GUEST: Susan Spence, Chair of the Institute for Supply Management's Manufacturing Business Survey Committee  Topics covered in this podcast included: the current state of manufacturing; the impact of trade policy and tariffs on manufacturing; the role of automation, through things like AI and robotics, within manufacturing; and the ongoing federal government shutdown, among other topics.  Susan (Sue) Spence serves as Chair for the prestigious ISM® Manufacturing PMI® and acts as the official spokesperson for the nearly century-old ISM Report On Business®. She holds this position in a volunteer capacity, contributing her industry expertise to one of the most closely watched economic indicators in the world. Sue retired from FedEx in July 2023 after she joined in October 2013 as the VP of the newly centralized Sourcing & Procurement group.  Her responsibilities included leading a team of over 250 professionals managing $25B+ of spend, systems and policies related to the corporation’s global sourcing and procurement activities. Sue is a member of several Supply Chain Management Industry and University councils, and in 2020 was honored with the Institute of Supply Management’s J. Shipman Gold Medal Award, a recognition of individuals whose career accomplishments have promoted the advancement of the procurement and supply chain management profession.  Prior to joining FedEx, Sue spent 28 years at United Technologies Corporation in positions of increasing responsibility at the aerospace divisions of Pratt & Whitney, Hamilton Sundstrand and Sikorsky Aircraft. She also served as Director of Supply Management at UTC’s Corporate HQ, where her team earned Purchasing Magazine’s annual Medal of Excellence award and was chosen as a YWCA Woman Achiever in Business.  Her career included positions in both Supply Management, Operations Transformation, and Continuous Improvement. Sue received her BA in Economics from the University of Connecticut, and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  She has two adult daughters living in Boston and New York. 

GUEST: Ian Jefferies, President & CEO, Association of American Railroads  Jefferies started in his role leading the AAR in January 2019 and prior to that he served as the senior vice president of AAR’s government affairs, overseeing the development, promotion, and implementation of legislative priorities for the AAR. And before joining the AAR, Jefferies served as a senior policy advisor to the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, from 2009-2013.

GUEST: Tony Hatch, principal ABH Consulting In this podcast, Tony Hatch offered up his views on various aspects of the freight railroad and intermodal sectors, including: market conditions, service levels, volumes, and the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern, among others.  A nationally-known freight railroad and intermodal expert, Hatch also examined the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the freight railroad and intermodal sectors, railroad policy issues, and service and operations, among other topics. Tony Hatch has nearly three decades of experience in the freight railroad and transportation sectors, primarily as an analyst. As principal of New York-based ABH Consulting, Hatch has been focused on the freight transportation segment, particularly surface transportation. And he is well-known for his knowledge of the intermodal area, where the various modes of freight transport converge, on which he has held several dozen specialized conferences. Prior to launching ABH Consulting, Hatch was an analyst for Salomon brothers; proceeding to Argus, Painewebber, and most recently at NatWest Markets (USA) prior to starting his independent analyst/consultancy in 1999.

GUEST: Dr. Zac Rogers, Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University Dr. 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 networks, emerging logistics technologies, supply chain cyber security and various other emerging purchasing and logistics issues. He is also the lead author of the monthly Logistics Managers’ Index (LMI). 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. Prior to returning to academia Dr. Rogers worked as a purchasing agent for a large hotel-resort and as an operations manager for Quidsi, a subsidiary of Amazon.

GUEST: Mike Regan, TranzAct Technologies  Mike Regan, Co-Founder and Chief Relationship Officer, for TranzAct Technologies, one of the largest privately held logistics information and freight audit and payment companies in the United States, provided LM’s Berman with an overview of various industry topics, including: the current state of the freight economy; the over-the-road capacity outlook, the impact of tariffs on transportation, and trucking rates and pricing, among others.  Mike Regan is well known and active within the logistics industry. He has served on the Boards of numerous industry groups such as the National Industrial Transportation League, National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC), He’s also active in several industry organizations, such as the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), where he is a 2014 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. He has also served as the Chairman of the YPO Manufacturing Excellence Network. Mike has been a featured contributor and has published several blogs in industry periodicals such as Logistics Management, and has been quoted in periodicals such as the Wall Street Journal and many others.

GUEST: Steve Miller, Institute for Supply Management  Topics covered in this podcast include: the objective of the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) Services Report on Business; the current state of the services-based economy; the impact of tariffs and trade policy on services; and the sector's outlook for the remainder of 2025.  Steve Miller is an experienced supply chain, procurement, facility management, and technology executive. His experience spans industry and consulting, including roles on non-profit and for-profit boards of directors. In February he became the first CPO of Integrity; a leading independent distributor of life and health insurance products, as well as wealth management and retirement planning solutions; and he is chair of ISM’s Services Business Survey Committee. Steve’s prior roles include CPO at Disney, CSCO at P.F. Chang’s restaurant group, and managing director in Accenture’s communications, media, and technology consulting practice. Additional industry experience includes roles in aerospace, automotive, food manufacturing, high tech, packaged media, and pharmaceuticals companies. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Arizona State University, and his masters in industrial systems engineering at Kettering University.  

GUEST: Greg Husisian, Foley & Lardner LLP Gregory Husisian is a partner and litigation attorney with Foley & Lardner LLP. Gregory is chair of the firm’s International Trade and National Security Practice, focusing on both international trade and international regulatory issues. Other focuses of his practice include: compliance and regulatory risk management. Before entering private practice, Gregory clerked for the Honorable Jerry E. Smith of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Greg holds a BA in economics from Cornell and also graduated from Cornell Law School. Before entering private practice, Gregory clerked for the Honorable Jerry E. Smith of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Greg holds a BA in economics from Cornell and also graduated from Cornell Law School. He also contributes to his firm's blog on tariffs, which can be found here. 

GUEST: Jonathan Todd, Benesch Topics covered in this podcast included: the rollout of the White House's tariffs going back to January; the current status of the Court of International Trade's rulling on the White House's implementation of tariffs; the United States Trade Representative's Section 301 Investigation of China's Targeting of the Maritime, Loigistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance; how supply chain stakeholders should be interpreting the 40% "transshipment" tariffs; and the 2025 Peak Season.  Jonathan Todd is Partner and Vice-Chair, Transportation & Logistics, at Benesch, a Cleveland-based law firm. Jonathan has always worked in global logistics, supply chain, and international trade disciplines. He counsels clients on import and export compliance, licenses and permits, operational counsel and contracts, government enforcement defense, and claims. Jonathan’s client base ranges across industry sectors, including manufacturing, retail and e-commerce, technology, and transportation. He has served on advisory committees by appointment from the Commerce Secretary, Transportation Secretary, TSA Administrator, and Governor. He is a Fellow with APICS/Association for Supply Chain Management, he holds a graduate degree in supply chain management in addition to his law degree, and he holds a customs broker license.

In this episode, we dive into how Syfan Logistics has helped Allsource Supply navigate the complexities of LTL shipments in the construction materials industry. By streamlining operations, reducing manual work, and optimizing freight operations, Syfan’s proactive approach ensures on-time deliveries while driving significant cost savings. Michael Levans, Group Editorial Director of Peerless Media’s Supply Chain Group, is joined by Rodney Lamb, LTL Division Manager at Syfan Logistics, to discuss how this dynamic partnership has enabled Allsource to meet its same-day shipping commitment. Lamb shares valuable insights into the challenges of Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipments and how Syfan is helping companies like Allsource overcome these hurdles to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

GUEST: John McCown, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Maritime Strategy In this podcast, McCown provided a detailed overview of various aspects of the ocean container shipping market, including: volumes, rates and pricing, the impact of tariffs and trade policy on the market, and a 2025 Peak Season outlook, among key industry topics.  John D. McCown is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Maritime Strategy, the Navy League’s think tank.  He is a recognized expert in container shipping with four decades of senior operating and investment experience in the sector, including CEO of a container shipping carrier and managing transport investments at a $20 billion hedge fund.  Mr. McCown now advises lectures and writes about maritime issues and his analyses and observations are widely read and quoted.  He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is also the holder of two patents, one related to container cargo handling and another related to vessel propulsion.  Mr. McCown worked closely with transportation pioneer Malcom McLean, the inventor of container shipping, for twenty years.

GUEST: Chris Burroughs, President & CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association  During this podcast, Burroughs addressed various items of interest related to the 3PL freight brokerage marketplace, including: the current state of ther market; spot market conditions and themes; the impact of tariffs and shifting trade policies on the market; legislation and TIA research and publications addressing freight fraud and cargo theft; and the FMCSA's proposed broker transparency rule, among other topics.  Chris Burroughs is the President and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), a position he assumed in November 2024. With more than 14 years at TIA, Chris previously served as the organization’s Vice President of Government Affairs, overseeing legislative and regulatory efforts before Congress and federal agencies. Before joining TIA, Burroughs gained valuable experience on Capitol Hill, working for the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. He also served as Director of Government Affairs at the Twenty-First Century Group, advocating for clients in transportation, telecommunications, health care, and defense. Burroughs holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

GUEST: Brandon Fried, Airforwarders Association, Executive Director During this podcast, Fried provided a detailed overview of the key trends and themes within the air cargo and logistics sectors, including: the current state of the air cargo sector from a volume and service perspective; the impact of tariffs on the air cargo market; the FAA's air traffic control staffing situation, and  the 2025 Peak Season outlook, among other topics.  Brandon Fried is one of the country’s leading experts on air freight and cargo security. With more than 40 years of experience, Brandon represents the industry and the association by serving on several Federal Advisory Committees including: The TSA Aviation Security Advisory Committee, and The U.S. Department of Commerce Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness. He also served three terms on the CBP Commercial Operations Advisory Committee. While still a forwarder, Brandon joined the Airforwarders Association and was soon elected Chairperson in 2001. He served two consecutive terms as Chair and remained an active member of the Board of Directors. In 2005, he sold his forwarding company and was appointed Executive Director of the Association. He also represents forwarder interests as Chair of the advisory Board of Cargo Network Services, an IATA company. In Washington, Brandon is the public face of the Airforwarders Association testifying in Congress, working with the Department of Homeland Security.

GUEST: Melinda McLaughlin, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Research, Prologis Melinda McLaughlin is Senior Vice President, Global Head of Research, for Prologis. In addition to leading the global research team, she focuses on tracking, analyzing and forecasting logistics real estate fundamentals and structural industry trends, and translating insights into strategic decision-making for the company. Her other areas of specialization include supply chain reconfiguration, location differentiation and econometric modeling. Prior to joining Prologis in March 2015, Ms. McLaughlin was a vice president at Rosen Consulting Group, a boutique firm that provides economic, housing and commercial real estate strategic consulting services to a diverse roster of clients. Ms. McLaughlin holds a Bachelor of Science in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in real estate. She is a member of the Urban Land Institute.

GUEST: Scooter Sayers, Business Development Director – LTL Solutions at Cubiscan Scooter Sayers is the Business Development Director – LTL Solutions at Cubiscan, a leader in freight dimensioning solutions.  He spends his days speaking with shippers, carriers, and 3PLs to deploy solutions that maximize revenues and profits, minimize costs, and optimize systems. Following a 25-plus year career at ABF Freight and ArcBest Corporation as a Pricing Analyst, progressing through several positions including Director – Rating & Traffic Services. In this latter role, he held responsibility for 100 employees in the corporate office as well as the Weighing & Research team spread across the ABF Freight network.  He developed the LTL industry’s first density-based tariff in 1993. Scooter spent 3 years in the 3PL and freight brokerage space with several companies.  He then formed Sayers Logistics LLC, an LTL transportation consultancy, to deliver LTL solutions by working with shippers, carriers, trade organizations, 3PLs, and technology providers to help move the LTL industry forward.   Scooter Sayers graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Business Administration.  He, his wife, and his cat named Princeton currently reside in northeast Georgia.

GUEST: Tony Hatch, Principal, ABH Consulting A nationally-known freight railroad and intermodal expert, Hatch also examined the the U.S.-Mexico market, railroad policy issues, and key things shippers need to focus on, among other topics. Tony Hatch has three decades of experience in the freight railroad and transportation sectors, primarily as an analyst. As principal of New York-based ABH Consulting, Hatch has been focused on the freight transportation segment, particularly surface transportation. And he is well-known for his knowledge of the intermodal area, where the various modes of freight transport converge, on which he has held several dozen specialized conferences.

GUESTS: Adi Karamcheti and Paul Yaussy During this podcast Yaussy and Karamcheti addressed various topics, including: the current state of today's parcel marketplace; the current state of parcel rates and pricing; parcel Peak Season prospects; and how tariffs are impacting the market, among others. 

GUEST: Rob Handfield, Executive Director, North Carolina State Supply Chain Resource Cooperative During this podcast Handfield addressed various topics, including: the current state of the supply chain; steps and actions shippers should consider related to tariffs; how the supply chain is viewed; the need for supply chain resiliency; and supply chain risk mangement planning, among others.  Handfield also serves as Executive Director of the North Carolina State Supply Chain Resource Cooperative, which addresses thought leadership and research in the area of supply chain management, within the Poole College of Management, and a member of INFORMS, an international society for practitioners in the fields of operations research, management science, and analytics, where he also serves on its expert panel.

GUEST: Keith Prather, Managing Director, Armada Corporate Intelligence In this podcast Armada Corporate Intelligence Managing Director Keith Prather addressed various topics, including: the current state of the freight economy; tariffs and their impact on the supply chain; inventories and imports; and 2025 Peak Season prospects. Prather is a Managing Director and Co-founder of Armada Corporate Intelligence. During his 24 years with Armada, he has consulted to Fortune 500 and companies of all sizes providing corporate intelligence, economic forecasting, and insights on changing global dynamics, geopolitics, supply chain issues, and other factors that affect the corporate operating environment.

GUEST: Paul Bingham, S&P Global Market Intelligence Economist   In this podcast S&P Global Market Intelligence Economist Paul Bingham touched upon various aspects of the freight economy, including: trade and tariffs; sourcing and nearshoring; inflation; retail sales; and manufacturing, among others.    Bingham manages economic analysis of supply chain transportation and trade for companies and public agencies worldwide. He has extensive experience forecasting modal freight markets in analysis for beneficial cargo owners, carriers, terminal operators and government transportation agencies. His research has included economic impact analysis, quantitative market analysis, scenario forecast modeling for transportation networks and facilities for all modes of freight transportation.