The Intermodal Logistics Podcast 

Tracking the trains

Visibility is vital in today's shipping environment. RailState's Dan Devoe explains its unique way of keeping track of freight rail activities across North America - and what they've seen.

Intermodal's Moment: EXPO 2026 and the Case for IMCs

Intermodal is having a moment in 2026, IANA President & CEO Anne Reinke joins us again to explain how EXPO promises to be a celebration of it as well as an opportunity to discuss how to make it last.

What the Supreme Court Broker Liability Ruling Means, and Doesn't

The Supreme Court's ruling on the Montgomery / C.H. Robinson case sent shockwaves through the industry. Benesch Law's Marc Blubaugh rejoins the podcast to explain the real implications.

Is drayage ready for a freight surge?

On our 100th episode, Jason Hilsenbeck joins us to discuss the drayage environment amidst the truckload to intermodal conversion surge, and his websites drayage.com and LoadMatch.

AI is driving freight volume in 2026. Will it last?

Michigan State Professor and supply chain guru Jason Miller returns to the podcast to share his volume outlook even as the pricing side of freight is looking up. He warns of how long the AI datacenter boom can last.

Block and Brace Yourself

Proper blocking and bracing is a key part of a successful intermodal program, but some either do it wrong, or are too afraid to learn how to nail it. MxV Rail's Kelsey Even offers tips.

State of 3PLs and Women in Supply Chain

How are 3PLs doing so far in 2026? IronMarkets' Marina Mayer joins us to explain her series of articles with past Top 3PL winners. Plus, she shares how the Women in Supply Chain Forum came to be.

Investing in U.S. Ports

U.S. ports are staying busy, but National Association of Waterfront Employers President Carl Bentzel tells us, they are overdue for new equipment. He also outlines tariff challenges and safety concerns.

Humble-y changing autonomous trucking

A new breed of dray is on the very near horizon. Humble Robotics Founder and CEO Eyal Cohen tells us about his company and the Humble Hauler.

Homebuilding and freight

Homebuilding is considered a freight volume force multiplier, but the market has stagnated for some time. Do You Convert's Kevin Oakley tells us where it stands now, and where it could be headed.

The long (and short-line) of Texas rail freight

Short-line railroad is a different business than major class ones, and Texas offers its own special environment. Taking us through both is TNW Corporation's Joey Evans.

Capital Ideas, Cargo Theft & Chameleon Carriers

Just after this year's Capital Ideas Conference, Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) President & CEO Chris Burroughs offers a recap and a look at key issues like cargo theft, chameleon carriers and broker liability.

Truck fleet, capacity, rates & outlook

We return to the truckload market, which is moving more forcefully than intermodal of late, examining all the factors contributing to its current state and where freight is headed, with ACT Research's Tim Denoyer in studio.

Agriculture shipping today

Agricultural products are diverse, and intermodal is more key to moving them than many think. That's according to AgTC Executive Director Peter Friedmann, who joins us to discuss his organization, the current trade situation and how intermodal is vital for ag shipping.

The diesel spike & the trucking market

For the second straight episode, we welcome back a returning guest to talk about uncertainty related to Iran. This time, DAT's Dean Croke joins us to discuss the diesel price spike and how it's affecting trucking, while also sharing an overall view of the truckload market as rates have climbed while capacity has fallen.

How the Iran conflict clouds ocean cargo

Xeneta's Peter Sand rejoins the podcast to discuss the immediate implications of the Iran attacks on ocean freight, plus share the company's overall outlook on the international cargo market for 2026.

Sustainability breaks through

Sustainability remains a priority for shippers and carriers, even if they're "greenhushing," according to Breakthrough's 2026 State of Transportation Report. COO Jenny Vander Zanden joins us to discuss.

Supply chain trends and insights

Supply chains cover a lot of ground, and following air, ocean, truck and rail transportation is a full-time job, one Cathy Morrow Roberson discusses on this episode.

Retail supply chains past and future

How did retailers do in the 2025 holiday season and what are the expectations with tariff challenges in 2026? The National Retail Federation (NRF)'s Jonathan Gold joins us to discuss.

Taking action on intermodal market share

Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) CEO & President Anne Reinke returns to go over her first year on the job and how to grow intermodal market share.

The Freight Market in 2026

Look ahead at what to expect from the freight market in 2026 with InTek Logistics President Shelli Austin and CEO Rick LaGore.

Coming full circular

All Things Circular Founder Rich Bulger tells us what goes into reverse logistics and how businesses can win with an approach that looks not only at the first, but the second customer. He also goes over how younger generations make purchases expecting to return or resell and how sustainability factors in.

Ports, Drayage and the Industry

Port X Logistics Founder and CEO Brian Kempisty joins us from his home in Montana to go over his background, the situation with drayage (and trucking in general) in California, why regulatory enforcement has led to drivers leaving the profession (and how cargo theft ties in), transloading and more.

English & immigration policy effects, plus tariff talk

Arizona State University Professor and longtime supply chain expert Dr. Dale Rogers discusses the effects of three key initiatives from 2025:The English language requirement for truck drivers, ramped up immigration enforcement and tariffs.

Surveys say...

Explore two surveys that take the pulse of logistics decision-makers: one on effects of new trade policy and the other on how much sustainability still matters to them, with Sphera VP of Product Development Scott Lehmann.

Setting the standards

Digitization - with standards - is key to optimizing freight transportation. To take us through an initiative that does just that is NMFTA VP of Operations Keith Peterson.

Bloodhound cargo tracking and FTZs

Learn about a cargo tracking solution that could be a game-changer in dealing with theft and fraud, with Bloodhound Tracking Device CEO Curtis Spencer.

Live from IANA Intermodal EXPO

Catch all the podcasts we recorded live at the 2025 IANA Intermodal EXPO in Long Beach, California - with guests from railroads, the academic challenge, drayage, the trucking industry and ocean carriers.

Riding the 2025 rollercoaster

InTek Logistics President Shelli Austin shares her perspective on the year in intermodal - and the freight recovery that still isn't - as 2025 hits September.

Rail merger, intermodal and inland

Explore all the angles of the Union Pacific - Norfolk Southern railroad merger as well as intermodal service & savings - with a preview of Inland to boot, thanks to JOC's Ari Ashe.

Gearing up for Intermodal EXPO 2025

Get a primer on the conference that brings together all things intermodal, EXPO 2025, with IANA President/CEO Anne Reinke and VP, Member Services Hal Pollard.

AI agents undercover

Artificial intelligence offers opportunities to streamline operations in just about any field. Find out how Ventus AI is bringing agents to logistics with CEO Peter Qian.

Putting the industry in perspective

Check in on intermodal so far in 2025 and looking ahead, and get a fresh perspective on freight from Progressive Railroading's Bridget Dean.

Navigating ocean freight

Dive into the sometimes rough seas of ocean freight pricing, contracts, volume and trends, with Xeneta's Peter Sand.

Solving the railroad volume problem

Hear why railroads have struggled with loss of cargo volume over the past two decades, and why a merger has come up (along with what's stopped them) with Trains.com's Bill Stephens.

Personalizing distribution, with software

Nailing standard operating procedures and helping employees feel appreciated - keeping them around and increasing productivity. That's the goal of Smart Access. Learn about this DC software with founder/CEO Tim Regnier.

Maintenance and repair within REACH

Learn about the platform streamlining maintenance and repair in intermodal, trucking and more known as REACH, with CEO Paul Burgoyne.

Truck parking, simplified

Trucking is far and away the leader in domestic freight transport volume, but finding parking has long been a problem. Truck Parking Club CEO and co-Founder Evan Shelley explains how his app is a solution.

Rapid response repairs

Learn about a new nationwide service to fix and maintain chassis & trailers - called RapidLink Repairs - with DCLI's Rob Finch

Importing food among tariffs

As the tariff situation continues to evolve, food importers are among those directly affected. Learn how they're handling things - and how importing food works - with Bob Bauer, President of the Association of Food Industries.

Ready, Set, Go-Rail

Everyone needs a champion - learn how GoRail advocates for the freight rail industry with AVP of Communications Betsy Cantwell and State Director Brett Sebastian.

5 Questions on the State of Freight in 2025

See where intermodal and the freight market stand in March of 2025 compared to the recent past, and where they may be headed with 5 questions for InTek CEO Rick LaGore.

Insuring the Freight

Learn the ins and outs of freight insurance - both domestic and cross-border - and how inflation is factoring in, with Mark Vickers of Reliance Partners.

Leading TIA

Learn about the new President and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), Chris Burroughs, and TIA's priorities for the coming year.

Leading IANA

Anne Reinke took over as President and CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) to begin 2025. Hear why she took the position, how it's going so far, and her vision for intermodal moving forward.

In appreciation of the chassis - Intermodal Logistics Podcast

Learn about the importance of the chassis to intermodal transportation with Abby Anderson, AVP of Marine Operations with DCLI - on the first episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast.

Episode 51: Paper & Packaging

Learn all about the paper and packaging industry including its supply chain, the wide variety of products involved, and more with Millcraft Paper President Greg Lovensheimer.

Episode 50: The Intermodal Market Now and in 2025

Check in on the intermodal market today, and find out what to expect from freight in 2025 with the intermodalist himself, Larry Gross.

Episode 49: The LMI, a healthy recovery and tariff effects

Learn about the Logistics Managers Index (LMI) from its creator, Colorado State University Professor Zac Rogers - and find out what it's saying about the freight market.

Episode 48: Better Dray? There's an App for That

Learn about the new ModalView app, a collaboration between Norfolk Southern and DrayNow aimed at streamlining drayage, with guests Meghan Nesta, Mike Albert and Sam Niness.

Episode 47: Short-haul, Florida & Mexico Intermodal

Learn about short-haul intermodal in the Sunshine State with FEC Railway, plus hear the latest on intermodal in Mexico with Grupo Mexico's Luis Hernandez.

Episode 46: The Port of Long Beach with Noel Hacegaba

Learn all about one of the busiest ports in the U.S., including its focus on sustainability and continuous improvement, with Chief Operating Officer Dr. Noel Hacegaba.

Episode 45: Getting Started with Intermodal

Learn the steps needed to get started incorporating intermodal into your shipping strategy - and the variety of ways doing so will help your business.

Episode 44: International Container Ports...in the Midwest?

Learn about the Indiana Container Initiative and how ocean liners can travel between Europe and the Midwest, plus more on Indiana's international & domestic shipping, with Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock.

Episode 43: Moving Medicine with Cardinal Health 3PL VP Joel Wayment

Learn the ins and outs of transporting vital pharmaceuticals and therapeutics with Joel Wayment, VP of Cardinal Health 3PL Services.

Episode 42: From Freight Docks to the C-Suite

Hear from CEO Nathan Sanders how his career in logistics - that began more than 25 years ago - evolved to executive leadership. Plus, a check-in on his recent expertise in furniture.

Episode 41: All About Warehousing

Learn the ins and outs of warehousing/distribution centers from 3PL to company owned with John Bollman, VP of Industrial Services with Cresa.

Episode 40: EXPO, Intermodal & IANA with President Joni Casey

IANA President Joni Casey joins us to talk about the state of intermodal, her organization's upcoming Intermodal EXPO event and her career as she plans to retire at the end of 2024.

Episode 39: Bringing the Lumber with Kyle Little

Learn how the lumber market and freight market have had similar journeys over the past few years, plus plenty more about this key commodity with Sherwood Lumber COO Kyle Little.

Episode 38: Any heat for freight this summer?

Check in on the freight market as we hit the midway point of 2024 with noted analyst Dr. Jason Miller of Michigan State University.

Episode 37: Getting accustomed to Mexico Customs

Learn how to navigate customs when shipping between Mexico and the United States with Antonio Luna of Vitti Logistics.

Episode 36: Ocean Container Intermodal

Our first ever guest Jeff Brashares with CMA CGM is back to discuss another intermodal option available - ocean container repositioning.

Episode 35: Machine Learning and Supply Chain Management

Learn how optimal machine learning can enhance supply chain management, plus how the job has changed over the years, with Dr. Naren Agrawal of Santa Clara University.

Episode 34: Shipping Olive the Olives

Learn all about olives including how they're packaged, the farm to table pipeline, how they're moved via intermodal and truck and the use of managed freight with Musco Family Olive Company's Michael Lin.

Episode 33: Supply Chain Opportunities with Michelle Livingstone

Long-time supply chain leader Michelle Livingstone joins us to talk about paying it forward to create new opportunities, especially for women, in logistics leadership positions.

Episode 32: Union Pacific & Mexico Freight Rail

Learn about Union Pacific Railroad's 30-plus year history in Mexico, nearshoring and UP's latest cross-border intermodal solutions with VP of Marketing & Sales, Beto Vargas.

Episode 31: Intermodal Savings & Service

Learn about the Intermodal Savings Index and Intermodal Service Scorecard - and get a recap of TPM24 with the Journal of Commerce's Ari Ashe.

Episode 30: A TMS Success

Learn how finding the right TMS - transportation management system - software can propel a successful logistics business, with Rexing Companies' Director of Operations Rachel Johnson.

Episode 29: AI in Supply Chain & Logistics

Get a primer on AI in supply chain & logistics - where it is and where it's going - with supply chain expert Bart De Muynck.

Episode 28: The 2024 Freight Outlook

Take a look ahead at freight in 2024 and hear what we expect the market to do throughout the year - and when a recovery may occur.

Episode 27: California AB5 & Independent Trucking

Get an update on California's AB5 law and how it's affecting independent truck drivers - especially of the interstate variety - with OOIDA Government Affairs Counsel Paul Torlina.

Episode 26: Analyzing Rail & Intermodal

Hear about the state of domestic rail and intermodal - including where we stand in the freight cycle and Mexico's area of opportunity - with expert industry analyst Tony Hatch.

Episode 25: Taking Final Mile Sustainability Up a Notch

Learn about a new technology solution aimed at making final mile delivery more efficient, and sustainable - plus a look at holiday retail and ecommerce - with The Eighth Notch Founding Member Mike Robinson.

Episode 24: 'Tis the (Holiday Shopping) Season

Get the projections for holiday shopping season 2023 and thoughts on freight from the retail perspective with Jonathan Gold of the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Episode 23: Intermodal Rises in Mexico

Learn how intermodal is on the rise in Mexico and the many advantages it offers as the trucking industry faces questions, with Transportès EASO COO and Mexican Intermodal Association (AMTI) President Diego Anchustegui.

Episode 22: Exploring the New Border

Explore the New Border solution to cross border shipping between the U.S. and Mexico, with Spearpoint Logistics CEO Richard Miller.

Episode 21: Halloween Treats - Not Tricks

Learn about the state of candy and chocolate heading into Halloween 2023 with Carly Schildhaus of the National Confectioners Association.

Episode 20: Ransomware and Cyber Attacks

Learn about ransomware and cyber attacks, how they affect the freight industry - and beyond (plus how to prepare for cyber attack), with SonicWall's Jeremiah Vanderneut.

Episode 15: A Mid-2023 Market Update

In a roundtable discussion, CEO Rick LaGore and President Shelli Austin go over how the freight market looks halfway through 2023 - including their reactions to the down cycle, what the numbers say, how freight pros are reacting and what's to come.

Episode 14: Freight Railroads and Climate Change

Learn how freight railroads are taking on climate change by further enhancing their environmental efficiency with AAR's Jordan Stone and Devin Sprinkle.

Episode 13: Transportation and Logistics Law

Find out details of a few hot-button legal issues currently facing the transportation and logistics industry with Benesch Law Partner Marc Blubaugh.

Episode 12: Producing a Productive Produce Shipping Operation

During Produce Season 2023, learn the ins and outs of shipping this unique type of freight regarding freshness, temperature control, timing and more, with SpartanNash Senior VP of Transportation and Logistics David Frizzell.

Episode 11: Data-Driven: Trucking & Sleep Plus Market Analysis

Find out what data analysis tells us about where the freight market stands and how sleep data can help trucking safety with DAT iQ's Dean Croke.

Episode 10: All About the UIIA

Learn everything you need to know about the UIIA - Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement - with IANA VP Debbie Sasko.

Episode 9: Graduating to an Intermodal Career

We discuss why an intermodal career is so fulfilling - and the many opportunities to get into the field and further your education - with IANA VP Hal Pollard.

Episode 8: The SmartWay to Sustainability

Find out how the freight industry is tackling sustainability with the help of the EPA SmartWay partnership, and the positive environmental impact it continues to make.

Episode 7: Breaking Down Fraudulent Double Brokering

Learn about fraudulent double brokering, including warning signs of broker fraud and how to stop it with TIA President & CEO Anne Reinke.

Episode 6: Covering Freight: Transportation Journalism

Hear from Ari Ashe on his background, his process for covering the freight market as a transportation journalist and more.

Episode 5: In Depth with the Intermodalist

Go in-depth with The Intermodalist Larry Gross on his background, the RoadRailer, careers in freight, analytics, photography and more.

Episode 4: Women in Logistics & Building a Business

Learn about women in logistics leadership, growing a business, mentorship and more with Kristy Knichel of Knichel Logistics.

Episode 3: March NCAA basketball logistics, announcing & more with IU's Chuck Crabb

Hear from Indiana University legend Chuck Crabb about the logistics behind two unusual NCAA tournament circumstances, plus a dose of Bob Knight and an announcing sample.

Episode 2: Predicting the Freight Market in 2023

Get insights into the freight market now and for the rest of 2023 through 5 questions with InTek CEO Rick LaGore, plus news on inflation and a Girl Scout cookie shortage.

Episode 1: Intermodal Through the Years

Hear a firsthand account of intermodal transportation's evolution, complete with stories, from 2021 IANA Silver Kingpin Award Winner Jeff Brashares with CMA CGM.