On Air with AirFreight.com

AirFreight.com
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On Air is a short-form interview podcast from AirFreight.com focused on the fast-moving world of emergency freight and expedited shipping. We talk to people in the logistics and supply chain industry who deal with the pressure of time-critical freight every day.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago ·  Video

    When a Shipment Goes Sideways: Todd Anderson on Trust in Expedited Freight

    Todd Anderson came to AirFreight.com after nearly ten years at one of the largest expeditors in the country, first leading an operations team on the 3PL side, then in corporate project management. He and Kevin work through the mode hierarchy, from air charter down to ground expedite, and why an NFO handled front and back is a different product from handing a shipment to an airline and hoping. The part worth the listen is his standard for judging a carrier: anyone can run a clean shipment, so he watches what happens when one goes wrong. He tells it through a carrier who dropped freight at the wrong address on a first shipment with a new customer. The communication was honest and immediate, they tracked the freight down, and that customer is now his biggest. 00:00 Intro 00:52 Ten years at one of the largest expeditors in the country 01:41 What makes freight "expedite": speed and care 02:51 Why a dedicated truck removes the failure points 03:52 The mode hierarchy, starting with air charter 05:45 NFO, hand carry, and who actually touches your freight 09:43 Why "hotshot" means something different in Texas 10:35 What a top-tier carrier network really means 10:51 How Todd judges a carrier when something goes wrong 12:10 The wrong address delivery that created his biggest customer 13:33 The vetting process, and going deeper than the surface 16:17 Coast to coast coverage on one-off, time-critical freight 19:02 Two customers: the one paying us and the one we pay 20:17 "A diamond in the rough" 20:53 The On Air Gauntlet

  2. Aug 17 ·  Video

    The Real Difference Between a Broker and a Logistics Partner

    John Mark Peterson, one of AirFreight.com's top expediting agents, joins Kevin Carpenter to talk about what it's really like inside a traditional truckload brokerage, and why he left it behind. From "boiler room" sales culture to carrier accountability to what happens when a shipment is actually time critical, John Mark breaks down the differences most customers never see. They cover the vetting process behind AirFreight.com's carrier pool, why "somewhat time critical" doesn't mean the same thing everywhere, and how a company built for the most urgent loads operates differently from a volume-driven brokerage. The episode closes with a fast round of personal questions on the On Air Gauntlet. Chapter Markers 00:00 Welcome and introducing John Mark Peterson  00:41 Life before AirFreight.com: the truckload brokerage world  02:22 The "boiler room" sales culture  05:22 Broker liability and why the vetting process matters  06:40 Fighting on two fronts: customer and carrier  06:57 Why almost nobody is accountable in that market  09:47 Culture shock moving to AirFreight.com  10:32 How AirFreight.com's leads actually work  11:25 The AI chatbot story  12:20 How shipment updates really happen (or don't)  13:52 What "time critical" means at a volume brokerage  14:23 "You can pick up in 3 to 4 hours?"  15:36 Why some customers accept the risk anyway  16:15 30 hours late and nobody called  19:00 Telling customers when we're not the right fit  21:02 Company mindset vs. solo mindset  23:09 The On Air Gauntlet

  3. Aug 10 ·  Video

    Why Cheap Freight Costs More: Mike Pettrey on Trust & Expedited Trucking

    On this episode of On Air with AirFreight.com, host Kevin Carpenter sits down with Mike Pettrey, CEO of C&M Transport out of Painesville, Ohio — one of AirFreight.com's most trusted carrier partners and one of the oldest expedite companies in the country, now in its 35th year. Mike shares how his father founded C&M around fair treatment of drivers and owner-operators, why straight trucks and sprinter vans became the backbone of the expedite industry, and how dedicated capacity mitigates cargo risk that traditional LTL can't. The conversation covers freight rate compression since 1991, the industry's price-driven race to the bottom, why regulatory crackdowns are (in their view) good for carriers who play it straight, and how technology — real-time tracking, proactive delay alerts — is raising the bar for customer transparency without replacing the human judgment calls that keep freight moving safely. It closes out with the On Air Gauntlet: Mike's top vacation spot, favorite Browns QB of all time, and what he wants C&M's legacy to be. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & introducing Mike Pettrey, CEO of C&M Transport  01:11 – How C&M started: a family business built on a straight truck  02:45 – What straight trucks are and their role on the road  03:31 – Automotive lean manufacturing and the birth of expedite  04:45 – Dedicated trucks vs. multi-stop freight: mitigating cargo risk  06:05 – Dispatching at 12 years old: why Mike's dad started C&M  08:17 – Fair treatment of carriers and owner-operators  09:43 – Transparency with customers, taking care of drivers on the road  10:09 – Finding freight nationwide: the Cleveland market and beyond  10:57 – Freight rates then vs. now: testifying before Congress  12:43 – A price-driven industry and the race to the bottom  13:28 – Regulatory changes and cleaning up the industry  14:02 – Ethics as a "house of cards": why cutting corners catches up  15:28 – The fair trade food analogy: vetting carriers like sourcing  17:42 – Avoiding worst-case outcomes on time-critical freight  18:11 – The recent Supreme Court decision and industry accountability  18:34 – Held to a higher standard: fraud in transportation  20:47 – C&M's pricing philosophy: not cheapest, not priciest  21:13 – A customer's costly lesson in choosing price over quality  22:56 – Technology and transparency: live tracking and dash cam links  23:16 – Proactive delay alerts before problems happen  24:43 – From cork boards and payphones to real-time tech  25:26 – Why the human element isn't going anywhere  25:53 – Humans vs. AI agents on the phone  26:51 – The On Air Gauntlet: vacation spot, favorite Browns QB, legacy  28:41 – Closing thanks

  4. Jul 27 ·  Video

    How Supreme Court Ruling Is Reshaping Final Mile Risk Management

    Beyond Insurance: Navigating Final Mile Challenges in Expedited Logistics In this episode, Kevin Carpenter interviews Bryan Ice, a seasoned insurance broker specializing in final mile logistics, to uncover the nuances of risk management, industry evolution, and emerging legal challenges in expedited shipping. They discuss the intricacies of vetting carriers, recent court rulings, and how companies are adapting to a rapidly changing landscape. In this episode:   Bryan's background and the origin story of B3 insurance program  The evolution of the final mile industry and its impact on insurance practices  How recent Supreme Court rulings (Montgomery v. Carib Transport) influence carrier vetting  Differences between traditional freight insurance and niche final mile coverage  Challenges and opportunities with gig economy and app-based delivery operations  The importance of detailed risk assessments and customized coverage formulas  Industry trends accelerated by COVID-19 and consumer expectations for same-day delivery  The importance of strict vetting processes amid legal and regulatory changes  How businesses are staying agile in the face of legal, technological, and workforce shifts  Bryan's personal reflections on fatherhood and professional legacy

  5. Jul 20 ·  Video

    The Hidden Power of Personal Touch in High-Stakes Freight Shipments

    Discover the behind-the-scenes of expedited freight logistics, how technology has transformed the industry, and why personalized service remains crucial. Join Kevin and Steve as they share 15 years of experience navigating high-stakes shipping, tech innovations, and customer relationships. In this episode: The significant technological advancements in expediting since 2011How a personal touch is maintained amid automationThe importance of honest communication about service capabilitiesReal-life stories of handling high-pressure shipments, including air chartersThe evolving landscape post-COVID and its impact on reliable serviceThe benefits of a single point of contact model for customer experienceThe strategic choice of air charter versus scheduled air and ground expediteHow automation can sometimes misrepresent service capabilitiesThe critical role of honesty and transparency with customers about potential delaysTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Steve Jansen 00:32 - Starting with Airfreight.com in 2011: How it all began 01:25 - Transition from paper to electronic systems over 15 years 02:20 - Technological advancements and staying on the cutting edge 03:25 - The impact of company leadership on embracing technology 04:22 - Continuous improvement through weekly meetings and innovation 05:13 - Balancing automation with personal customer service 06:06 - Why customers need direct human interaction for critical shipments 06:56 - The single point of contact model and its benefits 08:03 - Managing emergency calls after hours and customer relationships 09:11 - Handling rare urgent shipments like air charters 10:14 - The high stakes and logistics of air charters 11:41 - The fun and challenge of coordinating time-critical flights 12:34 - Comparing scheduled air versus charter for reliability 14:39 - Post-COVID changes and the acceptance of service failures 15:09 - The importance of acknowledging service failures to build trust 16:09 - Current success rates and managing customer expectations 17:01 - Offering honest advice on the best transportation mode 18:13 - Common automation pitfalls in freight booking 19:04 - The risks of improper automation and capacity misrepresentation 20:22 - How business decisions at large companies affect service quality 21:11 - Final thoughts: continuous improvement and customer trust

  6. Jul 13 ·  Video

    John Elliott (Founder of Load One) on Trucking, Tech, and Leadership

    In this episode of OnAir with Airfreight.com, host Kevin Carpenter sits down with John Elliott, founder and executive chairman of Load One, to talk about building one of the country’s leading expedited freight carriers and what it takes to stay competitive in a fast-changing industry. John walks through his unusual path into trucking, starting with a family legacy in transportation, a college degree in aviation management, and an early career that eventually brought him back to freight. He shares how Load One began as a regional truckload carrier before a series of decisions — including one persistent employee bringing him an expedite opportunity — pushed the company into the expedited freight space. The conversation covers: John’s family history in trucking and how it shaped his careerWhy Load One initially focused on regional freight and low-hanging opportunitiesHow a hands-on leadership style helped the company growThe role of technology in improving driver experience, operations, and customer serviceWhy Load One built its own software instead of relying on standard industry platformsHow AI and automation are changing trucking operationsA hard-earned lesson about cargo insurance and subrogationJohn’s perspective on the current state of trucking, freight cycles, and carrier failuresWhat it looks like to transition leadership while still staying involvedJohn also reflects on what matters most after decades in the industry: building the right team, giving back, and helping shape trucking for the long term. Key takeaways Staying close to drivers and staff builds trust and culture.Technology can be a major differentiator when service levels are similar.Trucking remains cyclical, and strong operators win by managing costs and cash flow.Leadership transitions work best when they are intentional and gradual.Long-term industry impact includes service, advocacy, and giving back.Notable moments The story of how Load One entered expedited freightWhy John believes owning software and data creates a strategic advantageThe insurance lesson that became an expensive but important wake-up callJohn’s view that trucking affects the whole economyAbout the guest John Elliott is the founder and executive chairman of Load One, a major expedited freight carrier based in Taylor, Michigan. He is also a former vice president of the American Trucking Associations and former chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association.

  7. Jul 6 ·  Video

    How Fast Freight Keeps a Drum Plant Running

    Unlock the complexities behind urgent logistics and how expert providers like airfreight.com support industries that can't afford delays. This episode features real-world examples from Mauser Packaging Solutions and deep dives into the critical decisions that keep production lines moving smoothly. Main Topics: The role of expedited freight in manufacturing and industrial sectorsStrategies for handling urgent shipments and overcoming supply chain disruptionsThe importance of dedicated single-point contact service in high-pressure logisticsHow machinery breakdowns and part shortages are managed efficientlyCost considerations: Expediting versus regular shipping methodsReal-world logistics challenges and successful problem-solving storiesTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to high-stakes expedited shipping and episode guests 00:32 - Overview of Mouser Packaging Solutions and their product lines 01:15 - Logistics challenges at Mauser's Mason, Ohio plants 01:47 - Industries served by Mauser: industrial, medical, and food grade 02:08 - Kim Hardwick discusses Mouser's shipping and freight patterns 02:40 - Handling urgent customer requests and last-minute production needs 03:27 - The role of expedited services when contracted carriers can't meet deadlines 04:23 - The process of pulling in emergency orders to fulfill customer demands 05:01 - Managing short-notice shipments and the importance of quick decision-making 05:45 - The complexity of LTL shipping and its transfer points 06:35 - The peace of mind offered by dedicated expedited shipping services 07:21 - The impact of logistics on production schedules and reputation 08:24 - The advantages of a single point of contact in logistics management 09:53 - Kim’s experience with communication breakdowns in past shipments 10:35 - Transition to Dan Palmer’s role in emergency situations 11:01 - The scale of Mouser’s manufacturing capacity and cost considerations 12:37 - The critical decision-making process during machine failures and urgent parts needs 13:38 - Managing machine downtime and the costs of delays 14:05 - Charter air freight as a solution for urgent equipment needs 15:03 - Real-world examples of using air charter for critical machinery parts 16:40 - The importance of Real-time updates and transparency in logistics 17:04 - The significance of precise timing and handling during crises 19:34 - The challenges when shipments get stuck in logistics limbo and how to recover 20:35 - High-pressure situations and the value of committed service providers 22:29 - The story of managing a shipment stuck in Indianapolis 24:02 - The importance of knowledge and decisive action in overcoming logistics hurdles 25:42 - Wrap-up emphasizing partnership and ongoing support in high-stakes environments

  8. Jun 22 ·  Video

    Inside Private Equity's Perspective on the Transportation Industry with Daniel Perry

    In this episode, Kevin Carpenter hosts Daniel Perry, a private equity expert from Court Square Capital Partners, to explore how investors evaluate transportation companies for scalability and growth. We delve into what makes a transportation business attractive to private equity, the role of sales and marketing, and how AI is transforming sales processes in logistics. Main Insights: Private equity firms like Court Square raise billions to acquire and improve companies, aiming for a 2.4x return over 4–6 yearsEvans Network exemplifies a value-driven, service-based transportation company focusing on owner-operators and small marketsKey factors for investment include company culture, business model, customer concentration, and contractual relationshipsEvans employs dual sales forces: one for agent partnerships, another for direct customers, utilizing AI to enhance targeting and lead qualificationThe company’s core expertise is in drayage, providing backend support for port-to-warehouse freight, mainly short haulsAI tools assist in sales efficiency, lead qualification, and proactive account management, including early warning indicators for agent attritionPrivate equity evaluates potential acquisitions systematically, emphasizing scalability, contract stability, and service-based assetsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to private equity's role in transportation 00:19 - What private equity firms like Court Square do 01:20 - How investments generate returns 02:42 - Notable investors and global reach 03:14 - Private equity exit strategies and company improvements 04:11 - What makes Evans’ model attractive for investment 05:01 - Evans’ focus on small markets and owner-operators 05:27 - Providing backend support as a service business 06:07 - Sales strategies for Evans, including agent and direct sales 07:43 - Explaining Evans' official classification as a 3PL 08:03 - Drayage operations and local freight hauling 09:15 - The agent network and customer base 10:25 - Use of AI in sales prospecting and lead qualification 11:37 - Efficiency improvements with AI and human collaboration 12:10 - Setting sales targets and organization structure 13:14 - Sales process automation and account management 14:02 - Early warning systems for agent retention 15:11 - How AI enhances sales and operations 16:30 - The importance of human touch in customer service 17:08 - Handling non-emergency freight customers 18:36 - Analyzing sales calls with AI for performance insights 19:14 - Key metrics distinguishing top salespeople 20:34 - Providing industry insights to customers as a sales advantage 21:34 - The value of operational expertise in customer interactions 22:26 - Active market assessment and quality criteria for acquisitions 23:50 - Customer concentration and contractual relationships 24:36 - Assets versus services in transportation acquisitions 25:00 - Closing remarks and promotion for airfreight.com

  9. Jun 8 ·  Video

    Kevin Carpenter: The Easy Button for Expedited Freight

    Welcome to ON AIR with AirFreight.com!  In this first episdoe we get to know Kevin Carpenter, our host and Expedited Shipping Agent at AirFreight.com Most companies overlook the critical importance of logistics in their daily operations—and that oversight can cost them millions. Kevin Carpenter, a seasoned expedited freight expert with over 20 years in the industry, reveals how high-stakes, time-sensitive shipments are truly the backbone of the economy—and how a single mistake can halt an entire production line. Imagine moving a crucial machine part across the country in hours, not days, with no room for error. Kevin shares behind-the-scenes stories: from saving a manufacturer a $20,000 loss with a last-minute Learjet charter to catching a wrong shipment before it was loaded onto a private jet. These high-touch, critical cargo operations are more fascinating—and more vital—than most realize. You'll discover how dedicated trucking, air charters, and meticulous procedures keep global industries moving seamlessly, even amidst crises like natural disasters or biohazard scares such as the recent screw worm outbreak in Texas. We break down the untold stories and complex challenges behind just-in-time deliveries for Fortune 100 clients, and why understanding these high-stakes logistics moments matters. Kevin also teases upcoming conversations with venture capitalists investing in trucking innovation, innovative logistics solutions, and stories from other industry insiders—showcasing the exciting future of transportation. Whether you're in supply chain, business leadership, or simply curious about what keeps our economy afloat, this episode offers unparalleled insights into the logistics world. Get ready to see freight and transportation in a whole new light—and learn why this invisible network is more fascinating than you ever imagined. Perfect for logistics nerds, business strategists, or anyone who wants to hear how the most critical shipments shape our world. Hosted by Kevin Carpenter, an industry veteran trusted by Fortune 100 companies, this episode sets the stage for a series packed with gripping stories and expert interviews. Don't miss it if you care about the unseen forces powering your everyday life.

  • 9 Episodes

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About

On Air is a short-form interview podcast from AirFreight.com focused on the fast-moving world of emergency freight and expedited shipping. We talk to people in the logistics and supply chain industry who deal with the pressure of time-critical freight every day.

Information

  • Creator
    AirFreight.com
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On Air with AirFreight.com
  • Show Website
    On Air with AirFreight.com