The Logistics of Logistics

In "The TRAFFIX Report: The Strategic Forecast for North American Freight" Joe Lynch and Alex Fuller, Sr. Director of Revenue Management & Solutions at TRAFFIX, discuss the end of the freight recession and how rising rates, nearshoring, and market volatility are reshaping North American supply chains.
About Alex Fuller
Alex Fuller, Sr. Director of Revenue Management & Solutions at TRAFFIX, focuses on understanding market trends and helping customers grow through customized supply chain solutions, technology, and AI integration. Passionate about supply chains and business growth, Alex earned his undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management from BYU before beginning his career with a CPG company managing imports from China and distribution across the United States. He later completed his MBA at the University of Virginia and went on to build extensive industry experience with UPS and UPS Supply Chain Solutions prior to joining TRAFFIX. Outside of work, Alex is a former professional triathlete and recently completed the Boston Marathon, reflecting the same discipline and endurance he brings to his professional career.
About TRAFFIX
TRAFFIX is a leading North American 3PL that has been delivering customized supply chain solutions since 1979. With a customer-first approach, TRAFFIX partners with shippers to create flexible, scalable logistics strategies tailored to their unique business needs. The company offers a full suite of services, including truckload, flatbed, intermodal, drayage, expedited, LTL, managed transportation, and specialized government solutions. Backed by experienced logistics experts, TRAFFIX provides real-time visibility, optimized freight management, and agile solutions that help customers adapt to changing market demands. With U.S. headquarters in Chicago, IL, TRAFFIX employs more than 840 logistics professionals across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, helping businesses improve supply chain performance through customized supply chain optimization.
Key Takeaways: The TRAFFIX Report: The Strategic Forecast for North American Freight
In "The TRAFFIX Report: The Strategic Forecast for North American Freight" Joe Lynch and Alex Fuller, Sr. Director of Revenue Management & Solutions at TRAFFIX, discuss the end of the freight recession and how rising rates, nearshoring, and market volatility are reshaping North American supply chains.
The 2026 Market Inflection: Following a brutal, multi-year freight recession post-COVID, the North American freight market has officially turned. As of mid-2026, contract rates have climbed 10% year-over-year, while spot rates have exploded by 40%.
The Tariff & Pull-Ahead Wrench: Volatility in 2025 trade policies forced shippers to radically alter inventory strategies. Many pulled massive volumes ahead to beat tariffs, briefly spiking intermodal demand, before aggressively pivoting back to lean, just-in-time supply chains.
Fuel Cracking the Budget Dam: Skyrocketing diesel rates in early 2026 acted as a major catalyst for rate hikes. Unlike previous years where carriers absorbed fuel spikes, tight capacity means these costs are hitting shippers directly, forcing corporate CFOs to expand logistics budgets.
The Nearshoring Reality: Shorter, responsive supply chains are replacing long-distance sourcing. A massive wave of nearshoring to Mexico is underway, trading complex ocean freight for direct, highly automated cross-border trucking networks.
Immediate Capacity Threats (Q2 2026): Roadside inspection events like DOT Week, combined with driver pullbacks over Memorial Day weekend, are actively squeezing summer capacity. Spot rates are projected to remain highly elevated for the next 9 to 12 months as a result of these seasonal disruptions.
The Death of the Annual RFQ: High market volatility means annual freight bids are breaking down. Savvy shippers are shifting to agile 3-month and 6-month mini-bids, allowing 3PLs to price lanes accurately without adding heavy risk premiums to the rates.
TRAFFIX Corporate Profile: Established in 1979, TRAFFIX is a premier North American 3PL operating across the US, Canada, and Mexico. As an asset-light partner, they leverage mid-market agility, cross-border expertise, and on-demand warehousing to protect shipper capacity in volatile cycles.
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The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
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In "Why GenLogs is Critical for the Next Generation of Supply Chain" Joe Lynch and Danielle Spinelli, Director of Partnerships at GenLogs, discuss how visual truck intelligence provides a physical "truth layer" to combat cargo theft and verify carrier capacity.
About Danielle Spinelli 
Danielle Spinelli is the Director of Partnerships at Genlogs with over a decade of experience in logistics, carrier vetting, and cargo theft prevention. She also hosts the Tell Me Everything podcast, sharing insights on freight fraud, logistics trends, and supply chain security.
About GenLogs 
GenLogs is the Truck Intelligence™ platform that uses AI across a nationwide network of roadside sensors, satellites, and proprietary datasets to track all U.S. commercial vehicle patterns and drive better business outcomes across trucking, logistics, insurance, real estate, finance, and government.
Key Takeaways: Why GenLogs is Critical for the Next Generation of Supply Chain
In "Why GenLogs is Critical for the Next Generation of Supply Chain" Joe Lynch and Danielle Spinelli, Director of Partnerships at GenLogs, discuss how visual truck intelligence provides a physical "truth layer" to combat cargo theft and verify carrier capacity.
The Power of a "Physical Footprint": While the industry has long relied on a digital footprint (ELDs and self-reported data) for carrier vetting, GenLogs introduces a "truth layer" through a physical footprint. By capturing 15 million images daily, they provide visual proof of a carrier's actual activity versus what is reported on paper.
Combatting "Chameleon Carriers": The interview highlights the danger of chameleon carriers—entities that frequently change MC numbers or swap magnetic placards to hide poor safety records or involvement in fraud. GenLogs' network can track a single truck as it operates under multiple identities, flagging suspicious behavior. *
The "Ring Camera" for Highways: Danielle describes the GenLogs network as a "Ring for the highways." With specialized "Trident" cameras deployed across major U.S. interstates, the platform achieves a 98% carrier sighting rate, providing massive visibility into commercial vehicle patterns.
Advanced Cargo Theft Recovery: Beyond just prevention, the platform is an active tool for recovery. By analyzing historical sightings and specific truck markings (like unique mud flaps or bumper damage), the team has helped recover over 5,000 trailers in just two years.
Bridging the Law Enforcement Gap: Because local police often lack the jurisdiction or resources to track freight across state lines, GenLogs acts as a critical bridge. They collaborate directly with the FBI and FMCSA to provide the data necessary to prosecute large-scale criminal schemes rather than isolated incidents.
Beyond Security: Lanes and Capacity: The data serves a dual purpose for brokers and shippers as "Shipper Intelligence." It allows users to see which carriers are actually running specific lanes—even those who don't post on load boards—helping brokers expand their business with existing shippers by identifying untapped capacity.
The Future of Integration: The "next generation" of this tech lies in seamless integration. Danielle's focus is on connecting this visual data directly into TMS platforms, allowing brokers to see a photo of the truck assigned to their load as a final line of defense before the shipment picks up.
Learn More About Why GenLogs is Critical for the Next Generation of Supply Chain
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Unpacking Cargo Theft: Trends and Solutions with Danielle Spinelli
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In "Scaling with Intent: Removing the Constraints to Growth" Joe Lynch and Holly LaBoda, Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Formula L, discuss how logistics leaders can bridge the gap between high-level strategy and field execution by building a sustainable, system-led sales infrastructure.
About Holly LaBoda
Holly LaBoda is the Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Formula L, a sales operating system built for logistics, supply chain, distribution, and complex B2B service organizations. She has spent 18 years working inside these industries — including a decade at C.H. Robinson leading enterprise sales system design and go-to-market strategy — before building Formula L from the patterns she saw break organizations of every size. Holly holds an M.S. in Performance Improvement and certifications in change management and strategy — which means she doesn't just teach what worked once; she builds the system that makes it work consistently. She has worked alongside hundreds of sales leaders and thousands of sellers across logistics, freight, and distribution. Holly serves on the TMSA Board of Directors and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
About Formula L
Formula L is a sales operating system built for logistics, supply chain, distribution, and professional services organizations that have outgrown how they operate. Most growth leaders hit a ceiling that isn't about strategy — it's about the system underneath it. Formula L builds the infrastructure that closes the gap between the strategy leadership decides and what actually shows up in the field: a proprietary diagnostic and competency model, the LIFT Method development process, and a full partnership model that delivers the operating system alongside the team. The result is sales growth that doesn't depend on heroics — just a system built to handle it. Formula L works primarily with founder-led and PE-backed organizations in logistics and complex B2B services.
Key Takeaways: Scaling with Intent: Removing the Constraints to Growth
In "Scaling with Intent: Removing the Constraints to Growth" Joe Lynch and Holly LaBoda, Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Formula L, discuss how logistics leaders can bridge the gap between high-level strategy and field execution by building a sustainable, system-led sales infrastructure.
Move Beyond "Heroics-Based" Sales: Many logistics companies rely on a few "hero" sellers or the founder's personal book of business. Holly emphasizes that sustainable scaling requires a system-led growth model where results are driven by a repeatable infrastructure rather than individual talent alone.
Identify the "Growth Leap" Constraints: Organizations often hit a ceiling when their current processes can no longer support their size. Common constraints include capacity (the leader becoming a bottleneck) and coordination (complex solutions requiring too much internal sign-off), both of which must be diagnosed to restart growth.
Close the Strategy-to-Execution Gap: A major growth killer is the disconnect between leadership's strategy and the field's execution. Formula L focuses on operationalizing strategy into daily sales behaviors so that the vision actually shows up in the field.
Avoid the "Feel-Good" Training Trap: Sales training is often a "feel-good intervention" that fails because the underlying system is broken. Before implementing training, leaders must ensure the sales process, compensation, and ideal customer profiles (ICP) are aligned, or the training won't stick.
Focus on Business Trigger Events over Raw Intent: While "intent data" (tracking website visits) is popular, the real value lies in understanding the trigger event—what changed in the prospect's business that made them look for a solution? This context allows for a more strategic, less "stalker-like" sales approach.
The Importance of Leadership Alignment: Growth requires that all leaders are "rowing in the same direction." This often means making hard choices about role clarity, such as ensuring a sales leader isn't also burdened with customer support or operations, which creates a "split-focus" failure.
Practice through Behavioral Coaching: High-level growth requires behavioral change, not just knowledge. Effective development involves learning labs and AI-driven practice to allow sellers to get "reps" in a low-stakes environment, similar to how elite athletes or military personnel train for high-pressure situations.
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In "Reducing TCO Through Renewable Natural Gas" Joe Lynch and Scott Brinner, Vice President of RNG Solutions at Nopetro Energy, discuss how fleets can cut emissions while boosting their bottom line. Efficiency meets sustainability.
About Scott Brinner
Scott Brinner serves as the executive Vice President of RNG Solutions at Nopetro Energy, where he is responsible for developing and executing the division's strategy, business development and expansion. His prior experiences include working as a CPA with Ernst & Young, executive vice president, Corporate Development & Strategic Accounts, at OmniTRAX, and as an investment banker with Wells Fargo and Raymond James, where he advised companies in transportation/logistics and waste/environmental services. Scott has an MBA from the University of Chicago and received both a BS, in Accounting and Finance, as well as a Master's in Accountancy, from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. 
About Nopetro Energy
Founded in 2008, Nopetro Energy is a vertically integrated energy leader focused on the production and distribution of renewable natural gas (RNG) for heavy duty transportation and industrial consumption. The company provides end-to-end energy and transportation management solutions, helping government agencies and companies strengthen fuel independence and create lasting economic value. Nopetro designs, builds, finances and operates both renewable natural gas production plants and fueling stations, allowing fleets to transition to this substantially less expensive, cleaner and domestically produced alternative to diesel. Visit www.nopetroenergy.com to discover how Nopetro is leading the way to a more energy-independent and financially predictable future.
Key Takeaways: Reducing TCO Through Renewable Natural Gas
In "Reducing TCO Through Renewable Natural Gas" Joe Lynch and Scott Brinner, Vice President of RNG Solutions at Nopetro Energy, discuss how fleets can cut emissions while boosting their bottom line. Efficiency meets sustainability.
RNG as a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Driver: Unlike many "green" technologies that require a financial sacrifice, transitioning to Renewable Natural Gas can actually lower the total cost of ownership. While the trucks may have a higher upfront cost (roughly $70k–$90k more), the significantly lower and more stable fuel prices can lead to a payback period of just 2 to 3 years.
The "Closed Ecosystem" of RNG: RNG is a vertically integrated solution that captures organic waste from landfills, dairy farms, and wastewater treatment plants. By cleaning these molecules and putting them into the pipeline, Nopetro turns a potential environmental pollutant into a high-performance fuel that can achieve zero or even negative carbon emissions.
The Game-Changing Cummins X15N Engine: Historically, the trucking industry lacked an engine with the power and torque required for heavy-duty, 80,000+ lb loads. The new 15-liter natural gas engine from Cummins is a "workhorse" that matches diesel performance, range, and horsepower, removing the primary technical barrier for over-the-road fleets.
Fuel Price Stability vs. Diesel Volatility: Because RNG is domestic and tied to stable natural gas indices rather than global oil markets, it protects fleets from "spikes" caused by international conflict. This allows for predictable budgeting and even the potential for long-term, fixed-price fuel contracts—unheard of in the diesel world.
Proven Success in Adjacent Sectors: While OTR trucking is in the early stages of adoption, the waste management and transit industries have already proven the model. Nearly 50% of waste refuse trucks and 40% of transit buses in the U.S. now run on natural gas because it is more economical and easier to maintain.
Infrastructure and "Behind the Fence" Solutions: Fleet owners don't have to wait for a public station on every corner. Nopetro specializes in building dedicated fueling stations directly at or near truck terminals. This "hub and spoke" approach ensures that dedicated routes have reliable, high-pressure fueling exactly where they need it.
Sustainability as a Competitive Edge: Large shippers (the Scope 1 and Scope 3 emission-focused companies) are increasingly looking for "greener" partners. Trucking companies using RNG can offer a cleaner solution at the same or lower price than diesel, often securing longer-term contracts (5–7 years) by providing the carbon-neutral results that customers demand.
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In "Penske's Supply Chain Insight: A Unified View," Joe Lynch and Mike Medeiros, Executive Vice President of Operations for Penske Logistics, discuss how their new product, Supply Chain Insight, turns complex data into a proactive tool for supply chain orchestration.
About Mike Medeiros
Mike Medeiros is executive Vice President of Operations for Penske Logistics, where he leads field operations and supports performance across the Penske Transportation Solutions network. He brings extensive leadership experience across transportation and logistics, including dedicated contract carriage and fleet operations. Medeiros has been recognized as a 2026 Pro to Know award recipient by Supply & Demand Chain Executive, honoring leaders driving operational excellence in the supply chain.
About Penske Logistics
Penke Logistics is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. The company is a leading provider of innovative supply chain and logistics solutions. Penske offers solutions including dedicated transportation, distribution center management, 4PL and lead logistics, transportation management, freight brokerage, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward.
Key Takeaways: Penske's Supply Chain Insight: A Unified View
In "Penske's Supply Chain Insight: A Unified View," Joe Lynch and Mike Medeiros, Executive Vice President of Operations for Penske Logistics, discuss how their new product, Supply Chain Insight, turns complex data into a proactive tool for supply chain orchestration.
Moving from Fragmented Systems to One View: The industry is shifting away from jumping between different TMS, WMS, and ERP systems. Supply Chain Insight provides a "single pane of glass" so you don't have to toggle between multiple windows to make a decision.
Proactive vs. Reactive Operations: With the Supply Chain Insight dashboard, both the logistics provider (Penske) and the shipper look at the same real-time info. This transparency lets teams get "upstream" to resolve problems before they happen, rather than just reacting to late shipments.
Prioritizing Data Quality: The AI and analytics within Supply Chain Insight are only as effective as the data feeding them. The focus is on measuring data quality and ensuring the KPIs you're tracking are accurate and actionable.
AI as a Personal Analyst: A standout feature of Supply Chain Insight is the integrated AI assistant. You can query loads or identify performance trends using natural language, essentially giving you a dedicated supply chain analyst at your fingertips.
Real-Time Asset Coordination: Having total visibility in Supply Chain Insight helps keep freight moving by spotting underutilized assets. For example, finding an empty driver nearby can solve an urgent capacity need and prevent a lost sale.
Battle-Tested Internally: Before launching Supply Chain Insight to customers, Penske had their own associates use it first. This internal testing ensures that the platform is a stable and reliable system of record from day one.
Managing Inventory and Carrying Costs: Visibility in Supply Chain Insight extends beyond the road and into the warehouse. Understanding real-time inventory levels helps shippers minimize carrying costs and avoid the risks of seasonal stock mismatches.
Learn More About Penske's Supply Chain Insight: A Unified View
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Supply Chain Visibility Software | Penske Supply Chain Insight - Penske Logistics
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