In the world of freight and logistics, standards aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential for driving reliability, efficiency, and security. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) sets the standard in this regard, providing operational benchmarks that keep LTL, truckload, and other modes moving smoothly across the U.S.
On this episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, we’re joined by Keith Peterson, NMFTA’s VP of Operations, for a deep dive into the intersection of industry standards and next-generation digital solutions - with a special spotlight on the more recently convened Digital Standards Development Council (DSDC).
Keith shares how NMFTA’s push to digitize industry standards is more than just a technical upgrade, it can be a game changer for freight operations. By bringing stakeholders together (carriers, shippers, 3PLs, and beyond) and supporting widespread adoption, these initiatives unlock efficiencies, help prevent fraud and theft, and ensure processes work in today’s fast-paced, capacity-driven marketplace.
Speaking of adoption, Keith points out how a modern transportation management system (TMS) makes integrating with these standards through APIs not just possible, but practical - even for small carriers and providers lacking IT staff or technical savvy.
And with digitization top of mind, Keith highlights why cybersecurity is now fundamental to logistics success (and NMFTA's focus on spreading the word). One key piece of advice: equip everyone in your organization to spot suspicious communications, because today’s secure supply chain depends on it.
To learn more about NMFTA, visit www.nmfta.org. For information on the DSDC and how to get involved, go to dsdc.nmfta.org.
Get this episode on YouTube, where you can also check out our playlist for our 77 previous episodes on The Intermodal Logistics Channel. You can also listen right here using the player below, or find it on Apple, Spotify, or whatever your favorite podcasting platform may be.
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