When freight stops moving, every shipper knows the ticking clock becomes a countdown to a service failure, a claim, or a lost customer relationship. For high-value, time-sensitive, and perishable goods, reliability isn’t a perk; it’s non-negotiable.

This is the story of how one of Spot’s National Account Directors, Nathan Lanhart, who manages some of Spot’s most critical lanes for key accounts, defines "commitment" not by contracts, but by showing up when everyone else says no.

Learn more at https://spotinc.com/blog/what-others-wont-the-spot-experience/ 

At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry.

In this episode of More Than a Broker, Spot Cofounder Andrew Elsener engages with our Senior National Account Directors, Alex Buening and Theo Mascari, to explore how external factors are reshaping the logistics landscape. 

Download Spot's November 2025 Market Update report: https://spotinc.com/news/logistics-market-update-november-2025/

Logistics Lessons in this Episode:

• Rapid Lane Shifts: Customers are demanding extreme flexibility and quickly reassigning lanes due to volatile market conditions.
• Technology as Table Stakes: Advanced reporting and technology are now mandatory requirements for securing business partnerships.
• Mini Bid Necessity: Mini bids are increasingly used to swiftly cover needs and mitigate risks following carrier failures.
• Strategic Partner Consolidation: Shippers are narrowing their focus to fewer, more reliable supply chain partners.
• Capacity Constraints: Regulatory changes are consistently impacting driver availability and tightening market capacity.
• Structural Market Reset: The logistics industry is experiencing a fundamental structural reset, not just a cyclical recession.
• Volatile Spot Rates: Supply constraints can cause freight rates to surge even amidst broader economic slumps.
• Evolving Broker Value: The role of the logistics broker is rapidly transforming to meet complex, evolving market demands.
• Pricing Optimization: Shippers are actively utilizing variable pricing models to achieve maximum cost efficiency.
• Tightening Market Forecast: Future projections anticipate a tighter market environment and potential rate increases.

In this episode of More Than a Broker, three members of Spot’s Red Technologies team sat down to discuss the integration of AI in logistics, focusing on its definitions, importance, and the journey of implementation at Spot.  

Director of Red Technologies Ben Garvin led a conversation with Alex Johnson, Director of Development Operations, and Tyler Hampton, Director of Data Science and Engineering, that focused on the significance of intelligent automation, the workforce skills gap, and the evolving nature of jobs driven by AI. They share insights on successful case studies, common pitfalls in AI adoption, and the future roadmap for AI innovations at Spot, highlighting the collaborative culture that drives their technological advancements. 

About Red Technologies

Red Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Spot, was founded by Andy Schenck and Andrew Elsener in 2019. Through their experience in the 3PL space and building a network of close relationships with carriers and shippers, Andy and Andrew realized that having the right technology in place would increase efficiency and streamline communication for their customers and their customers’ operations. Rather than implementing an out-of-the-box solution, they developed proprietary software, MySpot, a transportation management system (TMS) that provides complete visibility into customers’ supply chain operations.

Reasons to Listen

 · Go beyond the hype and learn how AI is genuinely engineered to understand and act on complex business information.

· Discover why intelligent automation is the critical engine for optimizing your business processes right now.

· Understand how AI will redefine jobs—and the essential skills developers need to maintain mastery in an automated world.

· Hear why establishing a single source of data truth is the absolute prerequisite for any effective AI deployment.

· Learn the proven strategy of focusing on high-value problems one at a time to guarantee superior AI solutions that boost customer service and efficiency.

· Get the critical insights on why deep collaboration between technical and business teams is non-negotiable for successful AI adoption.

· Get an exclusive look at how AI will transform Spot's customer support and pricing models—and what that means for you.

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.
 
In this episode of 'More Than a Broker', Spot Co-Founder Andrew Elsener is joined by Dr. Zac Rogers, PhD., Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University, for a discussion on the evolution of supply chain education, the significance of the Logistics Managed Index (LMI), and the impact of economic indicators on transportation and logistics. 

The conversation examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains, the implications of tariffs on the market, and the ever-changing dynamics of retail peak seasons.  

The pair also touches on the future of reshoring and nearshoring, the importance of data and analytics in logistics, and concludes with insights on the logistics industry's future. 

About Dr. Zac Rogers
Dr. Zac Rogers is an Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University. His primary research interests include the financial impact of supply chain sustainability, emerging logistics technologies, supply chain cybersecurity, and various other emerging issues in purchasing and logistics.  

Dr. Rogers’ work has appeared in multiple academic journals, corporate white papers, trade publications, and conference proceedings. He is also a frequent speaker at both academic and practitioner-oriented conferences. Dr. Rogers earned his B.S. and M.B.A. degrees at the University of Nevada, Reno, and his PhD in supply chain management from Arizona State University. Before returning to academia, Dr. Rogers worked as a purchasing agent for a large hotel and resort, and as an operations manager for Quidsi, a subsidiary of Amazon.

Reasons to Listen

 ·      Supply chain education is still a relatively new field.

·      The Logistics Managed Index (LMI) predicts economic activity through transportation metrics.

·      COVID-19 caused unprecedented changes in supply chain dynamics.

·      Tariffs have a significant impact on supply chain costs and strategies.

·      Retailers are experiencing a bifurcated peak season due to inventory management.

·      Reshoring and nearshoring are becoming more prevalent in supply chain strategies.

·      Data and analytics are crucial for optimizing logistics operations.

·      The logistics industry is evolving rapidly, requiring constant adaptation.

·      Understanding economic indicators can help predict market trends.

·      Collaboration and innovation are key to navigating supply chain challenges.

Welcome back to More Than a Broker. 
 
In this episode of More Than a Broker, Spot Co-Founder, Andrew Elsener, sits down with John Gatesman, CEO and Founder of Gatesman, an award-winning ad agency, as the pair compare insights into the logistics and marketing industries.   

Gatesman shares his journey from aspiring to be a truck driver at a young age to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of creativity, adaptability, and building strong client relationships in a rapidly changing business landscape.  

The conversation also explores the impact of technology and AI on marketing, the importance of hiring for culture, and the lessons each has learned throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. 

About John Gatesman 
 
Under John Gatesman’s leadership, Gatesman has grown to become one of the most successful independent agencies in the Northeast, having been named one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies for nine consecutive years. Gatesman has also been recognized as one of the top 100 independent agencies nationwide and as one of the Best Places to Work for eight straight years.  

John identified and led the successful acquisitions of digital firm Quest Fore in 2014 and Nobel Communications in 2017, which expanded agency operations into Chicago and the Midwest. His passion and devotion to his clients, along with his relentless pursuit of their success, continue to be the driving force behind Gateman’s agency’s mantra, “Good Enough Sucks.” 

John’s leadership has guided and cultivated teams across a diverse array of notable brands, such as UPMC, Northwell Health, Coen Children’s, Del Monte, PPG, Disney, and many more. He began his career with Ross Roy Group after being selected as one of only six people nationally for its Executive Management Training Program. He then moved on to management positions at Ogilvy, Doner, and Ketchum before joining BNY Mellon as Senior Marketing Director and later Brunner as VP of Client Services, ultimately founding Gatesman in 2006.

In this conversation, Spot Co-Founder and More Than a Broker host, Andrew Elsener, is joined by Phil Daniels, entrepreneur and President – Indiana Region at ArkMalibu. 
 
Phil shares his journey from a traditional banking career to entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges and triumphs of starting and growing businesses throughout his career. Phil speaks on the importance of company culture, the emotional aspects of selling a business, and the significance of having a supportive board to assist with business decisions. 

The discussion also covers the transition into healthcare analytics, the process of raising capital, and the ongoing evolution of software production. 

Additionally, Phil reflects on his personal growth, including writing a book, his current role in investment banking, and becoming a sommelier.

About Phil Daniels
Phil Daniels is President – Indiana Region at ArkMalibu. As a four-time founder and five-time operator, Phil has notable operating experience across financial services, marketing, B2B technology and digital health. He also has subject matter expertise in go-to-market and culture development. 

Phil operated an advertising agency and marketing services platforms that has served over 300 brands that include Salesforce, McLaren Automotive, Nestle, and Chase Bank. His agency background also includes executing the integration of a platform roll-up strategy.  

Phil also founded Springbuk, an enterprise health intelligence and analytics platform that serves Fortune 1000 employers and beyond. As a Board Member to the SaaS platform, Phil continues to influence the software company’s marketing, customer acquisition and product development efforts.

His experience raising capital to operate and scale business keeps him as an active advisor to multiple institutional funds including Rally Ventures, Ivy Ventures, Heartland Ventures, and Prolific Capital.

Phil’s brand strategy and consumer behavior expertise can be found in the recently published book, “Spiritugraphics, the Influence of Faith on Consumption and Why It Matters to Your Brand.”

In this episode of 'More Than a Broker', we had the distinct pleasure of hosting Greg Enas, an individual whose professional journey is as unique as it is inspiring. His story begins in the tumultuous 1960s in Berkeley, California, a childhood shaped by social upheaval and a working-class neighborhood that fostered resilience. From these formative years, Greg embarked on a career path that took several unexpected, yet profoundly impactful, turns, ultimately leading him to a distinguished 30-year tenure at Eli Lilly and Company.

About Greg Enas

Greg Enas is currently a Venture Catalyst as the founder of Innovatov LLC, where he assists leaders across both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors in creating better enterprises, communities, and environments, allowing the world to be part of something greater than itself.

Greg attended Biola University in California, where he earned a BS in Mathematical Sciences, and later headed to the opposite coast to attend the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Biostatistics.

From 1982 to 2011, Greg served at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, Indiana. He started as a senior statistician and was promoted into management in Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, Decision Sciences, and US Regulatory Affairs. He was responsible for external negotiation with governmental regulators and internal leadership for building capabilities and capacity for growth and impact.

Greg is also the co-founder of Citizen 7, a crowdsourcing organization that brings together men of various backgrounds to unite around different initiatives in the city to heal and grow the good in Indianapolis. Greg was also the founding Board Chair of The Oaks Academy from January 1998 to December 2006.

At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry.

Download Spot's June 2025 Market Update report: https://spotinc.com/news/logistics-market-update-june-2025/

In this episode of 'More Than a Broker', Spot Co-Founder Andrew Elsener interviews Brian Schutt, an accidental entrepreneur who shares his journey from corporate America to starting a successful HVAC business, Homesense Heating and Cooling, and expanding to other business ventures. 

The conversation explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of hiring the right people, and the lessons learned from building a business from scratch. Schutt emphasizes the significance of persistence and the realities of navigating a competitive market. The discussion also touches on the concept of working "on" versus "in" the business and the necessity of embracing constraints as a catalyst for creativity and growth.  

The pair also discusses their journeys in building a brand centered on trust and integrity, the challenges of achieving a work-life balance as entrepreneurs, and the evolution of their business models. Elsener and Schutt share valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlight common pitfalls to avoid, and reflect on Schutt's recent experiences navigating the sale process of his business. 

About Brian Schutt 
Brian is the Co-Founder of Homesense Heating and Cooling, a Co-Founder at Refinery 46, a Civic Renewal Fellow with the American Enterprise Institute, and a Board Member at Orr Fellowship and the StartedUP Foundation. Brian writes for the Indianapolis Business Journal and serves as the Innovation Advisor for the Wayfinders Impact Studio Cohort. 

10 Reasons to Listen 

• Elsener and Schutt recount the early days of their businesses, describing how the journey of entrepreneurship often starts unexpectedly. 
• Building a business requires persistence and adaptability. 
• Hear how hiring the right people is crucial for long-term success. 
• Working on the business is as important as working in it. 
• Navigating a competitive market requires a unique strategy 
• As successful entrepreneurs, Elsener and Schutt explain how crucial the need to test ideas in the market is before going all in 
• The importance of building a brand on the foundation of trust 
• A brand’s first customer is its team with a focus on their well-being 
• Schutt stresses the need for follow-through over time in order to retain employees 
• The duo discusses how the sales process can be educational and should be approached with clarity 

At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry.

Download Spot's May 2025 Market Update report: https://spotinc.com/news/logistics-market-update-may-2025/

Welcome back to More Than a Broker

In this conversation, Peter S. Goodman, the global economic correspondent for The New York Times, discusses his unexpected journey into writing about supply chains, the impact of globalization, and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He explores the concepts of just-in-time and lean inventory, the role of the World Trade Organization, and the future of manufacturing and consumer awareness in a changing global landscape. The discussion also touches on the effects of climate change on global trade, particularly through the lens of the Panama Canal.

Goodman explains the complexities of global shipping, the impact of tariffs on American manufacturing, and the emerging role of India in the global supply chain. He highlights the challenges posed by current trade policies and the shift towards nearshoring and onshoring as companies seek to adapt to a changing economic landscape.

The discussion also touches on the interconnectedness of supply chains and the ripple effects of disruptions in one area affecting many others.

About Peter S. Goodman:
Peter S. Goodman is the global economic correspondent for The New York Times, based in New York. He appears regularly on The Daily podcast and major broadcast outlets like CBS News, CNN, the BBC, and MSNBC.

He was previously the Executive Global News and Business Editor of the Huffington Post, where he oversaw award-winning investigative, international, business, and technology reporting.

Goodman began his career as a feature writer in Japan before freelancing from Southeast Asia, based first in Manila and then in Jakarta. His first full-time newsroom job was in Alaska as a reporter at the Anchorage Daily News. He has reported from over 40 countries, including stints in conflict zones such as Iraq, Cambodia, Sudan, and East Timor.

Goodman is the author of three books, most recently HOW THE WORLD RAN OUT OF EVERYTHING: Inside the Global Supply Chain (HarperCollins 2024).

At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry.

Download our full April 2025 Market Update report at https://spotinc.com/news/logistics-market-update-april-2025/

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.

In this episode, Spot Co-founder Andrew Elsener hosts Ellen Voie, the Founder of Women In Trucking. Voie shares her journey from a background in broadcast journalism to becoming a significant figure in the trucking industry. She discusses her early experiences in transportation, the impact of deregulation, and the evolution of technology in the trucking industry.

Ellen also highlights her role in founding Women In Trucking, emphasizing the mission to encourage women's employment in the industry and address their obstacles. She touches on the challenges and opportunities for Women In Trucking, the importance of safety, and the changing perceptions of the industry.

Learn more about Women in Trucking at https://www.womenintrucking.org/ 

At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry.

Download our full March 2025 Market Update report at https://spotinc.com/news/logistics-market-update-march-2025/

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.

In this conversation, Spot Co-founder Andrew Elsener and Dr. Chris Caplice, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Transportation & Logistics and Chief Scientist at DAT Solutions, discuss the evolution of freight transportation, the importance of optimization in RFPs, and the dynamics of market visibility.

Chris shares insights from his unique journey from civil engineering to transportation, emphasizing the significance of consistency over volume in freight management. They explore the challenges of dynamic quoting, the efficacy of routing guides, and the impact of market volatility on shipping strategies.

The pair discuss the evolving landscape of freight management, emphasizing the shift towards dynamic solutions and the importance of relationships in transportation. They explore market trends and predictions for 2025, highlighting the impact of technology and education in supply chain management.

Andrew and Chris also discuss the industry's challenges and innovations, particularly the pandemic's effects on market dynamics.

At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry.

Download our full February 2025 Market Update report at https://spotinc.com/news/logistics-market-update-february-2025/

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.
 
 In this episode of 'More Than a Broker', Spot Co-founder Andrew Elsener engages in an in-depth chat with Transport Futures Founder and Principal Noël Perry to explore the evolution of the logistics and trucking sectors. 
 
The conversation covers the historical context of freight, the transformative effects of deregulation, the ongoing challenges of driver shortages, and the implications of political and regulatory changes on the freight market. 
 
The discussion also examines the role of technology, market dynamics, and future trends in the industry, emphasizing the need for shippers to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. 

At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry.

Read and download our full December 2024 Logistics Market Update at https://spotinc.com/blog/logistics-market-update-december-2024/

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.

In this episode, Spot Co-founder Andrew Elsener sits down with DAT Freight & Analytics’s Chief of Analytics Ken Adamo for an in-depth chat about data collection for freight rate trending, market monitoring, and thoughts on what’s to come in the industry. 

Learn more about DAT at https://www.dat.com/

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.

In this episode, Spot Co-founder Andrew Elsener sits down with sales experts Jeff Hoffman and CeCe Aparo of Sell Hoffman for an engaging conversation about the duo's experiences, approaches, and the art of closing.

Listen as Jeff and CeCe provide tips for sales professionals at all levels on how to prospect, engage, and land a deal.

Learn more about Sell Hoffman: https://sellhoffman.com/about-us/

At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry.

This month, our logistics experts reflect on the peak season, provide a brief 2025 outlook, and more.

Read and download our full October 2024 Logistics Market Update at https://spotinc.com/blog/logistics-market-update-october-2024/

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.

In this episode, Spot Co-founder Andrew Elsener and Vice President of Operations Kreg Hunter sit down with attorney Craig Helmreich of Helmreich Law LLC for an in-depth conversation about navigating the complex world of transportation laws and regulations. 

Listen as Craig dives into his 20+ years of experience and gives real-world examples of how he helps protect his clients.

Learn more about Helmreich Law LLC: https://www.helmreichlaw.com/ 

At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry.

This month, our logistics experts reflect on the peak season, explore what's happening in the LTL space, and offer predictions of what's to come. 

Read and download our full August 2024 Logistics Market Update at https://spotinc.com/blog/logistics-market-update-august-2024/

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.

Listen as Spot Director of Technology Ben Garvin leads an in-depth discussion with Christoper Fielder, the Field Chief Technology Officer at Arctic Wolf. In this episode, the pair discuss:

• AI is a Powerful Tool, But Humans Remain Central: While AI excels at anomaly detection, human expertise is critical for interpreting data and responding effectively to threats. Businesses should leverage AI to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. 
• Shared Responsibility in the Cloud: Businesses share responsibility with cloud providers to secure data. Don’t rely solely on provider security features; actively monitor and secure your cloud resources. 
• IRPs and Breach Coaches are Essential: Develop an Incident Response Plan (IRP) to minimize damage from cyberattacks. Consider an IRP retainer for a faster and more effective response. Negotiate with attackers using breach coaches to reduce ransom demands and navigate legal complexities.

Learn more at https://arcticwolf.com/ 

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.

In this episode, Spot Co-founder Andrew Elsener leads an engaging conversation with the founder and owner of Brush Pass Research, Kevin Hill. The two chat about Hill's career, his motivation for starting Brush Pass Research, and the current market conditions, and offer a look into the future.