Hammer Down

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Welcome to "Hammer Down," a cutting-edge podcast series hosted by Mike Bush. Hear from the trailblazers in logistics technology as we dive into the dynamic world of logistics, offering deep insights and candid conversations with industry leaders who shape the future of transportation.

  1. 12H AGO

    Transportation Management Systems Don’t Compete With Carriers, Brokers, or Shippers — They Align Them

    Transportation management systems are undergoing a quiet but consequential shift. Once viewed primarily as tools for tracking loads and storing paperwork, modern TMS platforms are increasingly expected to function as the operational backbone of logistics organizations. As freight volumes continue to fluctuate, margins remain tight, and supply chains rely on a growing mix of carriers, brokers, and shippers, fragmented systems and manual workflows have become harder to justify. Reflecting this demand for consolidation and control, a 2026 industry report projects the global TMS market will grow from $15.24 billion in 2025 to $41.08 billion by 2031, driven by automation, real-time visibility, and integrated financial management. As these platforms expand in scope,  can a single transportation management system truly support carriers, brokers, and shippers together without creating competition or conflicts of interest? Welcome to Hammer Down. In the latest episode, host Mike Bush speaks with Tia Parks, Senior Sales Accounting Executive at PCS Software. Together, they discuss how all-in-one TMS platforms are evolving to serve the full supply chain ecosystem. Their conversation explores why accounting, compliance, and operational alerts are no longer “back-office” features, how COVID-era disruptions reshaped expectations around visibility and speed, and why education and alignment across logistics roles remain critical to long-term efficiency. Key themes from the conversation: All-in-One TMS Platforms – How transportation management systems are evolving beyond tracking to support dispatch, documentation, accounting, and visibility across carriers, brokers, and shippers.Accounting and Compliance as Core Functions – Why integrated accounting, driver compliance, safety, and operational alerts are no longer add-ons, but essential capabilities for managing logistics efficiently.Alignment, Education, and Workforce Understanding – How recent industry shifts have underscored the need for clearer alignment between supply-chain roles and better education across logistics organizations.Shantia Parks is a Senior Sales Accounting Executive at PCS Software with more than eight years of experience across logistics, SaaS, and transportation technology. She has worked across sales, customer support, and operations, including prior experience in ocean freight, giving her a strong, end-to-end understanding of carrier, broker, and shipper workflows. Parks is known for driving revenue growth, improving operational efficiency through TMS solutions, and supporting mentorship and education within the supply chain industry.

    15 min

  2. 10/15/2025

    Driving Real Change: How ZM Trucks Is Building the Future of Zero-Emission Trucking

    As the U.S. accelerates its push toward cleaner freight transport, policy and market forces are reshaping what’s possible in trucking. The EPA’s Phase 3 greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, finalized on March 29, 2024, establish stricter CO₂ limits for model years 2027 through 2032. The rule is technology-neutral and performance-based, allowing manufacturers to meet emissions targets through advanced combustion, hybrid, or electric systems. Meanwhile, California has paused enforcement and moved to repeal key provisions of its Advanced Clean Fleets rule after agreeing not to enforce the 2036 zero-emission sales mandate without a waiver from the U.S. EPA. Together, these developments mark a pivotal moment where the path to cleaner, zero-emission trucking is advancing but still being defined. As regulations evolve and expectations rise, how can manufacturers balance innovation, affordability, and infrastructure readiness in a landscape that’s both accelerating and uncertain? In this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush welcomes Jeroen Joost de Vries, CEO of ZM Trucks, for a discussion on how the company is reimagining commercial trucking with electric, hydrogen, and autonomous solutions. De Vries shares how ZM’s modular, globally tested approach to manufacturing is designed to meet fleet needs efficiently without overpromising what technology can’t yet deliver. Main Points of Conversation Global Innovation, Local Execution – ZM Trucks builds electric and hydrogen-powered trucks across classes 2–8, leveraging manufacturing and field experience from Japan, Vietnam, and the Middle East to guide its U.S. expansion strategy.Infrastructure and Cost Realities – De Vries highlights that while hydrogen remains cost-prohibitive in the U.S., behind-the-fence AC charging solutions can make smaller fleet operations economically viable—if approached pragmatically.Autonomous Drayage on the Horizon – ZM Trucks is preparing to launch autonomous drayage trucks within 24 months, focusing on short-distance port operations where zero-emission adoption has the clearest near-term payoff.Jeroen Joost de Vries is a global automotive executive known for leading innovation, sales, and customer operations across the electric and commercial vehicle sectors. He serves as CEO of ZM Trucks and previously held leadership roles at DeLorean Motor Company, Karma Automotive, and Tesla, where he led worldwide service operations. His career spans more than two decades with major manufacturers such as Mack Trucks and Xi’an Silver Bus Corporation, driving growth, brand transformation, and progress in sustainable mobility.

    21 min

  3. 09/11/2025

    The New Freight Standard: Why Verified Trucking Reviews Matter in Modern Supply Chains

    For decades, the freight industry has leaned heavily on compliance data and opaque reputation systems, leaving carriers, brokers, and shippers with little visibility into actual service quality. Reviews often sat behind paywalls, skewed negative, or lacked validation altogether, making it difficult to separate reliable partners from unreliable ones. Today, the vast majority of trucking remains highly fragmented — out of the nearly 580,000 active motor carriers that are registered with the FMCSA, more than 91% run 10 or fewer trucks, and 99% run fewer than 100. That scale imbalance makes digital visibility and trusted reputation tools all the more essential, and it’s exactly where CarrierSource is betting that transparent, two-sided reviews can reshape how freight decisions are made. So, how can peer-driven reputation systems change the game for trucking companies, freight brokers, and the shippers that depend on them? Welcome to Hammer Down. In the latest episode, host Mike Bush sits down with Robert Light, CEO and co-founder of CarrierSource, to explore how his company is bringing Yelp- and G2-style transparency to the logistics world. Together, they dive into why reputation matters, how CarrierSource validates reviews to ensure integrity, and what role AI and tech innovation will play in the future of supply chain efficiency. Key takeaways from the conversation… Redefining carrier trust: CarrierSource moves beyond compliance data, providing a transparent platform for brokers, carriers, and shippers to share authentic, validated reviews. Fighting fake feedback: Every review goes through human moderation, requiring proof of a real working relationship to ensure authenticity. Future of logistics tech: Light predicts AI will finally solve long-standing inefficiencies in fragmented supply chain processes, opening new opportunities for innovation. Robert Light is the CEO and Co-founder of CarrierSource, a platform that combines verified reviews with FMCSA data to help brokers, shippers, and carriers build trust and grow their businesses. Before founding CarrierSource in 2020, Light spent over four years at G2, where he advanced from research specialist to Research Principal, focusing on enterprise solutions, AI, and analytics. His career highlights center on scaling review-based platforms, leveraging data to improve decision-making, and driving digital transformation in traditionally offline industries.

    12 min

  4. 08/27/2025

    Smarter Drayage Delivers Profit and Reliability

    Drayage, the short-haul transport of containers from ports to warehouses, has become a critical link in global logistics. E-commerce growth and shifting supply chain strategies have pushed this step into sharper focus. U.S. containerized imports totaled 28,196,462 TEUs in 2024, a 13 percent increase from the previous year, underscoring the rising demand for port-to-warehouse transport. Delays at this stage create ripple effects across entire networks, impacting both costs and customer expectations. How do major retailers like Wayfair ensure drayage is reliable, efficient, and profitable while maintaining long-term supplier relationships? On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush speaks with Summer Griffin, Drayage Procurement Manager at Wayfair. Griffin shares her path from ocean carriers to her current leadership role at CastleGate, Wayfair’s freight forwarding arm. Their conversation explores how her team manages procurement, profit optimization, and supplier partnerships to keep goods moving smoothly. Key Points from the Conversation: The dual role of procurement and profit management: Griffin explains how her team negotiates drayage rates while optimizing margins for CastleGate. What makes drayage unique: From port arrivals to warehouse delivery, drayage plays a specialized role in domestic distribution. Career insights for supply chain newcomers: Griffin emphasizes the importance of cross-training across supply chain functions for effective drayage management. Summer Griffin is the Procurement Manager for Drayage at Wayfair, where she leads carrier negotiations, profit management, and cost-saving initiatives for CastleGate Forwarding. She brings over eight years of experience in supply chain operations, beginning her career with K-Line and Ocean Network Express, where she developed expertise in equipment management, procurement, and large-scale system integrations during a global merger. Griffin is recognized for strengthening drayage networks through vendor partnerships, operational improvements, and cross-functional collaboration.

    11 min

  5. 07/22/2025

    W2 or Agent Model: What Freight Brokers Need to Know Before Making the Jump

    The freight logistics industry is undergoing a quiet transformation. With financial instability affecting brokerages and shifting commission structures prompting sales talent to explore new paths, the “agent model” — a 1099 contractor framework for freight brokers — is seeing renewed attention. As more logistics professionals seek greater flexibility, ownership, and earnings potential, understanding the mechanics and risks of this model is becoming increasingly important. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the transportation and warehousing sector is projected to add over half a million jobs between 2022 and 2032, signaling steady growth and drawing new entrants to the field with one key question: Should freight brokers go independent as agents or stay in traditional W2 roles? Welcome to Hammer Down. In the latest episode, host Mike Bush sits down with Matt Dahl, Director of Agent Recruiting at HDShips, to break down the nuances of the freight agent model. They discuss the advantages, misconceptions, and red flags associated with the shift from employee to entrepreneur in logistics sales. Key takeaways from the episode… Freedom over finances: While many assume money is the primary motivator for going agent, Matt shares that freedom, flexibility, and escaping micromanagement often top the list. Readiness matters: Jumping into the agent model without a book of business or prior experience can lead to burnout and financial stress. Discipline and planning are key. Non-competes vs. non-solicits: Matt breaks down why non-competes are widely disliked in the industry and advises new grads to scrutinize employment contracts carefully. Matt Dahl is a logistics professional with a strong background in freight brokerage, account management, and agent recruitment. He currently serves as Director of Agent Recruiting at HDShips, where he leads the development of 1099 agent networks. He has previously held sales and operations roles at DestiNATION Transport and Logistic Dynamics. Matt is also the co-host of 2 Dawgs, 1 Pod, where he explores industry trends and insights across the freight and logistics landscape.

    16 min

  6. 07/01/2025

    Driving the Future at ACT Expo: Windrose Showcases Its Purpose-Built Electric Class 8 Trucks

    At the ACT Expo, Hammer Down host Mike Bush dives deeper into the future of freight with a hands-on look at Windrose Technology’s electric Class 8 trucks. Joined by Joseph Jaramillo, Driver Supervisor at Talon Logistics Inc., Mike takes a test drive to experience the smooth ride, dual digital displays, and unique features—like advanced regen modes and a sunroof—that are rare finds in heavy-duty trucks. Representing Windrose, Kyle Maki, Director of Customer Success & Operations, and Michael Millar, Marketing Lead, North America, shared how the company, with roots in China and operations in California and Belgium, is rethinking electric trucking from the ground up. Their truck tackles weight and range challenges head-on with an 82,000-pound capacity and 420-mile range. As the logistics industry rapidly evolves, this episode underscores how purpose-built electric trucks are steering the future—and doing it with style and efficiency.

    6 min

  7. 06/24/2025

    ACT Expo Highlights: Hammer Down Talks Clean Trucking Technology with Leaders from OneH2, Schaeffler, and WEX

    In a special episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush hit the show floor at ACT Expo, one of the logistics industry’s premier events for sustainable transportation. The conversations highlighted real-world innovations and clean trucking technology accelerating the shift to a lower-emissions future. Prathamesh Dabholkar, Project Engineer at OneH2, discussed the company’s mobile hydrogen fueling units. These systems offer a flexible solution for fleets needing quick and space-efficient hydrogen access, without the need for permanent infrastructure. Thomas Heck, Director of Key Account Management at Schaeffler of America, showcased the company’s electric drivetrain technologies, including a modular eAxle. Schaeffler’s solutions support both battery-electric and fuel-cell power, with additional hybrid components designed to reduce emissions from combustion engines, broadening the practical use of clean trucking technology across heavy-duty applications. To address growing EV adoption, Steve Kingsley-Jones, Senior Product Manager at WEX, introduced a streamlined platform that helps fleets reimburse drivers for at-home EV charging. The system automates installation, usage tracking, and payments—all while maintaining driver privacy and utility integration. From hydrogen to hybrid systems and smarter EV infrastructure, ACT Expo confirmed that clean logistics tech is not just emerging—it’s arriving, fast.

    6 min

  8. 05/01/2025

    Dane’s AMRs Bridge the Inventory Management Gap Between Shelf Stock and WMS Accuracy

    Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) are transforming how supply chains address the persistent challenge of inventory accuracy. Warehouses and 3PL providers face mounting pressure to maintain real-time stock visibility as ecommerce accelerates fulfillment demands. According to McKinsey & Company, automation can reduce logistics costs by 30% in high-performing operations. AMRs also minimize human error in repetitive inventory tasks, improving efficiency across warehouse networks. These capabilities position AMRs as essential tools for modern inventory management. How are robotics companies addressing the widening gap between what's on the shelf and what's logged in the system? Also, what does that mean for the future of inventory management? On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush converses with Dan Johnson, Founder and CEO at Dane Technologies, during the Manifest Conference in Vegas. They discuss the evolution of Johnson’s company from a safety-first automation startup to a leader in inventory-focused AMRs for multi-site warehouses and retail environments. Highlights from the conversation: Robots That Think for Inventory: Dane’s latest AMRs integrate best-in-class barcode scanning using Cognex cameras, helping reconcile actual stock locations with warehouse management systems.From Finance to Fulfillment: Johnson explains how customer collaboration drove the company’s pivot from his roots in finance to advanced robotics in logistics.A Sector Built on Growth: Johnson highlights how macro trends and constant innovation make supply chain tech an ideal field for early-career professionals.Dan Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Dane Technologies. He is an entrepreneur and seasoned executive with expertise in launching and scaling technology companies across logistics, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Johnson has led the development of autonomous mobile robots and patented software solutions for asset and emissions management. His earlier finance career included senior roles at RBC Dain Rauscher and Van Kampen, equipping him with strong capital-raising and operational leadership skills.

    4 min
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About

Welcome to "Hammer Down," a cutting-edge podcast series hosted by Mike Bush. Hear from the trailblazers in logistics technology as we dive into the dynamic world of logistics, offering deep insights and candid conversations with industry leaders who shape the future of transportation.

Information

  • Creator
    🎥MarketScale
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Hammer Down