Transfix

Transfix

Welcome to the Transfix Take On, a show for the logistics and supply chain world where we switch gears into the hot topics of trucking. For more information, visit: www.transfix.io

  1. Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Jan 27: Can Winter Storms Stop the Q1 Rate Reset?

    2D AGO

    Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Jan 27: Can Winter Storms Stop the Q1 Rate Reset?

    The year 2026 is off to a volatile start, and this week on the Transfix Take podcast, we’re breaking down the perfect storm of record-breaking weather, shifting rate cycles, and a major regulatory crackdown in California. If you’re a freight broker or transportation professional trying to navigate the "capacity red zone," this episode is your essential guide to staying ahead of the game. Inside This Episode: Winter Storm Fern & The Capacity Red Zone: A massive "Arctic blast" has blanketed the Northeast and Southern Plains, with Yonkers, NY seeing up to 15 inches of snow and Texas grappling with black ice and freezing rain. We break down the regional road closures (I-95, I-40, I-81) and explain why a massive backlog of freight is building in the South. The California CDL Crackdown: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a "national emergency," withholding $160 million in highway funding from California after the state failed to revoke roughly 17,000 "illegally issued" non-domiciled CDLs. Could this lead to a significant capacity shift in early 2026? Market Trends & Rate Forecasts: National average line haul rates saw a staggering 25% increase from December through mid-January. While rates traditionally decline through April, the persistent winter weather has halted that downward trend. Justin Maze shares his outlook on where contract rates will land and why the market might be in for a "fun ride" through Q1. Macroeconomic Signals: With the Federal Reserve meeting this week, all eyes are on a potential interest rate cut. We discuss how housing starts and manufacturing demand remain the real drivers for a market turnaround. Regional Market Snapshots: Southeast: Slim uptick expected as carriers battle facility closures and backlogs. Northeast & Midwest: Heavy snow in PA and Wisconsin is tightening capacity and driving spot rates upward. West Coast: The "lucky" region with 70-degree weather, but keep an eye on how California’s regulatory issues impact the broader driver pool. Don’t miss our special announcement! Heading to Manifest (Feb 9–12)? Stop by Booth 1682 to meet the Transfix team and hear about our latest TMS and cost solutions. Stay Safe. Stay Informed. Stay Ahead. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

    15 min
  2. Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Dec 18 - The Carrier Revenge Market Arrives

    12/19/2025

    Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Dec 18 - The Carrier Revenge Market Arrives

    The final Transfix Take of the year arrives at the peak of chaos — and opportunity — in the freight market. This week, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s market expert Justin Maze break down one of the most volatile December surges we’ve seen since the pandemic era. With spot rates spiking, winter weather wreaking havoc, and carriers finally regaining the upper hand, Maze walks listeners through what’s driving the sudden escalation — and what it means as we head into 2026. Jenni and Maze take you region by region across the U.S. to unpack: • Why national spot rates are climbing faster than expected, with a potential 20¢ jump by New Year’s • How winter storms and rollover freight are creating a ripple effect across long-haul and cross-country lanes • The Midwest’s shocking 5%+ breakouts and what’s behind the biggest surge of any region • Capacity tightening on the West Coast despite minimal weather disruptions • The looming non-domicile CDL rulings that could reshape Q1 and Q2 capacity • Whether this is officially the start of the carrier “revenge market” Maze also shares his early forecast for 2026 — including how January sets the tone, why a 5–8% annual rate increase is firmly on the table, and what brokers must do now to keep carriers aligned heading into the new year. It’s our last episode of the year — and one of the most insight-packed. If you’re a freight broker, shipper, or anyone navigating transportation volatility, this is the year-end debrief you don’t want to miss. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

    14 min
  3. Transfix Take | Week of Dec 3 – Winter Weather Tightens Capacity as a Major Carrier Shuts Down

    12/03/2025

    Transfix Take | Week of Dec 3 – Winter Weather Tightens Capacity as a Major Carrier Shuts Down

    Winter weather is here — and so is the first major freight shock of December. This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down the impact of a sweeping nor’easter, early-season snow across the Midwest and Northeast, and the stunning closure of 10 Roads Trucking, the largest carrier shutdown since Yellow. With more than 2,500 trucks leaving the road, Maze explains why this could be the first of several ripples in an already depressed freight market. Here’s what Jenni and Maze cover: ❄️ Nor’easter disruptions bring snow, ice, and road closures across PA, New England, and the Midwest 🚚 10 Roads Trucking shuts down, sending shockwaves through an industry still battling low volumes 📈 National average rate per mile creeps upward as winter weather and post-Thanksgiving pressure tighten capacity 🌤 Southeast leads gains, with freight to the Coastal region jumping nearly 6% 🌊 Coastal region strengthens, driven by increasing rates into the Northeast 🤠 South sees modest holiday-driven gains, but Maze expects rates to cool unless a deep freeze hits 🌽 Midwest volatility grows, especially on lanes heading into the Northeast amid heavy snowfall 🗽 Northeast dips slightly overall, but winter weather is likely to reverse that trend next week 🌲 West Coast resumes its slow climb, led by the Pacific Northwest as Christmas trees, produce, and seasonal freight pick up Plus, Jenni and Maze talk driver safety in dangerous winter conditions and share a special Giving Tuesday message in support of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, which provides critical assistance to drivers affected by shutdowns, illness, and financial hardship. Interested in donating? Use these links: • Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/freightfantasyleague • Donate via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/freightfantasyleague This and more on The Transfix Take! -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

    12 min
  4. Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Nov 25 – All Regions Up as Thanksgiving Tightens Capacity

    11/25/2025

    Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Nov 25 – All Regions Up as Thanksgiving Tightens Capacity

    The Thanksgiving surge is officially here — and for the first time in weeks, every region in the U.S. saw rates climb. This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down why the holiday push is giving carriers the upper hand, even as consumer demand remains muted and freight volumes stay historically low. With Black Friday on deck and winter weather circling parts of the country, the next few days could set the tone for the rest of the year. Here’s what Maze and Jenni unpack: 📈 National rate pressure builds, with holiday disruptions pushing gains in every major region 🦃 Southeast heats up, driven by seasonal holiday commodities like citrus, sweet potatoes, and turkeys 🚚 Coastal region jumps nearly 1%, with freight to the Northeast spiking more than 2.5% 🌪 South shows steady gains, though storms across Texas and Oklahoma could create pockets of volatility ❄️ Northeast posts the smallest increase, despite lake-effect snow and unusual lane behavior 🌲 Midwest and West Coast emerge as the week’s breakout markets — Christmas tree season, produce, and tightening capacity push both regions to the top 🔮 December forecast: Maze expects a brief pullback after Thanksgiving, followed by a sharper climb in the back half of the month as capacity exits the market for holiday downtime Plus, Jenni and Maze share Thanksgiving plans — and a definitive ranking of the best Thanksgiving sides. This and more on The Transfix Take! -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

    10 min
  5. Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Jack Pendergast, City Harvest

    11/25/2025

    Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Jack Pendergast, City Harvest

    In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni sits down with longtime friend and former Transfixer, Jack Pendergast, now Associate Director of Logistics at City Harvest, New York City’s first and largest food rescue organization. Together, they trace Jack’s journey from brokerages and fine art freight to purpose-driven logistics—moving millions of pounds of food and essentials to New Yorkers who need it most. Jack pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to keep a city fed: timing deliveries to food pantries with limited storage, navigating NYC traffic with a veteran union driver fleet, and managing peak season as holiday demand, marathons, and food drives all collide. He also shares how City Harvest is responding in real time to crises like government shutdowns—getting fresh food to military families, TSA workers, and other federal employees missing paychecks. They dive into why people, not just KPIs and tech, are the real backbone of any supply chain—from drivers and warehouse teams to community partners—and how City Harvest is thoughtfully modernizing its tech stack without losing sight of its mission: rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste and getting it into the hands of New Yorkers for free. Listen in to hear: • How Jack’s brokerage background prepared him for nonprofit logistics • What makes food rescue and produce logistics uniquely challenging • Why relationships with drivers and community partners make or break operations • Simple ways you (and your company) can support City Harvest this season Plus, learn how you can get involved in giving back during this holiday season. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

    40 min
  6. Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Eddie, Kenny, and David Lund, Allen Lund Company

    11/18/2025

    Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Eddie, Kenny, and David Lund, Allen Lund Company

    In this very special edition of Supply Chain Decoded, we are honored to sit down with not one, but three titans of the industry: Eddie, David, and Kenny Lund. Recorded during their annual family hunting trip, the brothers join Jenni to pull back the curtain on the legacy of their father, Allen Lund, and the groundbreaking values that shaped a freight empire. We dive deep into their new book, Be Good: The Allen Lund Story, which chronicles how Allen transitioned from rescuing a friend at C.H. Robinson to pioneering the modern brokerage model. From the cinematic "Wasatch fire" moment that redefined Allen’s faith and purpose to the "Monday Night Therapy" sessions that helped the family pen this history, this episode is about much more than moving freight. Join us as we decode the heart of a family business that prioritizes drivers, treats employees like kin, and famously voted "not to participate" in a recession. In this episode, we cover: • The Origin Story: How Allen Lund’s early days and a "baptism by fire" led to the creation of a logistics powerhouse. • The Matriarch: The critical, often unsung role Kathy Lund played in building the company's benefits and culture. • Old School vs. New School: Why the Lunds believe AI should never replace the human relationship and the lost art of talking to drivers. • The Secret Sauce: Decoding the Lund legacy in one simple, powerful line: "Be good, work hard, go to mass". Whether you’re looking to decode the origins of the modern freight brokerage or simply want to hear a story about a family that continues to bet on relationships over algorithms, this episode is a must-listen. Be sure to pick up a copy of "Be Good: The Allen Lund Story" to experience the full legacy. And as Allen himself always said at the end of a call instead of goodbye—be good. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

    1 hr
  7. Transfix Take | Week of Nov 11 – Freight Cools as Winter and Holiday Demand Collide

    11/12/2025

    Transfix Take | Week of Nov 11 – Freight Cools as Winter and Holiday Demand Collide

    The freight market is cooling just as the temperatures drop — and with Thanksgiving around the corner, things are about to get interesting. This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down the state of the freight market as we hit the midpoint of November. The national average rate per mile dips slightly to $1.66, and while capacity remains loose, early winter weather could shake things up in key regions. Here’s what Maze and Jenni unpack: 📉 Rates hold mostly flat across the board — down just a couple of cents week-over-week 🌨 Winter weather hits the Midwest and Northeast, but capacity hasn’t tightened yet 📊 Southeast and Coastal regions stay steady, with movement depending on destination 📉 South softens as rates continue to trend downward in Dallas and Fort Worth 🌽 Midwest leads gains with early snowfall pushing rates higher in Chicago and Indianapolis 🗽 Northeast continues to decline, though lake-effect snow could bring short-term spikes 🌲 West Coast begins to heat up as the Pacific Northwest enters produce and Christmas tree season Maze shares his outlook heading into Thanksgiving and predicts where volatility will surface first as Q4 freight picks up. This and more on The Transfix Take! -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

    10 min
  8. Transfix Take | Week of Oct 28 – Rates Hold, Shutdown Lingers, and November Outlooks

    10/29/2025

    Transfix Take | Week of Oct 28 – Rates Hold, Shutdown Lingers, and November Outlooks

    It’s the calm before the holiday chaos — or is it? This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down how October closed out and what to expect as we roll into November. Despite a government shutdown entering its fourth week and tender volumes hitting an all-time low for October, the national average rate per mile held its ground with a modest 2 % month-over-month gain. Here’s what’s moving the market: 📊 Rates steady thanks to Midwest strength, while demand stays weak nationwide 🌪 Category 5 hurricane near Jamaica could spark relief freight into South Florida 🌧 Flooding and flash storms slow the South as the Coastal region continues to loosen 🌽 Midwest leads gains, expected to drive national increases through November 🗺 Northeast and South soften, while the West Coast preps for its late-season upswing 🔮 Maze’s November outlook: expect roughly a 2 % national rate bump, driven by holiday volatility and seasonal freight out of the West With the shutdown stretching on and inflation still in play, Jenni and Maze look ahead to what could make or break the end of 2025 for brokers, shippers, and carriers alike. This and more on The Transfix Take! -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

    12 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Transfix Take On, a show for the logistics and supply chain world where we switch gears into the hot topics of trucking. For more information, visit: www.transfix.io