Let’s Talk Logistics

Let's Talk Logistics with Charlie Saffro

Charlie Saffro, never set out to build a top logistics recruiting firm, but CS Recruiting became just that. This episode dives into their rise, why most companies struggle to hire top talent, and how M&A, AI, and inbound strategies are transforming freight. Must-listen for anyone in logistics looking to hire smarter. 
Tune in now!
 
Key Chapters:
(0:00) Background and Introduction
(0:36) Accidental Start of CS Recruiting
(2:27) Challenges and Growth
(4:50) Rocket Shipping Origin Story
(8:54) Agent Model vs. W2 Employees
(13:22) Recruiting Philosophy and Strategy
(21:11) Future Plans and Industry Insights
(30:39) Freight Brokerage Models and Challenges
(31:28) Branding in Freight Brokerage
(34:13) Current Market Trends and M&A Activity
(41:35) Top Logistics Companies
(43:34) Freight Fraud and Industry Challenges
(49:23) Business Operations and Future Outlook
 
#LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech

Let's Talk Logistics with Kara Brown

 
Kara Brown, built the biggest GTM firm in freight—and she did it by staying laser-focused on what actually drives revenue. This episode covers why most brokers get ICP wrong, how to catch the 5% of buyers ready to move, and where inbound signals are hiding in plain sight. If you’re trying to grow in this market, start here.
 
Key Chapters:
(0:00) Background and Introduction
(0:43) Expanding Lead Coverage: Global Presence and Services
(2:00) The Revenue Engine: Writing and Promoting the Book
(7:03) Ideal Customer Profile and Go-to-Market Strategy
(13:40) The Importance of Intent Data in Sales
(29:05) Kara's Journey: From Echo to Lead Coverage
(34:34) Effective Strategies in Freight: Thought Leadership and Partnerships
(37:12) Quarterly Updates and Executive Thought Leadership
(39:51) The Sleepy Beauty Campaign
(41:06) Challenges in Sales Follow-Up
(50:40) The Importance of Niche Expertise
(57:38) Managing a Remote Team
(1:00:37) AI Strategy and Business Optimization
 
#LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #FreightMarketing #GoToMarket #LTLGrowth

Let's Talk Logistics with Clay Curran

Clay Curran, co-founder of FreshX, joined the pod to talk about solving one of LTL’s hardest problems: reefer. From last mile pilots to a full-on freight brokerage pivot, he breaks down how they landed on a software solution that actually works—giving brokers instant access to reefer capacity across 80+ carriers. No transaction fees. No messy workarounds. Just real rates and real coverage.
Key Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction and Background
(2:32) Founding FreshX: From Last Mile Delivery to Freight Brokerage
(4:00) Challenges in LTL Reefer and the Pivot to Software
(7:11) Building and Scaling FreshX
(15:24) Technical Insights and Product Development
(22:49) Understanding the Role of a Product Manager
(24:40) Future Vision for FreshX
(26:46) Real-Life Challenges in Cold Chain Logistics
(34:55) Dynamic Pricing and Carrier Relationships
(39:16) Tech Stack and Business Operations
(41:29) Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts
#LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #ReeferProblem #FreightFix #BrokerTools

Let's Talk Logistics with Garrett Allen

 
Garrett Allen, built LoadPartner, the first open-source TMS for freight brokers. We talk about why most platforms slow brokers down, how AI makes it easier to build what you need, and why owning your tech stack changes everything.
 
Key Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction and Background
(1:05) The Concept of Open Source TMS
(4:01) AI's Role in Freight Brokerage
(11:37) Pricing Models and Industry Challenges
(22:47) Search Carriers: A Deep Dive
(28:24) Garrett's Motivation and Vision
(29:36) New TMS in the Market
(33:29) Building a TMS in Real Time
(34:00) VC and Freight Tech
(35:14) Open Source TMS Business Model
(39:23) AI and Future Tech
(46:58) Launching the TMS
 
#LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #OpenSourceTMS #BrokerTech

Let's Talk Logistics with Ken Adamo

Ken Adamo has been in data long enough to know what’s broken—and who’s just making noise. We got into freight platforms, media takes, and why he’s still the one people call when things go off the rails. No hype. Just the stuff that actually matters.
 
Key Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction and Background
(1:25) Journey into Data Analytics
(2:42) Overview of DAT Solutions
(3:48) Understanding Freight Rates and Market Trends
(15:04) Cross-Border Freight Challenges
(23:43) Acquisitions and Corporate Development
(32:01) Navigating Contract Market Complexities
(34:08) The Trucker Tools Acquisition
(36:10) Ken's Career Journey
(37:20) Social Media and Industry Insights
(44:05) Market Predictions and Challenges
(51:54) Customer-Centric Culture at DAT
(1:01:42) Final Thoughts and Contact Information
 
#LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #DATFreight #TruckerTools #FreightMedia

Let's Talk Logistics with Steve Cox

Steve Cox, has seen every side of freight—CH Robinson, Access America, Coyote, and now Steam. We get into what it takes to build a $600M logistics company, how to survive the downcycle, and why the real risk is waiting too long. Worth the listen.
 
Key Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction and Background
(1:45) Chattanooga: The Freight Capital
(2:36) Steam Logistics' Growth and Challenges
(12:20) Adapting to Market Changes
(15:57) Personal Insights and Hobbies
(18:23) AI and Future Innovations in Logistics
(23:15) Building a Successful Brokerage
(27:40) Funding and Financial Strategies
(30:53) Hiring and Training Challenges
(33:23) Lessons from Rapid Expansion
(35:39) Implementing an ERP System
(38:16) Current Market Challenges
(51:15) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
(54:51) Final Thoughts and Contact Information
 
#LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #FreightLifers #LogisticsLeadership #BootstrappedGrowth 

Let's Talk Logistics with Chris Brewer

Chris Brewer built River City Logistics from the ground up—no VC, no shortcuts, just grit. We get into what it takes to scale a brokerage with assets and warehousing, why he still trains every new hire, and the moment he knew he had to fire a top performer. Freight built for the long haul. Worth the listen.
 
Key Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction and Background
(3:04) Family Life and Balancing Work
(5:15) Starting and Scaling River City Logistics
(10:55) Bootstrapping the Business
(16:33) Building a Strong Company Culture
(20:34) Current Market Trends and Predictions
(26:33) Fleet and Brokerage Synergy
(28:08) Big Predictions in the Trucking Industry
(33:40) Firing Employees: Philosophy and Practices
(36:15) Missed Opportunities and Lessons Learned
(50:31) Conclusion and Contact Information
 
#LetsTalkLogistics #FreightTech #FreightBrokerage #BootstrappedBusiness 
 
 

Let's Talk Logistics with Sam Tibbs

Sam Tibbs, built Trochi.AI to change how rate products work for brokers—giving them real control over their data and a piece of the upside. This episode breaks down why the old model fell apart, how better data shifts the market, and why broker ownership could change everything. A sharp look at where freight tech is heading. Worth the listen.
 
Key Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction and Background
(2:01) Mini Conference Announcement
(3:25) The Origin of Tro Kai
(4:09) Challenges in the Truckload Brokerage Industry
(9:36) Sam’s Background and Career Journey
(16:43) Starting a Business: First Steps and Challenges
(22:08) Building Trust and Collaboration with Brokers
(32:44) The Value of Large Customers
(33:57) Integration with Factoring Companies
(34:32) Challenges with Data Extraction
(35:37) The Importance of Broker Data
(37:39) Revenue and Market Share
(39:28) Building a Sustainable Business
(42:03) Future of Load Boards and AI
(57:01) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
 
#LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech #LogisticsData #RateVisibility #TruckloadMarket #BrokerTech

English Now Required For Truck Drivers?

A new executive order could take truckers off the road if they can't speak English — and it’s already sparking a fight. We break down what’s actually changing, why it matters for road safety, jobs, and immigration, and where the real friction points are. Forget the headlines — here’s what’s really going on behind the scenes.
Key Chapters:  
(0:00) Introduction and Overview
(0:48) Understanding the Executive Order
(3:16) Safety Concerns and Real-World Implications
(5:43) Industry Reactions and Economic Impact
(7:02) Analyzing Accident Data
(9:44) Balancing Safety and Fairness
(13:55) The Complex Debate on English Proficiency
#LetsTalkLogistics #ThisWeekinFreight #TransportationPolicy#EnglishLanguage #ExecutiveOrder #RoadSafety

Let's Talk Logistics with Matt Silver

Matt Silver, built Forager, sold it, and is back with Cargado. This one gets into cross-border freight, near shoring, and what it actually takes to build freight tech. Sharp, honest, and worth a listen.
 
Key Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction and Background
(0:49) Matt Silver's Background and Career at Coyote
(1:23) Founding Forager and Its Evolution
(3:50) Starting Cargado and the Role of Technology
(7:39) Challenges and Insights in Freight Brokerage
(17:05) Building a Tech-Driven Freight Company
(26:28) The Impact of Tariffs and Near shoring
(30:57) US-China Trade Relations and Manufacturing Shifts
(35:48) E-commerce and Supply Chain Adjustments
(41:41) Series A Funding and Business Strategy
(56:43) Building a Successful Team and Business
 
#LetsTalkLogistics #FreightNews #FreightTech