

Leadership is a recurring theme in this episode, examined from various angles including personal growth and conflict resolution. We reflect on the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and setting personal boundaries. Our discussion touches on the complexities of leadership, the emotional chaos it can involve, and the significance of showing up every day with the intent to improve. We also explore the dynamics of the drama triangle in workplace conflicts and the empowerment dynamic that fosters positive interactions. By candidly discussing our flaws and the lessons learned from mistakes, we aim to set a positive tone for your week ahead. Tune in for a raw, honest, and energizing conversation that promises to leave you with new perspectives on motivation, leadership, and personal growth.

***Episode brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services.***

Alyssa Correale's journey in the logistics and supply chain industry is nothing short of inspiring. Ever wondered how a career can evolve from a small family business to leading roles in major companies like Niagara Bottling and Uber Freight? Alyssa shares her path, from her humble beginnings at Giovanni Foods, where she learned the ropes of logistics on a personal level hand-writing BOLs for drivers, to tackling the immense challenges of supply chain efficiency and innovation in larger corporate settings. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and embracing change at each stage of her career.

Facing gender bias and professional hurdles, Alyssa's narrative is rich with personal anecdotes and lessons from her professional life. She recounts her strategic move to Colorado, the transition from Molson Coors to MicroStar Logistics, and the pivotal roles she played in these companies. Through her experiences, Alyssa emphasizes the importance of supportive networks, informal mentorship, and maintaining a growth mindset. Her candid reflections on overcoming bias in a male-dominated industry provide valuable insights for anyone facing similar challenges.

From the complexities of transportation in the bottled water industry to the innovative leaps at Uber Freight, Alyssa's career highlights the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement. She discusses building robust carrier networks, handling rapid industry growth, and balancing professional life with motherhood. Alyssa's insights into digital brokerage and the ongoing evolution of logistics are a must-listen for industry professionals. Join us for a compelling episode filled with actionable takeaways and an in-depth look at the triumphs and tribulations of a remarkable career in logistics.

***Episode brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services.***

Discover the secrets to mastering recruitment in the logistics and transportation industry with insights from two of the industry's leading professionals, Charlie Saffro and Brent Orsuga. Charlie shares her serendipitous transition from marketing to establishing her own firm, CS Recruiting, while Brent reflects on his journey from construction recruitment to becoming a renowned figure in logistics with Pinnacle Growth Advisors. Together, they reveal the strategies that set them apart, including the power of reputation, referrals, and the relentless work ethic essential for securing initial clients.

Gain valuable tips on maintaining a positive work environment, balancing hands-on roles with strategic leadership, and the importance of authentic leadership. From leveraging LinkedIn to securing pivotal meetings, we explore how building strong candidate networks can lead to early success. Listen as Charlie and Brent discuss the intricacies of emotional regulation, evaluating company culture, and the ethical responsibilities that come with recruiting. You’ll also learn about the critical aspects of employee satisfaction, retention, and the nuanced process of navigating counteroffers.

This episode is packed with practical advice, from best practices for interviewing to the nuances of differentiating as an external recruiter. Gain insights on retaining talent through aligning values and growth opportunities. With compelling anecdotes and expert advice, Charlie and Brent underscore the importance of building strong, genuine relationships within the logistics and transportation industry, providing you with the tools to excel in your own career.

***Episode brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services.***

We are joined this week by Shannon Breen, CEO of FreightVana. We begin the episode walking through Shannon's story, as he explains his early entrepreneurial spirit, from aspiring franchise owner to real estate, before finding his way into logistics with industry giant, Knight Transportation. We talk through lessons he gleaned from his first freight years, including the experience of navigating the Knight-Swift merger.

Shannon would eventually scratch his entrepreneurial itch with the founding of FreightVana (FV) in 2021. FV's approach to the market has been rather unique, from the intentional and aggressive social media presence, to the significant investment in leasing their own trailers to develop a power only network, Shannon's team has worked to stand out from Day 1. We get into the details of how any logistics organization can stand out as we discuss the art of making business proposals unforgettable, a result of meticulous preparation in advance of a pitch. 
Shannon's insights emphasize the power of genuine effort and exceptional customer service in an industry where margins are tight, and competition is fierce.

Leasing trailers as a broker is a newer concept, and certainly not one many companies have done at scale. FV's approach here is rather unique, and this is the most in depth conversation we've had on the show about the benefits and challenges of such an approach. In the end, it can generate a lot more opportunities with customers, but at the same time, carriers more cost for the broker to navigate. Ultimately, building the right network will drive a broker's ability to succeed on the path FV is taking. 

Shannon is a super easy guy to talk to and someone that has developed tremendous insight that our entire industry can learn from. I hope you enjoy the episode.

***Episode brought to you by Rapido Solutions Group. I had the pleasure of working with Danny Frisco and Roberto Icaza at Coyote, as well as being a client of theirs more recently at MoLo. Their team does a great job supplying nearshore talent to brokers, carriers, and technology providers to handle any role necessary, be it customer or carrier support, back office, or tech services.***