The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

Hosted by InTek Logistics

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Episodes

108

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Stay up to date on all things intermodal, spotlighting the road plus rail transportation solution and the logistics of today's market - with a little fun mixed in - on the Intermodal Logistics Podcast.

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60 recent

October 9, 2026Episode 10619 min

Mexican Intermodal Hits Its Stride (Live from IANA EXPO)

Intermodal is on the upswing in the U.S. this year, but an even bigger North American volume jump is happening in Mexico. Live from IANA's Intermodal EXPO in Long Beach, AMTI President (and Grupo México VP of Intermodal) Luis Hernández joins The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to discuss how Mexican intermodal is making a real dent in the freight landscape. Luis tells us how much market share it's gained, how truckload conversion is a big part of it, and what the obstacles to further growth are. Plus, he takes us through the cargo types and locations that are seeing the most activity, how nearshoring has become nearsourcing, and he tells us about the Mexico City opportunity that's still out there. Since we were speaking at EXPO, Luis also explains why AMTI (the Mexican intermodal association) expanded its presence at the event as well. Find more about AMTI at www.amti.org.mx and Grupo México at www.gmexico.com/en . This is episode three of six from EXPO 2026, so be sure to subscribe or follow this feed to get all of our Intermodal EXPO episodes first, and comment to keep the conversation going. Ratings and reviews are also always welcome - we appreciate your support! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com . And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

October 5, 2026Episode 10514 min

Arkansas students up to the challenge (Live from IANA EXPO)

The team from the University of Arkansas is top hog at the 2026 Academic Challenge case competition at IANA's Intermodal EXPO, and its members take a few minutes to share their experiences of the challenge and the event with The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, live from Long Beach, California. Abbie Hutto, Drew Pierce, Stone Sawyer and Natalie Olinger (and their trophy), join Kevin Baxter and Shelli Austin (also a judge) to discuss how they approached the competition, which saw them top a 12-team field of IANA scholarship schools. They also explain what the challenge - which tests students' ability to best solve a real-world scenario in a condensed timeframe - entailed and how they approached taking it on. Plus Abbie, Drew, Stone and Natalie talk about their experiences traveling to the annual IANA gathering, their major takeaways, and why they're interested in supply chain careers looking to the future. Learn more about the 2026 Academic Challenge at https://intermodal.org/article/university-of-arkansas-takes-home-intermodal-case-study-trophy and find the University of Arkansas supply chain program at https://walton.uark.edu/departments/supplychain . This is episode two of six from EXPO 2026, so be sure to subscribe or follow this feed to get all of our Intermodal EXPO episodes first, and comment to keep the conversation going. Ratings and reviews are also always welcome - we appreciate your support! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com . And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

September 30, 2026Episode 10413 min

The conversion surge, the merger & women in logistics (Live from IANA EXPO)

Fresh off a presentation from Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena at IANA's 2026 Intermodal EXPO, UP's Kari Kirchhoefer joins The Intermodal Logistics Podcast at the event to share what the proposed merger with Norfolk Southern could mean for shippers and providers - and the importance of reaching out directly to stakeholders throughout the process. Kari, Senior VP of Premium for Union Pacific, is the guest on the first of our six episodes recorded on-site at the annual gathering in Long Beach, California. She tells us how the railroad's planning over the past several years is paying off with strong intermodal service (as rated by JOC's scorecard), even as truckload conversions surge volume. Speaking of the conversion environment, Kari discusses the best way to approach onboarding new or returning shippers to intermodal - and what could help a business decide to make the move from over the road. And as a bonus, she shares what she's learned as a woman who's climbed the career ladder in logistics and advice for those just starting out. Learn more about intermodal with Union Pacific at www.up.com/shipping/intermodal and find out more about the proposed UP-NS Transcontinental Railroad at www.up-nstranscontinental.com . Be sure to subscribe or follow this feed to get all of our Intermodal EXPO episodes first, and comment to keep the conversation going. Ratings and reviews are also always welcome - we appreciate your support! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com . And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

September 1, 2026Episode 10349 min

Tracking the Trains

Trains travel thousands of miles across North America, and for many lengthy stretches, they move on tracks out of sight to all but a select few. RailState is changing that with their camera-equipped sensors setup along a growing percentage of railroad tracks. VP of Sales and Marketing Dan Devoe joins us on The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to discuss what RailState is, what it does, and the network intelligence it gathers. Dan tells us how the company's founders initially saw an information gap for shippers negotiating contracts and began by observing trains themselves from a hill, then scaled by creating the trackside optical sensors that currently cover key routes in the U.S., all of Canada, and border crossing areas of Mexico. With visibility at a premium, the sensors capture individual containers, train speed, car types, density and more, and Dan says the information is used by governments, shippers, commodities traders and even the railroads themselves. He also takes us through some information RailState has captured in recent months, including volume shifts, derailment recoveries, new business partnerships and even cargo theft. For more on RailState, visit www.railstate.com . As for the podcast, please do comment, like, subscribe, follow, rate and/or review - however you get our episodes. We appreciate your support! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com . And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

August 20, 2026Episode 2049 min

Intermodal's Moment: EXPO 2026 and the Case for IMCs

Thanks largely to shippers recognizing its value proposition due to truckload tightness, intermodal volume has surged in recent months. And it's with increased attention on the mode that IANA's Intermodal EXPO 2026 is set to take place. IANA President & CEO Anne Reinke joins The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to discuss how EXPO brings the intermodal ecosystem together, while tackling major logistics issues of the day during what she calls "intermodal's moment." Anne tells us how the event is evolving in her second year in charge responding to member sentiment and reviews of the 2025 event - with a notable change leading off the program: Union Pacific and BNSF CEOs Jim Vena and Katie Farmer taking the stage offering direct railroad connections to the crowd. She discusses how this year's programming is designed to keep attendees together at the convention center rather than splintering into off-site meetings - allowing business to get done while also cultivating the community. Anne and InTek Logistics President (and IANA board member) Shelli Austin go further on the idea of intermodal's moment - touching on the importance of IMCs to the shipper experience and getting those potential new shippers to understand what intermodal providers do. At EXPO, that very topic will be a focus of discussion, with results of an IANA shipper survey presented. And Anne points out those beneficial cargo owners are getting their own special programming this year to help them learn more about what makes intermodal tick. Shelli and Anne also touch on the Academic Challenge and the Future Leaders of Intermodal Program (FLIP), both designed to cultivate the next generation of intermodal expertise. Intermodal EXPO 2026 runs September 14-16 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA. Find more information and register at www.intermodal.org/EXPO . And for the second consecutive year, our podcast will be there - so look forward to episodes coming straight from the EXPO floor! For now, please do comment, like, subscribe, follow, rate and/or review The Intermodal Logistics Podcast - however you get our episodes. We appreciate your support! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com . And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

August 14, 2026Episode 1945 min

What the Supreme Court Broker Liability Ruling Means, and Doesn't

Just three months ago, the Supreme Court handed down a ruling in a case that changed the broker liability equation. On a new episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, Marc Blubaugh, Partner and Co-Lead of the Transportation & Logistics Practice at Benesch Law, returns to discuss exactly what the 9-0 ruling in favor of Montgomery v. C.H. Robinson means - and what it might not mean. Marc takes us through the facts of the case, and how justices focused particularly on a key phrase when deciding on the applicability of the safety exception in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (F4A). He explains how the ruling now sets a consistent precedent - even if it's not the precedent many in the freight community were seeking - that logistics pros should heed as they consider carrier selection. But he also reminds that each potential liability case is different, so it doesn't automatically mean freight brokers will be on the wrong side of a deluge of verdicts. Case in point, many have spotlighted a recent $604 million judgement against C.H. Robinson in a different proceeding - but he cautions not to read too much into that particular decision relating to the Supreme Court's decision. Marc suggests, rather than brokers completely throwing out their carrier list and starting over, working with insurance companies to develop clear standards for carriers to be chosen - and importantly - training all in the organization who'd handle this responsibility. Speaking of responsibility and standards, he stresses the role of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in vetting carriers and making it easier for brokers to know which ones to trust. And finally, Marc shares another FMCSA-related action that could have major freight shipping implications. Find more from Marc at www.beneschlaw.com . As for the podcast, please do comment, like, subscribe, follow, rate and/or review - however you get our episodes. We appreciate your support! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com . And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

August 6, 2026Episode 1851 min

Is drayage ready for a freight surge?

Drayage is what makes or breaks most intermodal shipments. And as truckload conversions continue to mount, so does stress on short-haul trucking capacity. Drayage.com and Loadmatch President and Founder Jason Hilsenbeck checks in to The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to tell us what the numbers show in terms of drayage pressure points, driver availability and the outlook. Jason discusses the markets that are handling increased volume smoothly and those that are struggling based on website data and how trucking regulations pushed many drivers out of the market, only to have elevated revenue opportunities lead to a bounceback that's already taking place. He also explains the differences between his two websites, why he founded them and how they've endured since their inception at the end of the 20th century. Beyond drayage, Jason tells us about the shifting container marketplace, with more private and less railroad ownership becoming a trend. And we discuss his home of Chicago, what makes it a unique and vital intermodal market, and his leadership of the Intermodal Association of Chicago as well as what it does. Along the way, we get his thoughts on the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger. Finding Loadmatch and Drayage.com are pretty easy, just go to www.loadmatch.com and www.drayage.com . For more on the IAC, visit www.intermodalofchicago.org . Oh, and by the way, it happens to be our 100th episode between InTek Freight & Logistics: The Podcast and The Intermodal Logistics Podcast. Celebrate our milestone by commenting, liking, subscribing, following, rating and/or reviewing. We appreciate your support, and we don't plan on going anywhere except forward! Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com . And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

July 22, 2026Episode 1752 min

AI Is Driving Freight Volume in 2026. Will It Last?

With rates consistently up in 2026, many consider a freight recovery well underway. But Michigan State University Professor of Logistics Dr. Jason Miller says freight volume is largely dependent on one thing - the AI boom (and the data center construction to support it). On this episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, Dr. Miller returns to discuss just how AI is helping shipping demand, and how long he sees that continuing. He goes over what else could fill the gap if AI slows down, with concerns about both the housing market and consumer spending picking up the slack. With diesel elevated once again, Dr. Miller explains why the supply is in far worse shape than it was when prices initially jumped at the outset of the Iran attacks. And he tells us where he expects pricing to go moving forward, as well as levers countries like China and Canada have to pull related to energy. On capacity, Jason tells us how the trucking market is responding to the higher rate environment with new equipment, and he shares why he's less concerned about the number of drivers out there to operate trucks going forward as others are. Regardless though, with capacity tight and truck rates (as well as diesel) high, Dr. Miller says the case for intermodal conversion is stronger than ever. Get more of Dr. Miller's analysis on LinkedIn , where he routinely offers his thoughts on economic indicators and the freight market. And learn more about his program at MSU's Broad College of Business Department of Supply Chain Management . As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com . And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

July 7, 2026Episode 1645 min

Block and Brace Yourself

One factor that has many shippers shying away from using intermodal is a worry about protecting their cargo from damage. But proper blocking and bracing - along with packing - helps thousands of loads arrive intact every day. Kelsey Even, Manager - Closed Car Loading Rules with MxV Rail joins The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to go over the considerations for safely securing containerized freight: from the ocean, to the road and of course, the railroad. Kelsey takes us through procedures her Damage Prevention & Loading Services team, the railroads and dunnage providers have developed and tested over the years to ensure damage-free transportation for a wide variety of cargo. She discusses how her team does testing to certify new methods, the different dunnage options out there and how they've evolved, and the resources available for shippers unsure of where to begin. How is container securement different than loading a truck? Kelsey explains the key touchpoints containers routinely go through, from crane loading and unloading to the unique harmonic vibrations they encounter on the rail that causes shifting if blocking and bracing isn't done correctly. She talks about how packing the right way is also vital before that step even takes place, and why weight distribution matters. Beyond the resources, we talk about the willingness of all involved in intermodal shipping to help get the process right - to get loads to their destination damage-free. Kelsey explains that while it may take a few extra days to get teams comfortable with securement procedures, once they do, they become a well-oiled intermodal shipping machine. Learn more about MxV Rail and find free guidance on intermodal packing, blocking and bracing at aar.com/standards/IntermodalLoadingPublications.php . As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com . And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

June 29, 2026Episode 1549 min

State of 3PLs & Women in Supply Chain

It's an interesting time to be a 3PL (third party logistics provider), and an interesting time to cover the industry. Marina Mayer, IronMarkets Content Director and Editor in Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazines joins us on The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to discuss how she came to cover the industry and how it's evolved - and take us through her recent series on The State of 3PLs. Marina tells us how she put the series together, reaching out to past honorees of Food Logistics' Top 3PL and Cold Storage Providers award, and how she was impressed with the companies' positive attitude amidst some turmoil in the market. Specifically, she takes us through reactions to changes in FMCSA enforcement, new innovations in AI/automation/tracking, cost pressures from warehousing real estate ownership, and how 3PLs are handling the market turn overall. Then, we get into the Women in Supply Chain award, which Marina founded about six years ago - and the related Women in Supply Chain Forum event (this year's is set for November in Charleston). She explains why she saw the need for the award and conference, how women's standing in supply chain careers has improved incrementally since she began in the industry, why bringing people together has helped built community & connections, and how this year's event is focusing on self advocacy (something many of both genders are sometimes too shy to do). Catch up on Marina's State of 3PL series at Food Logistics www.foodlogistics.com/transportation/3pl-4pl/article/22967885/state-of-cold-chain-3pl-market and learn more about the Women in Supply Chain Forum at www.womeninsupplychainforum.com - registration is open! As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com . And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.