Freightvine

Andres Mendoza Pena | Navigating through the Fog

This week’s guest is Andres Mendoza Pena, Partner at Kearney.  Andres is here to discuss Kearney and CSCMP's annual State of Logistics report, aptly titled "Navigating Through the Fog." This title reflects the high uncertainty in the macro context impacting supply chain executives, like driving through dense fog.  In our conversation, we discuss the "fragile optimism" in the economy and the "certainty of uncertainty" that supply chain executives need to embrace.  Andres also talks about the shifting dynamics in different transportation markets to include the reduction in size of the FTL market, the expansion of dedicated/private, and the LTL segment’s strong pricing discipline and high barriers to entry, leading to stable rates.  Finally, we talk about the future growth and adoption of autonomous trucking in the middle mile. 

Chadd Olesen | The Rise of Automated Dynamic Pricing

This week’s guest is Chadd Olesen, CEO of AVRL.  Founded in 2017 as Advanced Voice Research Labs, AVRL brought voice technology to business applications such as predictive maintenance.   They shifted however to dynamic pricing models after meeting with pricing analysts at some larger carriers and brokers.  Today, AVRL automates over 25 million spot transactions monthly and provides pricing engines for two thirds of the top 100 3PLs.  In our conversation, Chadd explains AVRL's approach to dynamic pricing, focusing on understanding client strategy (high volume/low margin or vice-versa) and utilizing custom market definitions rather than solely lane-based or standard zip code data. Olesen emphasizes the importance of analytics and data scientists in successful dynamic pricing, advocating for a human-in-the-loop approach where brokers and analysts collaborate. He also touches on the challenges of change management and the future of AVRL as a strategic partner for increasing yield and identifying market opportunities.

Matt Menner | The Evolution of Managed Transportation

This week’s guest is Matt Menner, Head of Transportation Management Sales at Uber Freight.  In our conversation, we discuss how the managed transportation sector has evolved, notably regarding the adoption of technology like AI and the increased use of spot or dynamic markets.  Matt also talks about the acquisition and integration of Transplace into Uber Freight, highlighting investments in technology and the blending of the cultures and businesses.  Finally, we touch upon the current market volatility and the increasing prominence of supply chain as a field of study.

Mike Hicks | Tariffs and Trade: An Economist's View

This week’s guest is Professor Michael Hicks, George & Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Economics at Ball State University.  Mike brings an economist’s perspective on the recent introduction of tariffs as well their sudden modification or removal in many cases.  Being located in Indiana, Mike is keen on the impact that different policies have on manufacturing and agricultural firms and communities.  In our conversation we discuss the idea and objectives of tariffs in general as well as the specific impacts that the most recent tariffs have caused.  Mike notes that the effects will not be evenly distributed and that, in fact, Red States which have more manufacturing will be negatively impacted more than the Blue State areas which feature more knowledge workers in the services.  

Kristian ‘KO’ O’Meara | Transportation Procurement Trends

This week’s guest is Kristian ‘KO’ O’Meara, SVP Strategic Initiatives for Jaggaer.  KO has been with Jaggaer for just shy of 25 years filling a number of senior roles.  Currently, he works with the larger enterprise customers for the procurement of direct and indirect materials and services.  In our conversation, we zoom in primarily to freight transportation procurement - mainly TL.  We discuss the challenges of TL transportation procurement to include the breadth, scope, and complexities involved - as well as some of the more creative approaches that Jaggaer uses, such as expressive bidding and incorporating non-financial factors (such as sustainability or incumbency) into the vendor selection process.