In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock sits down with Jackie Grimes, Supervisor of Managed Logistics, and Eric Chambers, VP of LTL Services and Strategies at BlueGrace Logistics.
Jackie and Eric share how they entered the logistics world, the lessons they learned along the way, and the stories that still stand out. They talk about hurricanes that shut down highways, customs paperwork that caused delays, and drivers who went missing mid-route, along with the humor and resilience that keep the industry moving.
With decades of experience between them, they reveal how every shipment carries a story, sometimes chaotic, often surprising, and always worth telling.
Stream the episode now.
In this special episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock sits down with some of the incredible women shaping the future of supply chain. Joining the conversation are Erica Orr, Training and Development Senior Program Manager, Samantha Scala, Head of Learning & Development for 3PL Services, and Tiffanie Harting, Senior Director of Client Success for Managed Logistics.
Together, they share their journeys into logistics, the challenges and opportunities for women in supply chain, and how leadership, mentorship, and representation are opening doors for the next generation. From career detours to lessons in resilience, the discussion highlights both personal stories and professional insights that resonate across the industry.
Stay tuned until the end, when the group lightens things up by revealing their favorite trucking songs.
The villains take over the mic. In this special Logistics Unplugged: Villains Takeover, The Spoiler and Gridlock crash the show and deliver their chaotic preview of the Global Produce and Floral Show.
They stir up mischief, throw shade at the heroes, and drop clues about what’s waiting on the show floor in Anaheim. With playful banter and villain-sized challenges, they set the stage for Booth 3612 — where heroes and villains collide.
Tune in and hear what happens when the villains run logistics.
In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock is joined by Jonathan Swart, Senior Director of 3PL and Specialized Services at BlueGrace Logistics, to unpack the current state of the market. Jonathan shares perspective on shifting demand patterns, regulatory updates, and how tariffs and consumer behavior are shaping freight movement as Q4 approaches.
The discussion goes deeper into capacity availability, the economics behind driver pay, and the long-term questions around autonomous trucks. Along the way, they touch on industry events, the realities of life on the road, and even a debate over favorite heroes and villains.
It’s an inside look at market forces with a mix of big-picture trends and personal perspective. Tune in now.
In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock welcomes Chris Kupillas, Vice President of Managed Logistics at BlueGrace Logistics, to break down how Managed Logistics transforms supply chains.
Chris explains how companies turn transportation from a cost center into a driver of profitability and customer satisfaction. He highlights optimization strategies like pool distribution and zone skipping, and shows how centralizing data with the right technology uncovers savings and strengthens decision-making across the business.
You’ll hear real-world success stories, learn what to look for in a managed logistics partner, and enjoy a fast-paced speed round where Chris shares his top trucking song, movie pick, and grilling favorite. Tune in now!
In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock sits down with Jason Eckhardt, Senior Director of Solutions Development at BlueGrace Logistics, to explore the real impact of freight recovery. They dig into how companies handle shipping costs, where strategies fall short, and what it takes to protect margins in a shifting market.
Jason shares stories from the field, highlights the consequences of missed costs and hidden fees, and outlines practical ways to use visibility and data to get freight recovery right. The conversation blends insight with real-world examples and closes with Jason’s trucking-inspired rap tribute to the drivers powering the supply chain.
In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock welcomes Jonathan Swart, Senior Director of 3PL Services at BlueGrace Logistics, for a candid look at where the freight market stands and where it’s headed. Jonathan revisits his summer predictions and breaks down what actually happened — from shifting capacity and steady contract rates to the ripple effects of tariffs and AI infrastructure.
They also talk through what shippers should keep an eye on heading into Q4, including inventory trends, truck orders, and the slow return of seasonal patterns. And because no episode with Jonathan is complete without a twist, he brings a round of “two freight truths and a lie” that features a buzzing trailer full of crickets, a misplaced load to Alaska, and a truck driver who may have stopped a bank robbery.
This one’s part forecast, part storytime and all things logistics. Tune in now.
On this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock welcomes back Jason Lockard, Senior Vice President of Managed Logistics at BlueGrace, for a breakdown of the Q4 2025 Logistics Confidence Index. The conversation focuses on how shippers are adjusting to ongoing uncertainty in the market, with many shifting to a neutral stance on inventory and order planning while holding steady on revenue expectations.
Jason shares how recent tariff changes are impacting landed costs and explains how shippers are responding by consolidating freight, streamlining movement, and finding new ways to drive efficiency without sacrificing service or margin.
Whether you are managing a national supply chain or trying to plan for the next buying season, this episode offers clear insights into what shippers are experiencing and how they are adapting. Brian and Jason close with a reminder that while uncertainty remains, data-driven planning and operational creativity are giving companies the tools they need to stay competitive.
In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock talks with Christian Schmiz, People Experience Manager, about what it takes to build a workplace people want to be part of. They explore how intentional culture drives hiring, engagement, retention, and community impact.
From Halloween parties and pet food drives to employee surveys and alumni programs, the conversation highlights real ways to create meaningful connections at work. They also discuss why culture fit often matters more than technical skills and how listening to employees encourages long-term commitment.
If you're ready to strengthen your workplace culture, this episode offers practical ideas and honest insights.
In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock talks with Tyler Cooper, Director of Risk Management, and Philip Lamb, Senior Claims Manager, about how risk and compliance impact freight operations every day.
They explain how to vet carriers, prevent fraud, choose the right insurance strategy, and avoid common claim pitfalls. Whether you’re just starting out or managing a national supply chain, this episode delivers practical insights to help you:
- Understand carrier liability and reduce claim exposure- Take proactive steps to manage risk- Evaluate logistics partners more effectively- Support smaller teams with the right tools and resources
Also featuring one very unexpected trucking song and a steak-stealing story you won’t forget.
On this episode of Logistics Unplugged, Brian Blalock sits down with Carly Bly, VP of LTL Pricing and Carrier Relations at BlueGrace Logistics, to break down the NMFC updates going into effect this Saturday, July 19 and what they mean for shippers, carriers, and anyone moving freight.
They explore how the new 13-tier density structure could affect pricing, liability, and customer-specific agreements, and explain why getting your NMFC codes and dimensions right is more important than ever.
Whether you’ve been preparing for months or are just now catching up, this episode offers straightforward advice, real-world examples, and a few laughs along the way.
Listen in before the changes take effect on Saturday, July 19.
In the final installment of the Summer Shipping Series, Logistics Unplugged host Brian Blalock is joined by Jonathan Swart, Senior Director of 3PL at BlueGrace Logistics, for a conversation that looks at what’s shaping freight through the summer and beyond.
They unpack key indicators, discuss market pressures, and explore how recent developments could affect capacity and planning. Along the way, they mix in a few unexpected stories and end the series with a lighter touch.
Don’t miss the final episode in the series. It’s focused, timely, and worth a listen.
In this month's Market Update, Brian Blalock catches up with recurring guest Bryce Williford to explore the latest shifts in freight, from the sudden surge in imports following the 90-day tariff pause to domestic capacity tightening as produce season moves up the coast.
They talk through how shippers are adjusting strategies, managing uncertainty and finding cost savings through supply chain optimization. They also dig into how data helps companies make smarter and faster decisions in a market that refuses to stay still.
To wrap things up, they trade snake stories, debate gators versus rattlers and toss in a few movie references for fun. Stay informed and entertained in one go with this engaging conversation.
Kick off Part Two of the Logistics Unplugged LTL Carrier Summit as host Brian Blalock sits down with carrier leaders from Estes, XPO, ABF Freight, and AAA Cooper. This episode highlights the strategies, relationships, and real-world experiences that keep LTL freight moving.
The guests share what it takes to build strong carrier and 3PL partnerships from trust and communication to consistency in the face of change. They reflect on their career journeys, favorite trucking songs, and a few unexpected moments along the way.
Whether you're in the office or out in the field, this conversation gives a clear view into the people and values shaping the future of freight.
In the next installment of Logistics Unplugged's Summer Shipping Series, host Brian Blalock is joined by Jimmy Canzolino, Senior Director of 3PL Client Strategy at BlueGrace Logistics, for a wide-ranging conversation on summer shipping and how to prepare for the unexpected.
From hurricane season and wildfires to infrastructure impacts and flash floods, they dig into how natural disasters disrupt freight and what proactive planning actually looks like. They also explore:
Plus, Jimmy shares his journey from lacrosse to logistics, the best street taco recipe ingredient, and his pick for best beach (hint: it squeaks).
Tune in for practical advice, a few laughs, and insights that go beyond the forecast.
In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock sits down with Jason Lockard of BlueGrace and Scooter Sayers of Cubiscan to tackle one of the biggest pain points in LTL shipping: inaccurate weights and dimensions.
With new NMFC changes putting even more emphasis on dimensional accuracy, the pressure is on for shippers to get their freight data right. Brian, Jason, and Scooter unpack the persistent disconnect between what’s planned and what actually ships—how missing or incorrect weights and measures can derail load planning, lead to misrouted freight, inflate invoice variances, and cut into profitability.
From stories on the dock to advances in dimensioning systems, this episode covers:
The growing impact of freight data discrepancies
How the latest NMFC updates are reshaping carrier expectations
Why dimensional scanning systems are now essential, not optional
How shippers are recovering major costs by tightening up their data
If you're a shipper, 3PL, or supply chain professional trying to navigate the evolving LTL landscape, this conversation is packed with real-world insight and solutions to help you stay ahead.
In this month’s Market Update episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock sits down once again with Bryce Williford, SVP of 3PL at BlueGrace, for a conversation that blends timely industry insights with a few personal moments.
They break down the ripple effects of DOT Week, shifting produce patterns, and the latest developments in tariff policy. From nearshoring trends to inventory strategies, they explore where the freight market stands and where it might be headed.
And yes, the alligator story continues and you'll hear Bryce’s top 3 summer songs. Tune in for a fresh perspective on what’s moving logistics this season.
In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock sits down with Will Baker, Senior Manager of 3PL Brokerage at BlueGrace Logistics, to dig into the impact of produce season on freight.
They break down how seasonal harvests from Florida citrus to California berries drive major shifts in capacity, pricing, and carrier availability. Whether it’s managing time-sensitive flower imports or navigating multi-pick produce loads, Will shares how the right strategy and the right team keep things moving on time.
To close things out, Brian challenges Will to a top five summertime song showdown. From reggae to classic rock to beach bar anthems, it’s a playlist that brings the heat.
Get ready for a special edition of Logistics Unplugged as host Brian Blalock kicks off Part One of the LTL Carrier Summit. In this episode, we sit down with carrier leaders from Southeastern Freight Lines, Roadrunner, FedEx Freight, TForce Freight, and SAIA for candid conversations about the real-world challenges, big decisions, and evolving dynamics redefining the freight industry.
From pricing strategies and transparency to trust, advocacy, and building high-impact partnerships—this episode goes beyond surface talk and straight into what’s truly shaping the future of LTL. You’ll also hear unexpected origin stories and favorite trucking anthems from the guests behind the wheel of progress.
Whether you're on the dock, on the road, or in the boardroom, don’t miss this firsthand look at the forces driving the LTL space forward.
In this episode of Logistics Unplugged, host Brian Blalock is joined by Jason Lockard, SVP of Managed Logistics, for a deep dive into the Q3 2025 BlueGrace Logistics Confidence Index®.
They explore the latest shifts in shipper sentiment, revenue forecasts, and inventory trends—especially in the wake of new tariff developments. From unexpected optimism to the growing focus on nearshoring, Brian and Jason break down what the data says and what it means for the months ahead.
As the conversation winds down, Jason talks offshore fishing, his go-to playlist on the water, and how he grills up the perfect wahoo. He also highlights the upcoming Crosthwait Memorial Fishing Tournament, a long-running charity event supporting local causes.