Spot's new podcast, “More Than a Broker,” is hosted by Spot Co-founder, Andrew Elsener. This podcast features interviews with industry experts and explores the latest trends and challenges in the freight transportation industry.
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42 recent
June 9, 202657 min
Carrier Vetting, Capacity Myths, and Global Conflict with Jason Miller
There are so many issues impacting the trucking landscape these days that it’s hard to keep up. Host Andrew Elsener sat down with Jason Miller, a leading supply chain professor and logistics economist, to discuss those issues. What ensued wasn't just a standard market update; it was a masterclass in the invisible mechanics fracturing today's supply chains. Download Spot's latest Market Update report: https://spotinc.com/market-insights/
May 4, 202637 min
Seasonal Strangeness Fueling the Chaos
The shipping world is currently in a state of "seasonal strangeness." In our latest podcast episode, Spot Co-founder Andrew Elsener sits down with Senior National Account Directors Theo Mascari and Alex Buening to discuss the logistics marketplace and more. From the surge in Florida floral volume to the "depleted profile" of the long-haul driver, this episode goes into detail on current market dynamics.Download Spot's latest Market Update report: https://spotinc.com/market-insights/
March 30, 202635 min
The March Madness of Logistics: Capacity Crunches and Rate Spikes
If you thought the logistics market was finally settling into a predictable "new normal," the last four weeks have served as a massive reality check. From regulatory shifts to fuel volatility, the industry is currently navigating a stretch that some experts are calling more tumultuous than in the early days of the pandemic.In our latest podcast, Andrew Elsener, Co-founder of Spot, sat down with Senior National Account Directors Theo Mascari and Alex Buening to break down the rapid shifts in the March marketplace. Here are the key takeaways for shippers and carriers trying to weather the storm.3 Reasons to Listen: Understanding the Capacity CrunchNavigating the Cost in FuelThe Non-Domiciled CDL Regulation FactorDownload Spot's March 2026 Market Update report: https://spotinc.com/market-insights/
February 26, 202637 min
Navigating the Shift: A Market Discussion
In our latest podcast episode, Andrew Elsener, Co-founder of Spot, sat down with two of Spot’s Senior National Account Directors, Theo Mascari and Alex Buening. The group dissects the current state of the trucking market. From sudden rate surges to the rising threat of cargo theft, we covered the critical trends shippers and carriers need to watch as we move through the first half of the year. Download Spot's February 2026 Market Update report: https://spotinc.com/blog/logistics-market-update-february-2026/3 Reasons to Listen: Service is still king, and especially right now. Learn the ups and downs of API vs. Human quoting. Learn more about the importance of Cargo Security in today's market.
January 12, 20262 min
What Others Won't | Under Pressure
When freight stops moving, every shipper knows the ticking clock becomes a countdown to a service failure, a claim, or a lost customer relationship. For high-value, time-sensitive, and perishable goods, reliability isn’t a perk; it’s non-negotiable.This is the story of how one of Spot’s National Account Directors, Nathan Lanhart, who manages some of Spot’s most critical lanes for key accounts, defines "commitment" not by contracts, but by showing up when everyone else says no.Learn more at https://spotinc.com/blog/what-others-wont-the-spot-experience/
December 5, 202547 min
Strategic Partnerships in a Changing Logistics World
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.In this episode of More Than a Broker, Spot Cofounder Andrew Elsener engages with our Senior National Account Directors, Alex Buening and Theo Mascari, to explore how external factors are reshaping the logistics landscape. Download Spot's November 2025 Market Update report: https://spotinc.com/news/logistics-market-update-november-2025/Logistics Lessons in this Episode:Rapid Lane Shifts: Customers are demanding extreme flexibility and quickly reassigning lanes due to volatile market conditions.Technology as Table Stakes: Advanced reporting and technology are now mandatory requirements for securing business partnerships.Mini Bid Necessity: Mini bids are increasingly used to swiftly cover needs and mitigate risks following carrier failures.Strategic Partner Consolidation: Shippers are narrowing their focus to fewer, more reliable supply chain partners.Capacity Constraints: Regulatory changes are consistently impacting driver availability and tightening market capacity.Structural Market Reset: The logistics industry is experiencing a fundamental structural reset, not just a cyclical recession.Volatile Spot Rates: Supply constraints can cause freight rates to surge even amidst broader economic slumps.Evolving Broker Value: The role of the logistics broker is rapidly transforming to meet complex, evolving market demands.Pricing Optimization: Shippers are actively utilizing variable pricing models to achieve maximum cost efficiency.Tightening Market Forecast: Future projections anticipate a tighter market environment and potential rate increases.
November 18, 202526 min
What Is and What Isn’t Happening with AI in Logistics with Spot’s Tech Team
In this episode of More Than a Broker, three members of Spot’s Red Technologies team sat down to discuss the integration of AI in logistics, focusing on its definitions, importance, and the journey of implementation at Spot. Director of Red Technologies Ben Garvin led a conversation with Alex Johnson, Director of Development Operations, and Tyler Hampton, Director of Data Science and Engineering, that focused on the significance of intelligent automation, the workforce skills gap, and the evolving nature of jobs driven by AI. They share insights on successful case studies, common pitfalls in AI adoption, and the future roadmap for AI innovations at Spot, highlighting the collaborative culture that drives their technological advancements. About Red TechnologiesRed Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Spot, was founded by Andy Schenck and Andrew Elsener in 2019. Through their experience in the 3PL space and building a network of close relationships with carriers and shippers, Andy and Andrew realized that having the right technology in place would increase efficiency and streamline communication for their customers and their customers’ operations. Rather than implementing an out-of-the-box solution, they developed proprietary software, MySpot, a transportation management system (TMS) that provides complete visibility into customers’ supply chain operations.Reasons to Listen · Go beyond the hype and learn how AI is genuinely engineered to understand and act on complex business information.· Discover why intelligent automation is the critical engine for optimizing your business processes right now.· Understand how AI will redefine jobs—and the essential skills developers need to maintain mastery in an automated world.· Hear why establishing a single source of data truth is the absolute prerequisite for any effective AI deployment.· Learn the proven strategy of focusing on high-value problems one at a time to guarantee superior AI solutions that boost customer service and efficiency.· Get the critical insights on why deep collaboration between technical and business teams is non-negotiable for successful AI adoption.· Get an exclusive look at how AI will transform Spot's customer support and pricing models—and what that means for you.
October 14, 202548 min
The Evolution of Logistics Education with Dr. Zac Rogers
Welcome back to More Than a Broker. In this episode of 'More Than a Broker', Spot Co-Founder Andrew Elsener is joined by Dr. Zac Rogers, PhD., Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University, for a discussion on the evolution of supply chain education, the significance of the Logistics Managed Index (LMI), and the impact of economic indicators on transportation and logistics. The conversation examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains, the implications of tariffs on the market, and the ever-changing dynamics of retail peak seasons. The pair also touches on the future of reshoring and nearshoring, the importance of data and analytics in logistics, and concludes with insights on the logistics industry's future. About Dr. Zac RogersDr. Zac 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 sustainability, emerging logistics technologies, supply chain cybersecurity, and various other emerging issues in purchasing and logistics. 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. Before returning to academia, Dr. Rogers worked as a purchasing agent for a large hotel and resort, and as an operations manager for Quidsi, a subsidiary of Amazon.Reasons to Listen · Supply chain education is still a relatively new field.· The Logistics Managed Index (LMI) predicts economic activity through transportation metrics.· COVID-19 caused unprecedented changes in supply chain dynamics.· Tariffs have a significant impact on supply chain costs and strategies.· Retailers are experiencing a bifurcated peak season due to inventory management.· Reshoring and nearshoring are becoming more prevalent in supply chain strategies.· Data and analytics are crucial for optimizing logistics operations.· The logistics industry is evolving rapidly, requiring constant adaptation.· Understanding economic indicators can help predict market trends.· Collaboration and innovation are key to navigating supply chain challenges.
September 9, 202548 min
Dare Greatly with John Gatesman
Welcome back to More Than a Broker. In this episode of More Than a Broker, Spot Co-Founder, Andrew Elsener, sits down with John Gatesman, CEO and Founder of Gatesman, an award-winning ad agency, as the pair compare insights into the logistics and marketing industries. Gatesman shares his journey from aspiring to be a truck driver at a young age to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of creativity, adaptability, and building strong client relationships in a rapidly changing business landscape. The conversation also explores the impact of technology and AI on marketing, the importance of hiring for culture, and the lessons each has learned throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. About John Gatesman Under John Gatesman’s leadership, Gatesman has grown to become one of the most successful independent agencies in the Northeast, having been named one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies for nine consecutive years. Gatesman has also been recognized as one of the top 100 independent agencies nationwide and as one of the Best Places to Work for eight straight years. John identified and led the successful acquisitions of digital firm Quest Fore in 2014 and Nobel Communications in 2017, which expanded agency operations into Chicago and the Midwest. His passion and devotion to his clients, along with his relentless pursuit of their success, continue to be the driving force behind Gateman’s agency’s mantra, “Good Enough Sucks.” John’s leadership has guided and cultivated teams across a diverse array of notable brands, such as UPMC, Northwell Health, Coen Children’s, Del Monte, PPG, Disney, and many more. He began his career with Ross Roy Group after being selected as one of only six people nationally for its Executive Management Training Program. He then moved on to management positions at Ogilvy, Doner, and Ketchum before joining BNY Mellon as Senior Marketing Director and later Brunner as VP of Client Services, ultimately founding Gatesman in 2006.
August 12, 202543 min
Phil Daniels’ Journey Beyond Corporate Norms
In this conversation, Spot Co-Founder and More Than a Broker host, Andrew Elsener, is joined by Phil Daniels, entrepreneur and President – Indiana Region at ArkMalibu. Phil shares his journey from a traditional banking career to entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges and triumphs of starting and growing businesses throughout his career. Phil speaks on the importance of company culture, the emotional aspects of selling a business, and the significance of having a supportive board to assist with business decisions. The discussion also covers the transition into healthcare analytics, the process of raising capital, and the ongoing evolution of software production. Additionally, Phil reflects on his personal growth, including writing a book, his current role in investment banking, and becoming a sommelier.About Phil DanielsPhil Daniels is President – Indiana Region at ArkMalibu. As a four-time founder and five-time operator, Phil has notable operating experience across financial services, marketing, B2B technology and digital health. He also has subject matter expertise in go-to-market and culture development. Phil operated an advertising agency and marketing services platforms that has served over 300 brands that include Salesforce, McLaren Automotive, Nestle, and Chase Bank. His agency background also includes executing the integration of a platform roll-up strategy. Phil also founded Springbuk, an enterprise health intelligence and analytics platform that serves Fortune 1000 employers and beyond. As a Board Member to the SaaS platform, Phil continues to influence the software company’s marketing, customer acquisition and product development efforts.His experience raising capital to operate and scale business keeps him as an active advisor to multiple institutional funds including Rally Ventures, Ivy Ventures, Heartland Ventures, and Prolific Capital.Phil’s brand strategy and consumer behavior expertise can be found in the recently published book, “Spiritugraphics, the Influence of Faith on Consumption and Why It Matters to Your Brand.”
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