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.
Learn More About The TRAFFIX Report: The Strategic Forecast for North American Freight
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TRAFFIX | Linkedin
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TRAFFIX | YouTube
TRAFFIX
TRAFFIX Trends Q2 2026
TRAFFIX Bi-Weekly Market Update
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
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In "  The Logisyn Analysis: What Will Reshape Freight Sectors Next", Joe Lynch speaks with Chief Executive of Ti, John Manners-Bell about how geopolitical fragmentation, artificial intelligence, nearshoring, and evolving security risks are reshaping the future of global freight sectors.
About John Manners-Bell
Prof John Manners-Bell is Chief Executive of Ti, Honorary Visiting Professor at the London Metropolitan University's Guildhall Faculty of Business and Law and an adviser to the World Economic Forum. He has over 25 years' experience working in and analysing the global logistics sector. John started his working life as an operations manager of a logistics company based in the UK. Prior to establishing Ti in 2002, he worked as an analyst in consultancies specialising in international trade, transport and logistics. He also spent a number of years as a manager of UPS, in a strategic marketing and communications role. John holds an MSc in Transport Planning and Management from University of Westminster and is an Associate of King's College London where he studied Classics and Theology. He is a Fellow of the UK Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and former Chair of the Supply Chain and Logistics Global Advisory Council of the World Economic Forum.  He has also advised the European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport. He has written three books on the industry – 'Global Logistics Strategies: Delivering the Goods', 'Supply Chain Risk: Understanding Emerging Threats to Global Supply Chains' and 'Logistics and Supply Chains in Emerging Markets'. His second book, 'Supply Chain Risk' won the Mention Speciale ACA-Bruel Prize for supply chain literature in 2014.
About Ti
Ti is one of the world's leading providers of expert research and analysis dedicated to the global logistics industry. Utilising the expertise of professionals with many years of experience in the mail, express and logistics industry, Transport Intelligence has developed a range of market leading web-based products, reports, profiles and services used by all the world's leading logistics suppliers, consultancies and banks as well as many users of logistics services.
Key Takeaways: The Logisyn Analysis: What Will Reshape Freight Sectors Next
In "  The Logisyn Analysis: What Will Reshape Freight Sectors Next", Joe Lynch speaks with Chief Executive of Ti, John Manners-Bell about how geopolitical fragmentation, artificial intelligence, nearshoring, and evolving security risks are reshaping the future of global freight sectors.
Global Fragmentation & Geopolitical Shifts: Global supply chains are transitioning away from decades of free trade and globalization toward fragmenting markets, protectionism, and nationalist policies reminiscent of the mid-20th century.
Reconfiguration of Asian & Ocean Freight Trade: Shifting trade policies and tariffs (such as US-China dynamics) are redirecting manufacturing and trade flows from China into ASEAN countries (e.g., Vietnam, Indonesia) and Mexico, leading to circumvention of tariffs and changing global import ports.
Emergence of Cross-Border Opportunities & Risks: Reshoring and nearshoring to Mexico offer huge cross-border freight opportunities, but companies face infrastructure bottlenecks, severe cargo theft, and security challenges that often require transloading or armed escorts.
Cybersecurity & Rising Cargo Theft: Freight fraud and cargo theft have evolved from opportunistic crimes to highly sophisticated cyber-enabled physical operations, driving shippers toward larger, better-funded logistics providers capable of making massive security investments.
Economic Pressures Outweighing Sustainability: Economic headwinds, rising operational costs (like diesel), and geopolitical disruptions have forced companies to temporarily reprioritize bottom-line profitability and capital survival over environmental/sustainability initiatives.
Impact of AI on Freight Brokerage Margins: Freight brokerages leveraging AI-driven automation operate on dramatically lower gross margins due to reduced headcount, driving rapid consolidation across the market and pushing smaller players to adapt.
Labor Shortages, Warehousing Tech, and Future Talent: Addressing warehouse real estate costs and truck driver shortages requires increased automation and capital investment; however, heavy reliance on technology raises concerns about where the industry's future managers and leaders will develop as entry-level positions disappear.
Learn More About The Logisyn Analysis: What Will Reshape Freight Sectors Next
John Manners-Bell | LinkedIn
Ti |LinkedIn
Ti
John Manners-Bell on geopolitics, AI and the future of US freight - Transport Intelligence
Professor John Manners-Bell BA (Hons) MSc AKC FCILT - Transport Intelligence
Transport Intelligence - Logistics & Supply Chain Market Research
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
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In "  Unlocking Fleet Superpowers: The Power of the Trimble Ecosystem", Joe Lynch speaks with General Manager of Corcentric's Fleet Services, Pat Gaskins and Vice President of Implementation at ISAAC, Matt Ruth about how integrating in-cab telematics and automated billing with the Trimble ecosystem eliminates operational friction, optimizes fleet utilization, and boosts profitability.
About Pat Gaskins
Pat Gaskins is General Manager of Corcentric's Fleet Services, overseeing both sales and operations for fleet offerings. Pat and his Fleet Solutions leadership team have successfully executed strategies to drive profitable growth tied to our Private Fleet & Carrier GPO, Capital Equipment, and Remarketing solutions. Pat joined Corcentric in 2010, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a financial services professional into the transportation industry. Previously, he held leadership positions with GE Capital, PHH Arvil, and TCF Equipment Finance, among others.
About Matt Ruth
Matt Ruth is the Vice President of Implementation at ISAAC. Matt started his career working in transportation immediately upon graduating from college and has served in a wide variety of operational, technology, and leadership roles. He has gained a wealth of experience over the past 25+ years, largely invested at TMW systems and Trimble Transportation in senior management roles, leading teams responsible for managing the most complex transportation technology implementations. Matt has thus developed a unique ability to provide practical solutions to an otherwise complex and fragmented ecosystem of supply chain technology solution providers.
About Trimble
Trimble Transportation provides fleets with solutions to create a fully integrated supply chain. With an intelligent ecosystem of products and services, Trimble Transportation enables customers to embrace the rapid technological evolution of the industry and connect all aspects of transportation and logistics — trucks, drivers, back office, freight and assets. Trimble Transportation delivers an open, scalable platform to help customers make more informed decisions and maximize performance, visibility and safety.
About Corcentric
Corcentric is a leading global provider of best-in-class procurement and finance solutions. We offer a unique combination of technology and payment solutions complemented by robust advisory and managed services. Corcentric reduces stress and increases savings for procurement and finance business leaders by forming a strategic partnership to diagnose pain points and deliver tailor-made solutions for their unique challenges. For more than two decades, we've been a trusted partner who delivers proven results. To learn more, please visit www.corcentric.com.
About ISAAC Instruments
ISAAC offers in-cab technology that goes far beyond ELDs. We partner with trucking companies to simplify the life of drivers and keep the wheels turning. We provide a reliable, comprehensive open platform that allows fleets to integrate all of their business apps on a single device. Our real-time, in-cab coaching supports eco-driving for unparalleled fuel savings and safer highways, while artificial intelligence (AI) technology empowers informed decision-making. ISAAC is the market leader in Canada and has a rapidly growing presence among top-performing fleets across the United States.
Key Takeaways:  Unlocking Fleet Superpowers: The Power of the Trimble Ecosystem
In "  Unlocking Fleet Superpowers: The Power of the Trimble Ecosystem", Joe Lynch speaks with General Manager of Corcentric's Fleet Services, Pat Gaskins and Vice President of Implementation at ISAAC, Matt Ruth about how integrating in-cab telematics and automated billing with the Trimble ecosystem eliminates operational friction, optimizes fleet utilization, and boosts profitability.
Eliminating Back-Office Friction via Direct Billing Integration: Corcentric automates North American billing and receivables for major manufacturers like Daimler North America, auto-populating repair orders and invoices directly into Trimble's TMT system to eliminate paper processing, keypunching errors, and administrative noise.
Simplifying the Driver Experience with Predictive Workflows: ISAAC Instruments leverages load and route planning data from Trimble TMS to deliver a predictive, step-by-step workflow on in-cab tablets—automating turn-by-turn navigation, geofenced arrival calls, and document scanning so drivers focus on driving rather than manual data entry.
Protecting Margins through Preventive and Predictive Maintenance: By capturing VMRS-coded shop data from Trimble TMT along with real-time telematics fault codes and eDVIR reports, fleets can identify recurring part failures, flag high-risk trucks before they break down on the road, and reduce costly multi-day downtime.
Strategic Fleet Optimization and Lowering Total Cost of Ownership: Combining telematics utilization metrics with Corcentric's financial, purchasing, and remarketing programs enables fleet leaders, procurement, and finance teams to make data-driven decisions on asset lifecycles, financing structures, and right-sizing fleet counts to avoid over-fleeting.
Safety Coaching and Fuel Efficiency Interconnection: ISAAC's in-cab real-time coaching, AI, and camera technology monitor driving habits like over-acceleration and hard braking; improving driver efficiency directly translates into both safer operations and significant fuel savings—where a 0.5 MPG gain can save $7,000 per truck annually.
Prioritizing Driver Retention and Safety Culture: In an environment facing driver shortages and heightened legal liability, creating a safe, tech-enabled, and streamlined cab environment boosts driver satisfaction and uptime while protecting carriers against catastrophic nuclear verdicts.
The Power of Open Ecosystems and Interoperability: Because no single technology vendor can solve every supply chain challenge alone, seamless interoperability between open platforms (Trimble, ISAAC, and Corcentric) allows data to flow effortlessly between the cab, TMS, maintenance, and finance back-office—solving operational challenges at the seams.
Learn More About  Unlocking Fleet Superpowers: The Power of the Trimble Ecosystem
Pat Gaskins | Linkedin
Matt Ruth | Linkedin
Trimble Transportation | Linkedin
Trimble Transportation
Corcentric
Corcentric | Linkedin
ISAAC Instruments | Linkedin
ISAAC Instruments
 The P44 and LSP44 Story with Jett McCandless
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
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In " The P44 and LSP44 Story", Joe Lynch speaks with Founder and CEO of project44 and LSP44, Jett McCandless, about how project44 and LSP44 are split to serve shippers and service providers through AI agents, global connectivity, and API infrastructure.
About Jett McCandless
Jett McCandless has spent 25 years inside the global supply chain, running it, not studying it. He started on the dock and in dispatch at YRC Freight, helped scale GlobalTranz past $2 billion in revenue, then founded Metafora, an Inc. 500 advisory firm. In 2014, he founded project44 on a simple bet: enterprises don't need another dashboard, they need one operating truth of their entire network. That bet became the world's largest real-time logistics data graph, trusted by 1,300+ leading brands moving over a billion shipments a year across 190+ countries. In 2026, Jett launched LSP44, AI-native agent and API infrastructure built for logistics service providers (brokers, carriers, 3PLs, forwarders). It automates exceptions, procurement, and documents, built on data spanning 280,000+ carriers. Jett leads both companies as Founder and CEO.
About LSP44
LSP44 is the AI-native agent and API Infrastructure business for logistics service providers. Built on the world's largest logistics data graph and carrier network, LSP44 gives 3PLs, freight forwarders, and brokers the AI agents, carrier infrastructure, and developer capabilities to embed intelligence directly into their own products and workflows. LSP44 is profitable and headquartered in Chicago. Learn more at LSP44.ai.
About Project44
project44 is the Decision Intelligence Platform for the modern supply chain. Its context-based AI transforms fragmented logistics management into unified intelligence, bringing certainty to global supply chain operations. With intelligent transportation management, end-to-end visibility, yard management and last mile solutions, and a preferred carrier network of 282,000 carriers, project44 connects over 1.5 billion shipments annually for over 1,000 leading brands in manufacturing, automotive, retail, life sciences, food and beverage, CPG, and oil, chemical and gas. Learn more at project44.com.
Key Takeaways:  The P44 and LSP44 Story
In " The P44 and LSP44 Story", Joe Lynch speaks with Founder and CEO of project44 and LSP44, Jett McCandless, about how project44 and LSP44 are split to serve shippers and service providers through AI agents, global connectivity, and API infrastructure.
Strategic Brand & Operational Split: project44 separated its operations into two distinct entities—project44 remains focused on Global 2000 shippers, while LSP44 caters specifically to 3PLs, freight forwarders, and brokers to match their faster operational cadences and unique technology needs.
AI-Native & API Infrastructure: LSP44 provides AI-native agent and API infrastructure built on a network covering 282,000 carriers across 190+ countries and territories, backed by over $1 billion in platform investment.
Combining APIs with AI Agents: While APIs handle direct system-to-system connections, AI agents bridge operational gaps, correct missing data, and interface with carriers when APIs aren't available, driving high data accuracy and automation.
Evolution Beyond Passive Visibility: Supply chain tracking has shifted from passive "little V" transportation tracking to "big V" inventory-in-motion, allowing companies to automate workflows and drive insights across all global modes.
Consolidation for Global Scale & AI Talent: project44 established its ocean visibility capabilities and AI expertise by acquiring top market players Ocean Insights for data quality and ClearMetal for machine learning talent.
Connectivity Quality as the Core Benchmark: Connectivity quality is the single most critical metric for supply chain maturity, serving as the necessary foundation to achieve broader logistics, financial, and operational goals.
Market Consolidation & Margin Dynamics: AI and API integration will divide logistics service providers into winners and losers, allowing tech-forward LSPs to expand net margins, lower operational costs, and execute transactions faster.
Learn More About  The P44 and LSP44 Story
Jett McCandless | Linkedin
Jett McCandless | Substack
LSP44 | Linkedin
LSP44 | X
LSP44
project44 | Linkedin
project44
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
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In "Reinventing Fleet Efficiency: Cutting Friction in Maintenance, Routing, and Dispatch", Joe Lynch speaks with sector vice president of Trimble, Michael Kornhauser, about how integrated ecosystems, agentic AI, and smart routing technologies eliminate back-office friction and boost fleet performance across modern transportation networks.
About Michael Kornhauser
Michael Kornhauser is sector vice president of Trimble, leading Transportation & Logistics in North America. With more than 20 years in various leadership roles, Michael has proven to be an astute and dynamic leader with deep industry understanding and passion for delivering superior customer value. Kornhauser, along with Dan Popkin, established the European operations and development of the successful CoPilot business and guided the ALK Technologies business integration into Trimble. Under his leadership, Trimble's mapping solutions have become highly recognized and respected throughout the North American trucking and rail industries. He studied at Trinity College, where he received a research grant from NASA and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering.
About Trimble
Trimble Transportation provides fleets with solutions to create a fully integrated supply chain. With an intelligent ecosystem of products and services, Trimble Transportation enables customers to embrace the rapid technological evolution of the industry and connect all aspects of transportation and logistics — trucks, drivers, back office, freight and assets. Trimble Transportation delivers an open, scalable platform to help customers make more informed decisions and maximize performance, visibility and safety.
Key Takeaways: Reinventing Fleet Efficiency: Cutting Friction in Maintenance, Routing, and Dispatch
In "Reinventing Fleet Efficiency: Cutting Friction in Maintenance, Routing, and Dispatch", Joe Lynch speaks with sector vice president of Trimble, Michael Kornhauser, about how integrated ecosystems, agentic AI, and smart routing technologies eliminate back-office friction and boost fleet performance across modern transportation networks.
Mission and Integrated Ecosystem Strategy: Trimble Transportation connects shippers, carriers, 3PLs, and back-office operations into a shared data ecosystem. By democratizing data and eliminating operational silos across point systems, Trimble helps fleets break friction, streamline workflows, and make informed decisions faster.
Navigating Market Headwinds with High-ROI Tech: Fleets face intense pressures, including soaring fuel costs, non-fuel operating inflation, skyrocketing insurance premiums from nuclear verdicts, driver retention challenges, and cargo theft. While Trimble cannot control external fuel prices, its fuel optimization and routing tools generate immediate ROI by eliminating out-of-route miles, identifying the most cost-effective fueling stops, and ensuring proper toll reconciliation.
In-Cab Safety and Driver Experience: Moving beyond traditional turn-by-turn navigation, tools like CoPilot Driver Assistant serve as voice-driven, in-cab safety co-pilots. By automatically alerting drivers to rollover risks, high-wind zones, low bridges, and traffic slowdowns—and integrating tools to easily book safe truck parking or discounted hotels—Trimble reduces driver stress and boosts retention.
Evolving Routing and Dispatch: Commemorating version 40 of PC*Miler, Trimble continues to advance transportation mapping from basic distance calculation and rate reconciliation to intelligent route orchestration. Systems like Appian Fleet Assistant leverage AI to build complex, multi-stop route plans for private fleets in seconds rather than hours.
TMS Modernization Without "Rip and Replace": Rather than forcing fleets to undergo risky, high-cost platform overhauls, Trimble updates its core TMS products (such as TMW.Suite, TruckMate, Innovative, and Fuel Dispatch) with browser-based interfaces, enterprise security, and AI integrations directly into existing product stacks.
Agentic Back-Office Automation: Built with strict European privacy (GDPR) standards and full human-in-the-loop auditability, the new Trimble Arc Agent automates administrative tasks. Users can build custom, no-code operational skills in minutes to handle currency updates, contract reporting, or order entry.
Yard Management and AI Fleet Maintenance: To reduce dock detention and facility delays, Trimble Dock & Yard unifies arrival tracking, appointment planning, and trailer visibility into a single record. Furthermore, TMT Fleet Maintenance AI Invoice Scanning batch-processes up to 100 vendor PDF invoices at once—saving thousands of administrative minutes—while automated systems like Road Call streamline emergency breakdown responses.
Learn More About Reinventing Fleet Efficiency: Cutting Friction in Maintenance, Routing, and Dispatch
Michael Kornhauser | Linkedin
Trimble Transportation | Linkedin
Trimble Transportation
Building the Connected Transportation Ecosystem: A Conversation with Trimble's Michael Kornhauser
Technology that Matters with Michael Kornhauser
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
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