Freightvine

Zac Rogers, CSU and Dale Rogers, ASU | 10 Years of the Logistics Manager’s Index

The Logistics Manager’s Index has spent the last 10 years offering an early read on where the economy may be headed. In this episode, Chris Caplice is joined by Professors Zac Rogers of Colorado State University and Dale Rogers of Arizona State University to look at what the LMI is signaling now. The LMI tracks eight components across transportation, warehousing and inventory, using input from senior logistics leaders to measure whether each area is expanding or contracting. Recent readings point to a freight market where transportation capacity is tightening, prices are rising sharply and businesses are taking very different approaches to inventory. In this conversation, they cover: 🚛 Why transportation prices recently reached some of the highest levels in the LMI’s history 📦 How retailers are keeping inventories lean while manufacturers stockpile critical components 🌎 What tariffs, regulation and geopolitical uncertainty are doing to transportation capacity 🏗️ Why warehousing demand is picking back up, including the impact of data center construction 🔮 What the LMI suggests about freight costs, capacity and economic growth through the rest of 2026 If you work in shipping, transportation or supply chain planning, this episode offers a useful look at the signals shaping the second half of the year. Interview recorded on August 12, 2026 Freightvine Market Update recorded on August 17, 2026 Catch previous episodes 👉 dat.com/podcast/freightvine Chapters: 00:09 Introduction to the Logistics Managers Index 01:29 Divergence in Inventory Management Strategies 01:56 Impact of Data Center Construction on Economic Growth 02:07 Introduction to the LMI and Its Founding 04:13 Understanding the Logistics Manager's Index (LMI) 07:23 The Role of Surveys in LMI Data Collection 10:20 Survey Response Rates and Participant Engagement 13:28 Recent Trends in Inventory Management 22:41 Transportation Trends and Their Impact on the Economy 23:18 Understanding Price Increases and Policy Impact 24:34 The Freight Recession and Capacity Challenges 28:36 Labor Market Dynamics and Capacity Decisions 33:01 Warehousing Trends and Data Center Influence 37:02 Economic Predictions and Uncertainty Factors 50:00 Freightvine Market Update

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Andrew Sibold, IANA | Tracking the Intermodal Market

Intermodal is gaining ground, but the story looks very different depending on the type of freight and where it is moving. This week, Chris Caplice is joined by Andrew Sibold, Director of Economics for the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), to discuss the forces reshaping the intermodal market. In this conversation, they cover: Why domestic intermodal volume is growing as international volume declines How higher truck rates, softer imports, and data center construction are influencing demand What IANA’s new Intermodal Volume Index reveals about current conditions How machine learning and economic indicators support 12-month volume forecasts Why tariff-driven shifts toward East Coast and Gulf ports may be here to stay How intermodal security, autonomous trucks, and the trucking freight cycle fit into the bigger picture If you work in shipping, trucking, rail, or freight planning, this episode offers a clear look at the economics behind today’s intermodal market. For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:20 Andrew's Career Path to IANA 04:32 The Rebound of Intermodal in 2026 07:25 Intermodal Volume Index 16:05 Intermodal Predictive Model 25:52 Forecasting and Data Analysis 29:07 Tariff Volatility and Intermodal 34:02 Driver Capacity and Drayage 36:36 Autonomous Vehicles and Intermodal 42:11 Artificial Intelligence in Freight 45:37 Intermodal Expo and Market Update

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Andres Mendoza Pena, Kearney | Forged in Disruption

This week, Chris Caplice is joined by Andres Mendoza Pena, Partner at Kearney, to discuss the latest CSCMP State of Logistics Report, Forged in Disruption, and what it means for shippers navigating a more connected and unpredictable world. In this conversation, they cover: Why traditional cost-first supply chain playbooks are becoming less effective How companies are building more flexibility across suppliers, countries, and transportation networks Where AI is producing real results in logistics workflows Why autonomous trucking may reshape transportation economics and network design How reactive decisions can create costly “network drift” Why scenario planning and “non-regret moves” can help companies prepare for multiple possible futures If you’re responsible for supply chain strategy, transportation, or network planning, this episode offers a practical look at how to operate when disruption is no longer the exception. For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:41 Understanding Ongoing Volatility in Supply Chains 07:08 The Impact of Globalization and Interconnectedness 09:46 Shifts in Supply Chain Strategies 11:58 E-commerce Trends and Consumer Behavior 14:24 The Role of AI in Supply Chain Management 17:05 Governance and Implementation of AI Solutions 24:08 Exploring Autonomous Driving and Trucking Technology 28:56 Understanding Network Drift in Supply Chain Management 33:46 Navigating Tariff Policies and Global Supply Chains 38:23 Railway Mergers and Market Dynamics 42:24 Forecasting Future Trends in Freight Markets 44:32 Truckload Market Overview 47:23 Spot vs Contract Rates Analysis

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Jim Filter, Schneider | Steering Schneider Forward

This week, Chris Caplice is joined by Jim Filter, Schneider’s newly appointed President and CEO, to talk about what it means to step into that role during a period of major change for the freight industry. Jim reflects on his nearly 30-year career at Schneider, the operational and international experiences that shaped his leadership, and how the company is adapting as customer needs, technology, and market conditions continue to shift. In this conversation, they cover: What it means to lead Schneider as only the fifth CEO in the company’s history How dedicated transportation and brokerage have become bigger parts of Schneider’s strategy What regulatory enforcement and broker liability could mean for capacity How driver roles, tools, and career paths continue to evolve The future of electric and autonomous trucks How Schneider is using AI and technology across the business If you work in shipping, brokerage, or carrier operations, this is a timely look at how one of the industry’s largest operators is thinking about the road ahead. For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:36 Career Path, Leadership Preparation and Developing Talent 07:29 Technological Advancements in Transportation 14:13 Customer Relations and Problem Solving 14:50 Current Market Dynamics and Capacity Challenges 16:35 Impact of Regulations on the Industry 23:17 Chameleon Carriers and Industry Challenges 28:21 CEO Priorities and Strategic Focus 31:18 Evolution of Dedicated Services 35:59 EVs and Avs 45:38 Legacy and Leadership in the Industry 48:06 Freightvine Truckload Market Update 48:11 Dry Van Market Update 49:04 Temp Control (Reefer) Market Update 49:37 Intermodal Market Update 50:09 Flatbed Market Update 50:56 Key Takeaways

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Jason Miller, MSU | The Capacity Driven TL Cycle and the ROI of AI

This week, Chris Caplice is joined by Dr. Jason Miller, Professor of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business, for his fifth appearance on Freightvine. Chris and Jason break down why they believe the current truckload cycle began in December 2025, why it took a few months to confirm the shift, and why this expansion looks different from past freight cycles. In this conversation, they cover: Why this cycle appears to be supply-driven, not demand-driven What spot and contract rate spreads can tell us about market shifts How capacity exits, Class 8 orders, and routing guide failures are shaping the market Whether the AI boom can deliver real ROI or if the market is getting ahead of itself What Michigan’s logistics and supply chain work can tell us about manufacturing, food production, and trade If you’re trying to understand where truckload pricing, capacity, and freight demand may be headed next, this is a timely conversation with one of the industry’s sharpest data-driven voices. For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:55 Identifying the Current Truckload Cycle 04:16 Market Signals and Transition Points 05:53 Comparing Cycles: 2017-2018 vs. 2025 09:00 Supply vs. Demand Driven Cycles 12:15 Routing Guide Compliance and Market Dynamics 16:15 Spot vs. Contract Rates: Current Trends 20:38 Economic Factors Influencing Freight Rates 22:47 AI and Memory Chip Demand: Future Implications 26:10 The Future of AI and Profitability 27:23 Electricity Infrastructure and AI's Role 29:03 The Cost of AI and Model Maintenance 31:28 AI's Impact on Labor and Employment 34:04 AI in Academia and Content Creation 38:04 The Economics of AI and Cost Structures 45:33 Logistics and Supply Chain in Michigan 51:09 Freightvine Market Update

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Mike Roeth, NACFE | The Cost of the Messy Middle

The freight industry’s transition to alternative power is firmly in the “messy middle” This week, Chris Caplice is joined by Mike Roeth, Executive Director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, to unpack what that actually means for carriers, shippers, and the broader supply chain. Mike has been leading NACFE since its early days and brings insights from years of work plus the latest “Run on Less” demonstration and cost analysis on how fleets are navigating this evolving landscape. In this conversation, they cover: Why diesel, BEV, hydrogen, natural gas, and biodiesel will continue to coexist Where battery electric vehicles are gaining traction first (regional + drayage) What NACFE’s latest “Run on Less” data reveals about real-world adoption Why there’s no single “winner” in the near-term transition How carriers and shippers can make practical decisions amid uncertainty If you’re trying to make sense of where freight energy is headed next, this one’s worth a listen. For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine

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Ken Adamo | The End of Broker Preemption

A unanimous Supreme Court decision could have major implications for freight brokerages🚨 Chris Caplice is joined by Ken Adamo, Chief Strategy Officer at Ease Logistics, to break down the Montgomery case and what it means now that brokers can be held liable for negligent carrier hiring. ⚖️ Why this ruling could reshape broker liability 📈 The potential impact on insurance costs 🚛 How small and mid-sized brokers may be affected most 🔍 Why carrier vetting is now under a bigger spotlight 🛠️ The tools and practices brokers may need moving forward If you work in brokerage, shipping, or carrier operations, this is a conversation worth paying attention to. Find previous episodes 👉 https://bit.ly/42HyzRg

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Peter Swartz | Navigating the New Global Trade Landscape

Chris Caplice sits down with Peter Swartz, CEO and co-founder of Altana, to talk about what it takes to navigate today’s fragmented global supply chain landscape. 🌎 Why multi-tier supply chain visibility matters more than ever 📑 Managing tariffs, trade regulations, and compliance at scale 🤖 How AI is helping businesses respond faster to disruption 📦 Understanding the full value chain from raw materials to finished goods As global trade grows more complex, visibility is becoming a competitive advantage. Find previous episodes 👉 https://bit.ly/42HyzRg #Freightvine #SupplyChain #Logistics #GlobalTrade

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Bill Cassidy | Fuel, Freight, and the Resilience of LTL Markets

In this Freightvine podcast episode, Chief Scientist Chris Caplice interviews Bill Cassidy, Senior Editor for Trucking and Domestic Transportation at the Journal of Commerce and a transportation expert. They discuss the current "diesel squeeze," where costs jumped 32% in one month, reaching $5 per gallon instead of the expected $3.70—a devastating "black swan" event for small carriers. The collapse of Yellow allowed surviving LTL carriers to maintain pricing discipline with trending rate increases. Data center construction booms create new opportunities for flatbed and LTL carriers. Finally, they explore AI as an enabling sub-technology helping humans solve complex logistics problems faster than standalone products. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matthias Winkenbach | New Approaches to Solving the Last Mile Puzzle

In this episode of the Freightvine Podcast, host Chris Caplice sits down with Dr. Matthias Winkenbach, Director of Research at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics, to explore how the “last mile” problem is evolving under modern logistics pressures. Winkenbach explains how rising customer expectations for speed and consistency are stretching traditional optimization models and how machine learning and generative AI are now being used alongside operations research to enable faster, more dynamic delivery decisions. The discussion also covers his shift in research focus from urban megacity logistics to warehouse and facility-level systems, highlighting the growing need to connect internal operations with broader supply chain networks. Finally, they examine how AI-driven scenario modeling is helping companies design more resilient supply chains and better prepare for future disruptions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eric Johnson | Diesel, Disruption, and Disappearing Capacity

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor at the Journal of Commerce (JOC), part of S&P Global, is the guest on this episode of the Freightvine podcast. Eric leads coverage and analysis of technology's impact on global logistics and trade. He is co-chair of the annual Inland Distribution Conference and founder of TPM Tech, the technology-focused event held in conjunction with TPM - the Transpacific Maritime conference. Our conversation covers many different converging pressures currently affecting freight markets and global supply chains. First, we analyze how fuel cost pressures impact domestic supply chains, and the particular vulnerability of small carriers operating without long-term contract protections or fuel surcharge mechanisms comparable to larger fleets. Second, we explore the broader economic implications of energy supply constraints beyond diesel pricing, including the effects on raw materials, manufacturing inputs, and less visible supply chain dependencies. Third, we examine the ongoing uncertainty surrounding US tariff policy, including the sometimes hidden or mostly forgotten operational burden this creates for customs compliance. This has become even more complex with the looming and currently undefined tariff refund processes. We also address structural questions about freight contracting practices, the role of technology in market efficiency, and current applications and limitations of artificial intelligence in logistics operations. Throughout the conversation, Eric provides context on how current market dynamics compare to previous cycles, and what patterns suggest about medium-term industry trajectories. Whether you work in carrier operations, shipper logistics, or policy development, this episode offers substantive analysis of factors affecting your operations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason Traff | Escaping the Digital Filing Cabinet of Logistics

In this episode of the Freightvine Podcast, host Chris sits down with Jason Traff, co-founder of Shipwell, to explore the transformation of supply chain management from manual spreadsheets to AI-driven automation. Traff recounts his unique journey from shipping art globally to founding a modern Transportation Management System (TMS) at MIT, driven by the need to replace legacy "digital filing cabinets" with proactive, actionable technology. The discussion covers the industry's shift from simple shipment visibility to automated problem-solving, the practical role of AI as a "digital coworker" in reducing manual labor, and how mid-market shippers can leverage these tools to secure significant ROI and future-proof their operations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Pickett | How Shared Truckload Creates a New Mode

This week’s guest is Chris Pickett, Chief Commercial Officer at Flock Freight as well as the Founder of Pickett Research. Chris Pickett returns to the podcast after 6 years! In the conversation, he discusses the evolution of freight brokerage, from his days building Coyote Logistics to his current focus at Flock Freight. He details how Flock is establishing "Shared Truckload" as a distinct mode from TL and LTL, allowing shippers to pool freight within corridors to reduce costs and carbon emissions. We also discuss his proprietary "Pickett Line" market analysis tool that identifies both the timing and amplitude of the truckload market cycle. Chris issues a bold warning for shippers: prepare for a potential 45% surge in spot rates and double-digit contract increases by the end of 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Erin Van Zeeland | Coming Full Circle with Freight Tech in the TL Industry

In this episode, Erin Van Zeeland discusses the massive technological transformation of the logistics industry in general, and Schneider specifically. Here are Three Key Takeaways 1.AI and Digital Transformation: The company has transitioned from manual processes to using specialized "logistics bots" that interpret customer intent and automate maintenance requests. This technology allows for human-free transactions in routine operations, increasing speed and allowing the team to focus on high-value, complex problem-solving. 2. Strategic Network Engineering: Known as the "secret sauce," Schneider layers dedicated accounts with one-way networks. By matching complementary regional shippers, they maximize driver productivity and asset utilization. This engineering reduces empty miles and creates a more efficient, stable logistics environment. 3. Sustainability and Market Outlook: Schneider reached a milestone of 10 million zero-emission miles in 2025. They also view intermodal transport as a vital green solution. Van Zeeland anticipates a gradual market tightening driven by supply-side regulations and low margins rather than a sudden demand surge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fab Brasca | How Agentic AI is Democratizing Supply Chain Capability

In this episode, Fab Brasca (SVP at Kinaxis) discusses the evolution of supply chain technology from 1990s silos to modern, integrated systems. The three key takeaways: Concurrency over Silos: Moving beyond sequential processes, concurrency allows for instantaneous, cross-functional visibility. A change in one area—such as a forecast adjustment—immediately ripples across the entire network. Actionable Control Towers: While many towers only monitor, the sources emphasize that they must become actionable. Through scenario planning, teams can evaluate disruptions (like labor shortages) and agree on responses before committing changes to a master plan. AI Democratization: Agentic AI and LLMs are lowering skill barriers, allowing non-planners to use natural language to identify supply chain trouble spots. However, human-in-the-loop governance is essential to ensure reliability. Ultimately, as volatility becomes structural, firms must build adaptable environments to thrive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Larry Gross | The Intermodal Industry – Past, Present, and Future

In this podcast, Larry Gross, a long-time industry expert and 2024 Silver Kingpin Award winner, reflects on a career that began before the deregulation of the transportation industry in 1980. Gross spent over two decades developing Road Railer technology, which featured reinforced 53-foot trailers that could act as rail cars through the attachment of detachable rail running gear. Although this innovation was eventually supplanted by the 53-foot domestic container on double-stack rail, Gross notes that "ignorance is the mother of innovation," as he likely would never have started the project had he known the true nature of the obstacles ahead. Gross describes the current relationship between freight modes by stating that truckload is the "dog" and intermodal is the "tail," meaning the health and movements of the trucking market inevitably govern the domestic intermodal sector. Currently, the industry is split between international ISO containers and domestic 53-foot containers, with approximately 60% to 65% of all U.S. intermodal volume tied directly to international trade. While intermodal service is currently as good as it has ever been, its market share has remained stuck in the 6% range for domestic moves. This stagnation is partly due to Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), a strategy focused on reducing costs and operating massive trains, which often restricts intermodal service to only the largest, longest-haul markets. Looking toward the future, Gross is excited by autonomous, battery-powered rail cars that move in platoons. This technology could allow intermodal to reach shorter-haul markets by removing the need to accumulate giant trainloads. However, he warns that autonomous trucking poses a significant threat to rail; by removing the driver, trucking could offer team-driver service levels at costs lower than a single driver, making it even harder for intermodal to compete. Ultimately, Gross views intermodal as a "good enough story," where the service must be reliable and roughly 15% cheaper than trucking to remain an attractive alternative for shippers. Top Three Takeaways 1. The Two-Thirds Rule of Competitiveness: As a practical rule of thumb, intermodal can typically compete with trucking if the rail portion of the trip represents at least two-thirds of the total door-to-door miles. This ratio determines the "drainage area" around a terminal where rail remains economically viable despite drayage costs. 2. Diversified Port Strategies: Importers have shifted from a West Coast-centric model to a "four-corner" or "five-corner" strategy, diversifying volume across the Pacific Northwest, Southern California, the Gulf, the Southeast, and the Northeast. This shift has hurt intermodal because the shorter lengths of haul from East Coast ports naturally favor trucking. 3. The Tension Between PSR and Growth: While Precision Scheduled Railroading has significantly improved railroad profitability and operating ratios, its focus on cost-cutting and large-scale operations acts as an impediment to gaining market share. By restricting service to major long-haul corridors, the railroads may be hitting a ceiling for potential growth. Larry Gross suggests that major shifts in the supply chain are like tectonic plate movements: they are incredibly slow and inexorable, meaning you cannot fight them but must simply learn to accommodate them. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kevin Zweier | Freight Procurement in the AI Era

This week’s guest is Kevin Zweier, Partner & Lead of North American Transportation Practice for Argon & Co. Kevin is a leading expert in transportation procurement having been in the practice for three decades now. In today’s conversation, we discuss the current state of freight procurement as we enter 2026. While market volatility has led to a "cry wolf" syndrome regarding shippers falsely sensing the market tightening for three bid cycles, shippers are now prioritizing stability. There has also been a significant shift toward removing low-volume lanes from traditional bidding processes in favor of API-driven digital solutions and dynamic pricing. Zweier also explains that while generative AI is becoming a valuable tool for task automation and data translation, it has not yet replaced human decision-making in complex strategies. Finally, the discussion touches on the rise of committed capacity, a more flexible alternative to traditional dedicated fleets, as a way for companies to secure reliable transportation in a shifting market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ken Adamo and Dean Croke | Wrapping Up 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026

This week’s guests are my two DAT iQ colleagues: Ken Adamo, Chief of Analytics, and Dean Croke, Principal Analyst. This is our annual end of the year podcast where we revisit our predictions from last year, discuss the major issues of the current year, and take our best guesses as to what will happen next year. We did not do that well in our annual predictions for 2025 - we all expected dry van spot rates to increase by anywhere from 3 to 12% when in fact they dropped by more than 2%. Tariff uncertainty and weak demand were noted as the primary culprits. Ken aptly described 2025 as "a long protracted sigh." Dean expressed the surprising influence of social media on regulatory policy, as a questionable TikTok video led to an executive order and strengthened FMCSA policy regarding English language proficiency and CDL standards. This led to predictions that 2026 will bring a gradual recovery mainly due to the exodus of capacity rather than any increase in demand. The conversation concludes with predictions for 2026 dry van spot rates, with forecasts ranging from an increase of 3% to 10% by the end of the year. Let’s see how we do! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Corey Klujsza | Inside the Truckload Business Cycle

In this episode, we’re joined by Corey Klujsza, VP of Pricing and Procurement Strategy at RXO. With experience spanning Coyote Logistics, UPS, and now RXO, Corey brings deep insight into how the truckload market works. He walks us through RXO’s quarterly market analysis framework—the RXO Curve—which tracks year-over-year truckload rate changes to understand market cycles and risk. We dig into the logistics business cycle from equilibrium to peak and through the downturn, examine current market conditions, and discuss factors like tariff uncertainty, the flat market since Q2 2023, and the ongoing gap between spot and contract rates. Corey also weighs in on whether technology and faster information flow are changing the fundamentals of supply and demand or simply speeding up how the market reacts. If you work in freight procurement, carrier relations, or market analysis, this episode offers valuable perspective on today’s truckload market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tim Gagnon & Mark Albrecht | How Agentic AI is Changing How We Do Business

In this episode, we welcome Tim Gagnon (VP of Analytics and Data Science) and Mark Albrecht (VP of AI and Enterprise Strategy) from C.H. Robinson to discuss how AI is transforming the freight industry. We explore the evolution of AI—from traditional methods like machine learning and robotic process automation, to generative AI, and now Agentic AI, which can plan, use tools, learn from past mistakes, and act like a true assistant. C.H. Robinson’s unique approach, “Lean AI,” aligns operational discipline with AI priorities, focusing on high-leverage initiatives while keeping customers and carriers at the center. They also limit AI agency in critical areas like order building to maintain reliability and low failure rates. This episode is a deep dive into how AI is fundamentally rewiring logistics and a must-listen for anyone interested in the state-of-the-practice AI in freight transportation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.