The Logistics of Logistics Joe Lynch

Keith Peterson and Joe Lynch discuss simplifying the complex: NMFC to undergo major changes in 2025. Keith is the Director of Operations at The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), a nonprofit membership organization that represents the interests of less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers.
Summary: Simplifying the Complex: NMFC to Undergo Major Changes in 2025 On this episode, join Joe Lynch and Keith Peterson as they delve into the intricacies and forthcoming transformations in the Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping sector. With Keith's profound insight from early days in truck yards to his impactful role at NMFTA, the episodes dissect the complexities of the LTL industry—from packaging nuances to revamping the pivotal National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system. They address the relationship between freight classification and shipping costs, explore the transition to electronic bill of lading, discuss the LTL carrier market, and outline the significance of standard-setting for carriers of varying sizes. Moreover, they discuss the efficiency of the LTL sector in fostering global business and underscore the growing cybersecurity concerns within the industry. The episode not only reflects on the historical customer challenges of the LTL system but also looks ahead at the "classification reimagined" initiative, digital innovations, and the pursuit of a frictionless, transparent classification process through collaboration, listening sessions, and industry feedback.
#LTLInnovation
#FreightForwardingFuture
#CyberSecureShipping
About Keith Peterson Keith Peterson has more than two decades of experience in technical operations, customer success management, and both product and customer support. Currently serving as the Director of Operations for The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™, he plays a pivotal role in helping to advance the industry through classification and digitization. Prior to his role at NMFTA, Peterson started his career as a driver for TWT Refrigerated Transport, then worked in operations for System Transport and Interstate Distributor Co., all asset-based carriers. He then served in numerous strategic operations positions at Qualcomm and Omnitracs, and most recently held the position of Senior Director of Professional Services at Solera, Inc. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA.
About NMFTA The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA™) is a non-profit membership organization headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. It is the world’s leading organization representing the interests of less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers. The association’s membership is comprised of motor carriers operating in interstate, intrastate, and foreign commerce. NMFTA provides critical services to the industry in the form of classification standards, identification codes, digital operation standards, and support for cybersecurity within the industry.
Key Takeaways: Simplifying the Complex: NMFC to Undergo Major Changes in 2025 Understand the upcoming changes to the NMFC and the NMFTA's involvement in setting LTL industry standards. Learn about how efficiency in the LTL sector can reduce transportation costs and foster business opportunities. Discover the importance of proper packaging in LTL shipping to prevent damage during transit. Gain insights from Keith Peterson's journey in the freight industry, informing his role in classification reimagination efforts. Explore the historical complexities of LTL classification and initiatives aimed at making it more user-friendly. Get an understanding of the impact of freight classification on shipping costs and the move toward density-based categorization. Hear about the transition to electronic bills of lading and the related advancements in efficiency and digitalization. Recognize the challenges in the LTL market, including

Sean Smith and Joe Lynch discuss scaling your SMB freight brokerage. Sean is VP of Product at Denim, a trusted freight factoring partner on a mission to advance the supply chain by accelerating the movement of money and data.
Summary: Scaling Your SMB Freight Brokerage In this insightful podcast series, Joe Lynch and Sean Smith delve into the dynamic world of small and medium-sized (SMB) freight brokerage businesses. They explore the strategies for scaling these operations, the challenges of managing cash flow and capital, and the transformative impact of technology in the industry. With a focus on the importance of strong back-office management, they discuss Denim’s specialized services for freight brokers, including freight factoring, back-office support, and the utilization of cloud-based technological solutions. Sean and Joe analyze the growth opportunities and the essential balance needed between sales and operations for these brokerages to thrive. The podcast also highlights the changing workforce dynamics, the critical selection process for a freight factoring partner, and the benefits of embracing tools and partnerships to avoid financial troubles. Tune in for a deep dive into the logistics and operational tactics that can spell success for SMB freight brokerage businesses.
#FreightBrokerGrowth
#ScalingSMBFreight
#TechInLogistics
About Sean Smith Sean Smith, VP of Product at Denim, has spent 10 years building and scaling products in the financial services and logistics industries. While leading Product at Denim, he has pioneered new capabilities for the factoring space including risk automation and pricing.  Sean has also led work on our client dashboard, job management and collaboration that have revolutionized the process and workflow for broker clients looking to save time on back office operations. He excels at combining his passion for technology with the ability to drive impact on a balance sheet.
About Denim Denim is a trusted freight factoring partner on a mission to advance the supply chain by accelerating the movement of money and data. Denim delivers fast access to the working capital you need, when you need it. With Denim’s proven, flexible factoring solutions, you can easily manage your financing options, monetize your working capital, and automate your back-office operations to build a resilient business. Denim is a true partner, acting as an extension of your team, saving you time and money while providing the opportunity to focus on retaining and attracting new customers.
Key Takeaways: Scaling Your SMB Freight Brokerage Strategies for scaling SMB freight brokerage businesses and overcoming challenges. The role of freight factoring and back-office solutions for managing finances. Cash flow management as a critical component of freight brokerage growth. The rise of personalized service in small and medium-sized freight brokerage firms. Technology's transformative impact on the freight industry and the benefits of cloud-based solutions. Importance of strong back-office management and efficient processes in scaling SMB freight brokerages. Timestamps (00:00:02) Scaling SMB Freight Brokerage
(00:00:26) SMB Freight Brokering Insights
(00:03:32) The Financial Challenges of Freight Brokering
(00:06:34) From Engineering to Startups
(00:11:31) Scaling SMB Freight Programs
(00:12:06) Growth in SMB Freight Brokerage
(00:17:27) Revolutionizing Freight with Tech
(00:22:23) Scaling SMB Freight Brokerages
(00:29:23) Responding to Market Demand
(00:29:38) Scaling SMB Freight Brokerage
(00:35:04) Rethinking Workforce Strategies
(00:38:10) Navigating Financial Partnerships
(00:39:20) Choosing the Right Factoring Partner
(00:43:29) Scaling SMB Freight Brokerages
(00:45:15) Optimism in Freight Brokering
Learn More About Scaling Your SMB Freight Brokerage Sean Smith | LinkedIn
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Denim | X
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Chris Cser and Joe Lynch discuss global giants - ICAT moves the world's largest cargo. Chris is the Director of Operations at ICAT Logistics Detroit where they handle the shipments that other companies don't, can't, and won't.
Summary: Global Giants: ICAT Moves the World's Largest Cargo In this podcast, Chris Cser, Director of Operations at ICAT Logistics, takes us on a journey through the complex world of global logistics. Founded in 1992 in Baltimore, ICAT Logistics has expanded across the United States and Europe, specializing in handling unusual, high-value, and oversized freight that often falls outside the scope of standard containerized shipping. Chris shares his personal story of entering the logistics industry and delves into the intricacies of project cargo, from moving entire assembly lines across continents to navigating the challenges of transporting oversized, heavy, and hazardous materials. He also discusses the importance of having a logistics partner with global expertise and the ability to provide flexible shipping options in the face of unexpected disruptions. Throughout the podcast, Chris emphasizes the need for companies to ensure compliance and ethical practices in their global supply chains, highlighting the severe consequences of non-compliance in today's transparent world. Finally, he touches on his company's role as the preferred logistics carrier for the National Guard and their involvement in upcoming events.
#ProjectCargoLogistics
#GlobalTransportationExpertise
#SpecializedFreightSolutions
About Chris Cser Chris’s expertise in global logistics is tied to his experience growing up and marrying into a military family. That background has helped him build the skills to develop a worldwide network of trusted partners over the past three decades. His leadership in international logistics is enhanced by his continuous education including extensive travel in Europe, Asia, Mexico and the Middle East to see port operations for himself. In his off hours, Chris is a sports enthusiast who enjoys cooking. As the father of a son with Coffin Siris Syndrome, Chris devotes significant time to advocating on behalf of people with CSS and Autism.
About ICAT Logistics ICAT Logistics Detroit is family-owned and operated and has been since its inception more than 30 years ago when it was created to ensure safe, secure and timely delivery of goods. Customers have come to depend on the experience, knowledge and capabilities of ICAT Logistics Detroit and its established partnerships around the world. Their team always finds a way to get the job done. It’s the result of years of working together and building a worldwide network of resources and relationships to solve complex shipping challenges. The experts at ICAT Logistics Detroit know that every shipment is mission critical to our customers, who represent a wide range of companies from multinationals to family-owned enterprises and start-ups. We think through the critical details so that they don’t have to. The best routes. The most efficient modes of transport. Getting through customs. Packaging bulky loads. Warehousing, if necessary.
Key Takeaways: Global Giants: ICAT Moves the World's Largest Cargo Discover how ICAT Logistics has expanded across the United States and Europe over the past 30 years. Learn about the complexities of handling unusual, high-value, and oversized global transportation. Explore the challenges and regulations involved in transporting oversized, heavy, and hazardous materials. Understand the importance of precise project management and sequencing when moving entire assembly lines and manufacturing equipment. Gain insights into the evolving regulations and safety concerns surrounding the transportation of lithium batteries. Recognize the significance of having a logistics partner with global expertise and flexible shipping options. Appreciate the complexities of moving freight internationally, including regulations, customs cleara

Mike Kucharski and Joe Lynch discuss why new emissions standards could cripple the trucking industry. Mike is Co-Owner and Vice President of JKC Trucking, a leader in temperature-controlled transportation industry for over three decades.
Summary: Why New Emissions Standards Could Cripple the Trucking Industry In this podcast, Mike Kucharski, VP of JKC Trucking, shares his insights on the challenges facing the trucking industry, particularly in light of new emission standards and the push towards electrification. JKC Trucking specializes in refrigerated and frozen LTL services from the Midwest to the West Coast, playing a crucial role in the American food supply chain. Mike discusses the complexities of refrigerated LTL shipping, his experiences growing up in the trucking industry, and the potential impact of new regulations on costs and efficiency. He also delves into the challenges of implementing electric trucks, including high costs, inadequate infrastructure, limited range, and the impact on the power grid. The podcast also covers issues such as supply chain waste, empty backhauls, and the need for affordable, reliable hybrid trucks to prevent catastrophic failures in the food industry. Throughout the episodes, Mike emphasizes the importance of practical solutions that consider the realities faced by independent drivers and small trucking companies in the industry's transition towards a more sustainable future.
#TruckingEmissionStandards
#RefrigeratedLTLChallenges
#ElectricTruckingObstacles
About Mike Mike Kucharski, Co-Owner and Vice President of JKC Trucking, isn't just leading a Chicago-based trucking company – he's shaping the future of the industry. With over 30 years of experience under his belt, Mike's expertise in climate-controlled and dry freight transportation is widely recognized.  He's a vocal advocate for the industry, frequently sought after by the news media to explain the potential pitfalls of proposed regulations.  Mike's leadership extends beyond JKC Trucking, ensuring both the company's success and a thriving future for the American trucking landscape.  He holds a degree in business management from DePaul University.
About JKC Trucking JKC Trucking has been a leader in Chicago's temperature-controlled transportation industry for over three decades. They specialize in keeping your most delicate freight fresh, from fruits and vegetables to dairy products and pharmaceuticals. Their fleet of 350 company-owned trailers and 250 tractors equipped with advanced temperature control ensures your shipment arrives on time and in perfect condition. JKC's offerings extend beyond refrigerated transport. They handle dry freight and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments across the country, reaching major hubs in California, Florida, and the West Coast. With a proven track record of success and a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, JKC is your trusted partner for all your transportation needs.
Key Takeaways: Why New Emissions Standards Could Cripple the Trucking Industry Emission standards could negatively impact the trucking industry by increasing costs and reducing efficiency. JKC Trucking specializes in refrigerated and frozen LTL services, playing a crucial role in the food supply chain. Refrigerated LTL shipping is complex, involving maintaining proper temperatures across long distances and multiple stops. Mike Kucharski shares his experiences growing up in the trucking industry and helping his father from a young age. New emission standards may not be feasible for the trucking industry to meet with current technology. Implementing electric trucks faces challenges such as high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient power grid capacity. The trucking industry needs affordable hybrid trucks with multiple power systems for reliability and to prevent supply chain failures. Timestamps (00:00:02) New Emission Standards' Impact on Trucking
(00:00:14) Feeding America: JKC Trucking

Andrew Wimer and Joe Lynch discuss the blind spots of visibility. Andrew is Director, Operations for Descartes MacroPoint, a global leader in on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions for logistics businesses.
About Andrew Wimer Andrew Wimer is Director, Operations for Descartes MacroPoint, a global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions for logistics businesses. With over 15 years of dedicated expertise in the field of logistics, Andrew brings a wealth of experience to the intersection of technology and freight management. For nearly a decade, he has served in pivotal roles at Descartes for its Descartes MacroPoint multimodal freight visibility platform. As Director of Operations, his responsibilities encompass spearheading new customer implementations, facilitating seamless carrier onboarding, and ensuring the ongoing success of their valued clientele. Andrew’s career reflects a commitment to optimizing supply chain operations through innovative solutions and strategic leadership in the dynamic landscape of logistics and freight technology.
About Descartes Descartes is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. One of Descartes’ solutions in its cloud-based transportation management software portfolio, Descartes MacroPoint is a multimodal visibility platform designed to help freight brokers, third-party logistics companies (3PLs) and shippers gain better visibility to their freight operations and shipments. Carriers can easily connect with the solution via GPS-based electronic logging device (ELD), transportation management systems (TMS), or mobile app-based tracking methods. The platform allows for increased control and management of the supply chain—with more efficient and high-quality data to improve communication and decision-making. Using Descartes MacroPoint, companies can enhance customer service, increase distribution efficiency, better collaborate with customers, suppliers and carriers, and minimize the impact of disruptions and late delivery penalties. Connect with Descartes MacroPoint on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.
Key Takeaways: Blind Spots of Visibility Andrew and Joe discuss some of the blind spots in visibility including: Clunky onboarding Dirty data Port blackholes Descartes MacroPoint is part of a world-leading Software-as-a-Service solution suite focused on improving productivity, performance, and security for logistics-intensive businesses. Descartes focus on visibility and control: Their Descartes MacroPoint platform grants freight brokers, 3PLs, and shippers real-time insights into their operations and shipments. The company provides easy carrier integration: Carriers can connect via diverse methods like GPS trackers, TMS systems, or mobile apps for seamless data sharing. Descartes improves supply chain management: The platform offers increased control, data quality, communication, and decision-making, leading to better customer service, distribution efficiency, collaboration, and disruption mitigation. Learn More About Blind Spots of Visibility Andrew Wimer | Linkedin
Descartes MacroPoint | Linkedin
Descartes MacroPoint
The Tive Story with Krenar Komoni | The Logistics of Logistics
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube

Ryan Sullivan and Joe Lynch discuss the CRO perspective - growing freighttech sales. Ryan is the CEO and Founder of Ratchet Ventures, a fractional CRO firm specializing in the logistics and freighttech space.
Summary: The CRO Perspective: Growing FreightTech Sales In this podcast, Ryan Sullivan, Founder of Ratchet Ventures and an experienced Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), shares his insights on growing sales in the freight tech and logistics industry. He discusses the importance of revenue management, transitioning from founder-led sales to a scalable process, and the three levers to increase sales: larger deals, more opportunities, and higher conversion rates. Ryan emphasizes understanding the ideal customer profile, building genuine relationships, and specializing in a specific niche to improve sales performance. He also addresses the challenges growing companies face in finding the right sales leadership and how fractional CRO services can help. Throughout the podcast, Ryan shares his unconventional journey and expertise in helping companies and individuals navigate the increasingly competitive supply chain technology industry.
#FreightTechSales
#RevenueGrowthStrategies
#LogisticsSalesExpertise
About Ryan Sullivan Ryan Sullivan is the CEO & Founder of Ratchet Ventures. With over a decade of experience in supply chain tech, Ryan partners with seed to Series B companies to revamp sales strategies, optimize pipelines, and enhance forecasting. A proven leader with success at Kuebix and Tive, he specializes in transitioning from founder-led sales to scalable processes, achieving 5-10x revenue growth. As a 2x founder, 2x corporate exit, and 3-time founding sales leader, Ryan's expertise includes channel partnerships, sales playbooks, prospecting, and CRM enablement. Passionate about innovation in logistics and transportation, he actively shares industry insights on LinkedIn and is committed to transparency and authenticity in all business interactions. Based in Boston, Ryan drives growth and innovation in the supply chain industry.
About Ratchet Ventures Ratchet Ventures, led by CEO & Founder Ryan Sullivan, empowers supply chain technology leaders to scale, secure funding, and drive profitable revenue through comprehensive growth services. With over 15 years of experience, Ryan partners with seed to Series B companies to transition from founder-led sales to scalable processes, achieving significant growth. Ratchet Ventures specializes in Fractional CRO services, strategic growth planning, and go-to-market strategies. As a 2x founder, 2x corporate exit, and 3-time founding sales leader, Ryan's expertise is instrumental in navigating startup complexities and driving innovation in the supply chain sector (Ryan Sullivan ).
Key Takeaways: The CRO Perspective: Growing FreightTech Sales Gain insights from a Chief Revenue Officer on growing sales in the freight tech industry. Learn about the importance of building relationships with customers. Understand the growing significance of revenue management in companies. Discover how to transition from founder-led sales to a scalable sales process. Hear about Ryan Sullivan's unconventional journey to becoming a successful tech sales leader. Learn three key levers to grow sales in freight tech and logistics companies. Understand the value of genuine expertise and personal connections in the era of AI-generated content. Timestamps (00:00:01) The CRO Perspective on Freight Tech Sales
(00:00:20) Fractional CRO for Early Stage Companies
(00:01:35) The Growing Importance of Revenue Management
(00:04:00) Scaling Sales Beyond Founder-Led Efforts
(00:08:05) Accidental Entrepreneur Discovers Supply Chain Tech
(00:14:18) Three Levers to Grow Freight Tech Sales
(00:16:03) Selling Larger Deals in Freight Brokerage
(00:19:34) The Value of Authentic Expertise
(00:22:17) Boost Sales Conversion Through Customer Understanding
(00:24:32) Niching Down for Higher Conversions
(00:32:34) Fo