The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

Hosted by InTek Logistics

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Episodes

104

Latest episode

Aug 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

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.

June 19, 2026Episode 1446 min

Investing in U.S. ports

Ports are vital links in the global supply chain, but those responsible for running key U.S. trade hubs say they need an equipment upgrade. National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE) President Carl Bentzel joins The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to discuss a survey of 25 port executives NAWE released in May. Carl tells us how those member executives agreed on a need for $6.7 billion in new equipment across the country over the next five years to help domestic ports keep up with demand - and global competition. He explains how new cranes are a particular need to handle larger ships, while other upgraded gear will add to port efficiency and safety. But there are tariff concerns, and Carl points out cranes are a particular problem as virtually all production takes place in China - which faces hefty tariffs (though NAWE is hoping for exemptions). He additionally notes that port leadership is working with labor unions to ensure any upgrades would fit automation language in their current contracts. While the executives have identified the issue, he tells us that paying for the investments will need to be a priority in the federal government. NAWE is hopeful for a Maritime Security Trust Fund (much like the existing Highway Trust Fund) to help with port infrastructure costs. Beyond port investments, Carl discusses his extensive background, which includes a recent stint as a Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Commissioner across the Trump and Biden Administrations and his concurrent role as National Maritime Safety Association Executive Director. And he tells us how port awareness has grown since the pandemic, the current activity level, and why NAWE is concerned about the proposed Union Pacific - Norfolk Southern railroad merger. For more on NAWE, visit www.nawe.us . 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 11, 2026Episode 1342 min

Humble-y changing autonomous trucking

The concept of autonomous vehicles has been around for years, but just as taxis are beginning to take off, a new entrant in trucking is ready to hit the ground running - the Humble Hauler. Humble Robotics Founder/CEO Eyal Cohen joins us on The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to discuss his young company and why, after several years in the space, he chose to focus on freight. Eyal explains how the Humble Hauler can help with drayage capacity around ports and rail terminals with its ability to carry containers (currently 40 footers, and soon a 53 foot option). He discusses how he was inspired for its very unique cab-less, futuristic design by the Port of Long Beach's automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and how his team took that to the next level by making them worthy of public roads with a targeted range of 150 miles - all while keeping them lightweight (key for intermodal and freight in general). We also talk about timing - with Waymo's footprint growing and a real need for added capacity in drayage as stringent regulations are causing drivers to leave the business. He tells us how Humble plans to handle charging these EVs and how they're addressing road safety, cargo security, tracking and traditionally human interactions. And we talk about what types of companies are showing interest, when these will go live, and what other plans Humble has coming soon. Learn more about Humble Robotics at https://humblerobotics.ai/ . 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.

May 26, 2026Episode 1246 min

Homebuilding and freight

Robust homebuilding offers a tremendous lift to freight volumes, so on this episode, we put new home starts (and the general housing market) in focus with Kevin Oakley, Managing Partner with Do You Convert. Kevin takes us through the positives and negatives of the marketplace, where public and private builders diverge in terms of inventory and flexibility, how much building is taking place now - and how much buyer interest exists (now and in the future), and how COVID still factors in to where the market stands today. Plus, he explains the role of elevated mortgage rates in demand, how those rates are calculated beyond the Federal Reserve, and where they appear headed. We also discuss how tariffs and fuel prices are affecting builders, inflation, where intermodal is coming into play on those shipping expenses and how logistics generally is becoming a greater focus for some in efforts to control costs and maintain material supply. Before all that, we talk about Kevin's background in homebuilding marketing, what Do You Convert does, and have a discussion on the role of AI in the industry (and beyond). Find more on Do You Convert at www.doyouconvert.com , where you can also get Kevin's podcasts including Market Proof Marketing. Follow him on LinkedIn ( www.linkedin.com/in/kevinoakley ) for more insights as well. 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.