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. 

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 take a deep dive into seasonality and offer predictions of what's to come. 

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

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

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.

In this episode, Spot Vice President of Operations Kreg Hunter welcomes back Keith Lewis, Vice President of Operations of CargoNet, for an in-depth conversation about supply chain loss prevention, and how to handle double brokers targeting your freight.

Together, they explore critical information regarding:

• Double Broker Identification: Current tactics double brokers are using to target victims
• Loss Mitigation Strategies: Valuable insights are provided on how to respond to missing cargo situations effectively
• The Next Steps: Tips on how to effectively communicate with customers and law enforcement in the event your freight is stolen

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 April 2024 Logistics Market Update at https://spotinc.com/blog/logistics-market-update-april-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.

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

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.

In this episode, Spot Vice President of Operations Kreg Hunter leads a dynamic discussion with three industry authorities: Keith Lewis, Vice President of Operations for CargoNet; Joe Byers, Co-founder of CarrierOK; and Rich Daigle, Enterprise Account Executive at Tive, providing solutions for supply chain security through loss prevention and enhanced carrier visibility. 

Together, they explore critical strategies for:  

• Vetting Carrier Partners: The episode dives into best practices for evaluating and selecting reliable transportation partners. 
• The Power of Visibility: The discussion explores how real-time tracking and monitoring can safeguard your cargo throughout its journey. 
• Loss Mitigation Strategies: Valuable insights are provided on how to respond to missing cargo situations effectively. 

Welcome back to another episode of More Than a Broker.

In this episode, Spot Co-founder Andrew Elsener interviews Dr. Angi Acocella, a Transportation, Logistics, and Operations Management researcher at the School of Economics and Management of Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Dr. Acocella is also an alum of MIT, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and worked as a Research Associate and Case Writer at Harvard Business School. 

Listen to learn more about price impacts and the relationship between Shippers and Carriers.    

Welcome to a bonus episode of More Than a Broker.

Co-founder Andrew Elsener sat down with Indianapolis-based marketing agency Caldwell VanRiper (CVR) President Kevin Flynn and Spot's Director of Marketing, Kris Nielsen, to discuss the behind-the-scenes work to bring Spot's new website to life.  


About Kevin Flynn:
As President of CVR, Indiana’s longest running advertising & PR agency, Kevin has transformed this traditional agency into a global digital marketing firm. He has led marketing strategy for clients in the transportation, retail, healthcare, construction, and financial services industry in the U.S. and around the world.

Prior to joining CVR as President, Kevin was SVP of Marketing of Finish Line (now JD Sport), one of the world’s largest athletic shoe retailers, where he led in-store and on-line marketing, PR, and corporate communications. Before that, he worked in media and account service at Leo Burnett in Chicago on accounts such as Kellogg’s, McDonald’s and Tropicana as well as in ad sales at The Discovery Channel.

Kevin is very active in the local community and has sat on boards of several nonprofits and other small businesses.

About Caldwell VanRiper:
Founded in 1910, CVR is one of the Midwest's longest running and most respected advertising agencies. Its expertise in website design, branding, automation, and SEO was instrumental in creating a new website that is visually appealing, user-friendly, and that will help Spot achieve its business goals. 

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.

In honor of Spot’s 15th anniversary, Co-founder Andrew Elsener hosted a roundtable discussion with seven of the company’s longest-tenured employees. Listen as each team discusses the early days of Spot, shares their experiences, and the journey to growing the company into one of the leading third-party logistics providers in North America.

Welcome back to More Than a Broker.

Spot Co-founder Andrew Elsener hosts Jason Miller, the Eli Broad Endowed Professor in Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University, for a one-on-one interview. This discussion covers various topics, including a look at the state of freight today, how the housing economy affects logistics, and much more.

• A Conversation with Jason Miller: 0:54

About Jason Miller

Jason Miller is the Eli Broad Endowed Professor in Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business. He studies numerous topics in the trucking sector, in addition to providing commentary on economic data.

Welcome back to More Than a Broker! This episode's topic: Sales!

Listen as Spot Co-founder Andrew Elsener chats with Matt Nettleton, president of DTB Training, about his career and tips for new and veteran sales professionals. Our panel of dedicated logistics professionals returns for Spot's Market Update, providing the latest industry insights as peak season approaches.

• A Conversation with Matt Nettleton: 01:22
• A Logistics Market Update: 48:07

About Matt Nettleton
Since 2003, Matt has been fortunate to coach more than 275 companies in a wide variety of industries. During this time, Matt has helped multiple companies grow from $1 million to more than $10 million in annual revenue and has helped his clients close more than $3.2 billion in new sales.

The inaugural episode features interviews with Spot-dedicated logistics professionals on topics facing the industry, like double brokering, how AI impacts the industry, and the future of the logistics marketplace.

• A Discussion on Double Brokering: 0:55
• Ahead of The Curve: How AI Impacts the Industry: 27:27
• A Logistics Market Update: 38:15

"More Than a Broker" is a podcast that will provide a wealth of information for anyone who wants to learn more about the rapidly-evolving logistics industry. The series is hosted by Andrew Elsener, the co-founder of Spot, a leading third-party logistics provider headquartered in the heart of Indianapolis, IN. Each episode will feature interviews with industry experts and explores the latest trends and challenges in the freight transportation industry.