The Freight Coach Podcast

Mike Holland is the President of Great Plains Transport. Great Plains Transport offers comprehensive trucking services designed to meet the changing and growing needs of our customers and drivers. We excel in providing superior customer service along with a team of safe, knowledgeable drivers who are fully trained to drive a fleet of well-maintained vehicles. Make sure to connect with Mike & Great Plains Transport on social media!

Melanie Patterson is the Founder and Managing Director of Integrity Transit Co. & Integrity Global Logistics, LLC. In 2019, a small family team set out to create a freight logistics company that ran on professional service, compliance, safety and efficiency. With that, we started Integrity Transit Co.—a company whose values earned a rapidly expanding logistics paradigm. Make sure to follow Melanie and Team Integrity on social media!

Matt Fain is the Chief Executive Office at popcapacity. Matt has over a decade of experience in the transportation industry, and provides a phenomenal perspective into a massive problem that they solve with popcapacity. popcapacity™️ offers frictionless 3PL warehousing and fulfillment capacity by leveraging marketplace style technology and AI! Make sure to follow Matt and popcapcity on social media!

Matt Perkins is the Co-Founder of Bunsiness to Business Logistics. Matt Co-Founded B2B over 10 years ago after learning the business working for a legacy brokerage. B2B's streamlined business model allows their customers to have a single point of contact within their organization while allowing them the flexibility of online load tracking. Make sure to connect with Matt on social media!

Brad Gillette is the Head of Operations at Gatik. Founded in 2017 by veterans of the autonomous technology industry and has established offices in Mountain View and Toronto. The company's mission is to deliver goods safely and efficiently using autonomous vehicles. With its fleet of light to medium-duty trucks, Gatik is leading the way in autonomous middle mile delivery. Make sure to connect with Brad and Gatik on Social Media!

Dennis Kennedy is the Interim Director of the Center for Law, Technology & Innovation at Michigan State University. Dennis worked in the private sector for a majority of his career before becoming a professor. We discuss all things current events in this episdoe and how it relates to transportation! Note- There are some statements made regarding current events that have since changed by our current adminstration.

Cassandra Gaines is the Founder & CEO of CarrierAssure, INC! She has extensive experience as a transportation lawyer, the host of a wildly successful podcast MadGaines, and currently growing her company CarrierAssure, INC! Make sure to follow Cassandra on social media, follow her if you're not and check out her latest venture! https://www.carrierassure.com/

Brian Fielkow is the CEO of Jetco Delivery and is EVP & Board of Directors Member at The GTI Group. Brian has started and sold companies in the transportation industry over his career! Make sure to connect with Brian and follow Jetco/The GTI group on social media!

John DeCillo is an owner operator that specializes in flatbed freight. John worked in corporate American for the majority of career and went from having his MBA to getting his CDL in 2020. Make sure to connect with John on social media!

Jeff Karr is the President & CEO of Transportation Risk Management Consultants LLC! Jeff has nearly 20 years of experience, specializing in safety, compliance, and risk-management. Transportation Risk Management Consultants help companies identify areas of improvement within their risk management programs. Make sure to follow both on social media!

Taylor Monks is the CEO & Co-Founder of BasicBlock.io. At BasicBlock, their industry-leading software and financial services allow independent truck drivers to spend less time worrying about cashflow and more time focused on the road. Make sure to connect with Taylor and foloow BasicBlock on social media! https://basicblock.io/

Spence Manthe is the CEO of Summit Eleven Inc. Spence has a wealth of experiene in the logistics industry! Summit Eleven is a multifaceted transportation provider with global reach. This allows us to create tailor-made solutions for your supply chain! Make sure to connect with Spence and Summit Eleven on social media!

Dan Lindsey is the Vice President and COO of Linkage Logistics, headquarted in Fishers, IN. Linkage Logistics, Inc. is a freight and logistics brokerage that links U.S. shippers across industries with motor carriers of all types to move goods quickly, efficiently, and with the highest level of integrity and professionalism. Make sure to connect with Dan and follow Linkage on social media!

Travis Dodge is an Agency Owner with American Group, LLC. Travis came into this industry without prior experience, and has built a successful brokerage based out of Oakland, CA. American Group is a boutique, non-asset based, full service, Third Party Logistics provider. Shipping. Simplified. is our philosophy. From our Employees to our Customers to our Agents, our promise is to simplify your shipping. Make sure to follow Travis and American Group!

Kurtis Tryber is the CEO & Co-Founder of EXO Freight. Kurtis has a diverse background ranging from technology to freight brokerage and brings a unique skillset to the table. EXO Freight is applying technology to the often-overlooked open deck transportation industry. Our goal is to bring the open deck shipper into the digital age. Make sure to connect with Kurtis and follow EXO on social media!

Jordan Brychell is the Director of CSS at Emerge! Jordan has over 10 years industry expereince ranging from an analyst to customer sales! Emerge is reinventing freight procurement. Transforming the $800 billion trucking industry, Emerge empowers meaningful logistics relationships through its award-winning Freight Procurement Platform! Make sure to follow Jordan and Emerge on social media!

Scot Snyder is the Co-Founder of Troops2Logistics. This organization is helping Veterans, Guard, Reserve and Military Spouses Steer a Career in Logistics. Make sure to connect with Scot and Troops2Logistics on social media! https://troops2logistics.org/

Trent Broberg is the CEO of ACERTUS. ACERTUS is the only tech-enabled automotive logistics marketplace to move, store, recondition, title & register finished vehicles. This start-to-finish, omnichannel offering is driven by a transformative combination of tech, people & expertise turning once complicated logistics into a competitive advantage. Make sure to connect with Trent and ACERTUS on social media!

Nate Ramsden is an owner operator with 20 years experience as a driver. He has been a heavy haul driver for the past 12 years and recently went into business for himself as an owner operator. Make sure to connect with Nate on LinkedIn!

Carla Isted is a truck driver for Western Flyer Express. She is currently a team with her husband. Carla brings a great perspective to our conversation about the realities of the road! Make sure to follow Carla on LinkedIn!

Vaccine Mandates for Truckers at the border, Canadian Truckers ascending upon Ottawa , 18 year old's now allowed to cross state lines with their CDL, plus so much more! The Freight Coach welcomes back his favorite lawyer Armchair Attorney himself Matthew Leffler to dive in on these topics!

Kylla Lanier is the Deputy Director and Co-Founder of Truckers Against Trafficking. Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) is a 501(c)3 that exists to educate, equip, empower and mobilize members of the trucking and busing industries to combat human trafficking. Truckers Against Trafficking recognizes that members of the trucking industry and individual truckers are invaluable in the fight against this heinous crime! Make sure to connect with Kylla and TAT on social media! https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/

Scott Watanabe AKA The Freight Sensei is the Director of Training and Agent Development at Armstrong Transport Group-Boise. Armstrong Transport Group provides logistics solutions for an evolving marketplace. With a multi-modal carrier network, logistics experts, and reliable customer service, Armstrong is your one-stop-shop for logistics, regardless of location or capacity. Make sure to connect with Scott on social media!

Wayne Kinder is the Transportation Manager at Associated Food Stores headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. Wayne has over 25 years of industry experience. Associated Food Stores is a cooperatively owned wholesale distributor to almost 500 independently owned supermarkets in eight states. Associated Food Stores not only delivers groceries to independent members, but enables them to compete against national chains and become exceptional, successful supermarkets. Make sure to visit https://www.afstores.com/ !

Haley Evans is the Senior Vice President, Broker Leader at TriumphPay. TriumphPay is the payments network for freight brokers, factors, shippers and carriers in the US trucking industry. Its forward-thinking solutions help each party successfully process, settle and manage carrier payments and drive growth. TriumphPay offers supply chain finance to brokers, allowing them to pay their carriers faster and drive carrier loyalty. Make sure to connect with Haley and TriumphPay!

Eric Johnson is the Senior Editor of Technology at JOC.com! Eric covers end-to-end logistics technology for the Journal of Commerce, within the Maritime and Trade division of the business intelligence company IHSMarkit. The JOC's mission is to deliver highly relevant and actionable daily insights and intelligence to logistics teams at global organizations that depend on containerized, ground, and airfreight shipping to support their supply chains. Make sure to connect with Eric and follow the JOC!

Tobenna Arodiogbu is the Co-Founder and CEO of CloudTrucks! CloudTrucks is the virtual trucking carrier. We are providing a complete "business in a box" solution for owner-operators and small trucking carriers at a much lower cost using software engineering, data science and world class operations processes. Their mission is simple - to put more money in the hands of truck drivers and reduce their headaches. Make sure to follow Tobenna and CloudTrucks on social media! https://www.cloudtrucks.com/

Kara Smith Brown is the Founder and Chief Revenue Office at LeadCoverage. LeadCoverage is a premier B2B marketing and PR firm that helps companies develop, or boost, lead generation through targeted marketing strategies and media coverage that drives inbound conversions and measurable marketing ROI. LeadCoverage specializes in Supply Chain. Make sure to connect with Kara and follow LeadCoverage on social media! https://leadcoverage.com/

John Burkhalter is the Vice President, Logistics & Supply Chain at USI Insurance Services. USI is one of the largest insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the world, delivering property and casualty, employee benefits, personal risk, program and retirement solutions to large risk management clients, middle market companies, smaller firms and individuals. Make sure to follow John and USI on social media! https://www.usi.com/

Mitch Wilbert is the Founder of Unicron Logistics Solutions. Mitch has over 15 years industry experience and started ULS 7 years ago. Mitch is also a serial entrepreneur has founder other businesses. ULS strives to provide solutions for customers based on their specific transportation needs. We execute these solutions through communication, service, and honesty. We take a proactive approach when servicing our customers. Follow Mitch and ULS on Social Media! https://www.unicronlogistics.com/

Steven Hornyak is the Chief Revenue Officer at BrighDrop. Steven is a seasoned veteran has held roles across multiple industries. Building Smarter, Greener and More Efficient Solutions for Delivery, BrightDrop is an integrated ecosystem of connected and electrified delivery products and services. Our solutions are designed to reduce costs, maximize productivity, improve safety, and reduce carbon footprint. Make sure to follow Steven and BrightDrop on social media! https://www.gobrightdrop.com/

Chris Hammond is the Executive Vice President of Sales at Great Dane. Chris has extensive experience in trailer sales and manufacturing. Great Dane is the most iconic trailer brand that is out there. Founded in 1900, Great Dane has built a reputation as the industry leader in technology, innovation and quality, and our dry vans, and refrigerated and platform trailers are recognized throughout the marketplace as No. 1 in quality and durability. Connect with Chris and follow Great Dane on Social Media!

Joel McGinley is the Managing Director at Hubtek. Joel has extensive experience within transportation over his 20+ year career from brokerage to tech! Hubtek works with North American logistics companies to optimize their workforce through process automation (TABi) and co-managed talent (Staff Augmentation). Make sure to connect with Joel and follow Hubtek on social media! https://gohubtek.com/

Alix Miller is the President and CEO of the Florida Trucking Association. The Florida Trucking Association is the trusted voice: Promoting and protecting the interests of Florida's trucking and transportation industry for almost 90 years. FTA is made up of both carrier members (trucking companies) and allied members (trucking industry partners and associated vendors). Make sure to follow Alix and the FTA on social media! https://www.floridatrucking.org/

Jon Pruitt is the Logistics Manager of North America for Nutrabolt! Jon has extensive experience within our industry with a background in distribution center operations, quality management systems, customer order fulfillment, and transportation management. Jon has a wealth of knowledge in this industry!

Jose Socorro is the Logistics Supervisor at Central States Manufacturing. Jose brings a diverse background to this industry as having experience on the brokerage side as well. Founded in 1988, Central States serves more than 2,000 post frame, commercial, residential, and architectural customers throughout the United States. Make sure to connect with Jose and follow Central States on social media! https://www.centralstatesmfg.com/

Anes Balic is the Operations Manager at Balic Transport Inc, which is a family owned trucking company based out of Denver, CO. BTI is a company that specializes in both TL and LTL services. They have been in business since 2005 and have serviced all 48 states in that time span. BTI takes pride in making sure your freight arrives to its destination safely and on time. Make sure to connect with Anes on social media! https://balictransportinc.com/

The Freight Coach is joined by Adam Wingfield, the founder of Innovative Logistics Group. We talked about ALL things truck drivers in this episode! The LIVE show will be every Thursday in December starting on 12/9!

Racquelle Pakutz is the President of Zen Freight Solutions. Racquelle has over 12 years experience in transportation and founded her company in 2019! Zen Freight Solutions is a freight brokerage like you have never seen. When conducting business with Zen you can expect the following advantages day and night. Fast quoting, Faster invoicing, Great Pricing, Over 10 years of industry expertise. Make sure to connect with Racquelle and follow Zen Freight on social media! https://zenfreightsolutions.com/

Marcus Jones AKA the Bluecollarceo_ on his Instagram is the founder of 314 Logistics, and the creator of The Trucking Cheat Code course. Marcus has over 15 years experience as a driver and company owner, currently running a fleet of 28 trucks. You need to learn from the people who have built over time! Make sure to check out Marcus on social media! https://www.instagram.com/bluecollarceo_/ https://linktr.ee/bluecollarceo

In the latest edition of the Port-Pocalypse series, The Freight Coach is joined by Maritime Legal Expert Laruen Beagen, the Founder of Squall Strategies to offer continued guidance on what your options are if your freight is stuck! The video version is available on YouTube! https://linktr.ee/thefreightcoach

Charley Dehoney is the Vice President of Zebox. Charley has a talent for developing teams to succeed, combined with my ability to build strong sales organizations to open new markets, drive sales, and position companies as the go-to-source for SaaS, data, analytics, and other emerging transportation technology solutions, are just two factors that have helped me become an exceptional technology sales and business executive. Make sure to connect with Charley on social media!

Jeff Friess is the Managing Director of Truckload, Dedicated, and IT at Global Executive Solutions Group. With over 18 years as an executive recruiter, he has provided clients with both permanent & contract staffing services and fully understands the business cycles of each. Make sure to connect with Jeff on social media and follow Global Executive Solutions Group! https://www.globalesg.com/

Pete Majkozak is the Director of Logistics at Halvor Logistics in Superior, WI. Pete has over 10 years of experience in transportation and has some great philosophies on our industry. A business unit of Halvor Lines, Halvor Logistics has quickly grown to be a significant player in logistics planning and problem solving for a wide range of clients. Make sure to connect with Pete on social media and follow Halvor Lines! https://halvorlogistics.com/

Harman Cheema is the CEO at Cheema Freightlines LLC. Cheema is focused on building the best trucking company on the West Coast. Headquartered in Sumner, Washington, Cheema is a premier provider of dry truckload transportation services. We operate over 300 power units, and 600 dry van trailers. Cheema's service portfolio includes dedicated, short haul, local, and regional services within the Western United States. Connect with Harman and follow Cheema on Social Media! https://cheemafreightlines.com

Dave Dein and Lindsey Trent are the Co-Founders of the Next Generation in Trucking Association. Dave is a former driver and a current teacher at Patterson High School and heads up the Truck Driving Program there. Lindsey currently works Business/Customer development Coordinator with Ryder Systems. Make sure to follow Next Generation in Trucking Association on social media! Check out their website as well! http://www.nextgentrucking.org/

#TheFreightCoach is back for round 2 with special guest Steve Ferreira of Ocean Audit on the Port-Pocalypse series to provide actual insight as to what is happening at the ports, and what SOLUTIONS are needed to alleviate this from happening again! Make sure to follow Steve on social media!

Lauren (Engel) Beagen is the founder of Squall Strategies, which is a boutique maritime consulting and legal solutions company. Available for federal regulatory analysis, Federal Maritime Commission related issues, general maritime consulting, cargo movement and shipping insight, foreign tariff and trade expertise, emerging markets and offshore wind analysis, etc. Make sure to follow Lauren on social media! https://www.squallstrategies.com/

Chris Spear is a government relations specialist with over two decades experience on five continents, serving the transportation, energy and defense technology sectors. Mr. Spear is President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, advocating public policy on behalf of the nation's trucking industry. He serves on the Board of Directors for the American Transportation Research Institute, Trucking Cares Foundation and the Louisa Swain Foundation. Make sure to follow the ATA on social media!

Mark Groves is the VP of Sales at PORT TMS and Matt Silver is the VP of Partnerships & Strategic Alliances with Trucker Tools! We spoke on the importance of knowing every capability that your technology partners have, and how their future plans on growth will directly effect your business. Make sure to follow both PORT TMS and Trucker Tools on social media! https://porttms.com/ https://www.truckertools.com/