Transfix

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295

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Transfix Take On, a show for the logistics and supply chain world where we switch gears into the hot topics of trucking. For more information, visit: www.transfix.io

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60 recent

November 12, 202646 min

Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Ken Adamo, EASE Logistics & Jonathan Salama, Transfix

AI has made software faster and cheaper to build. But that doesn’t mean every company should build everything. In this special episode, Ease Logistics Chief Strategy Officer Ken Adamo joins Transfix co-founder and CEO Jonathan Salama for a candid conversation about the new build-versus-buy equation. The timing couldn’t be better: Ease recently signed on to use Transfix’s cost model, pairing its homegrown orchestration layer with proven, broker-built pricing intelligence. Ken and Jonathan unpack why “boring” technology can be a moat, where custom software creates a genuine competitive edge, and when building from scratch only adds maintenance, complexity, and risk. They also explore vibe coding, human accountability, and why AI will amplify a strong process just as quickly as it will expose a broken one. From automating high-volume freight decisions to building Little League simulators and replacing a lost TV remote, this lively conversation moves between practical lessons and personal experiments. The result is a refreshingly nuanced perspective: build what makes your business different, buy what others have already learned to do exceptionally well, and never confuse more technology with better outcomes. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

November 6, 202655 min

Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Michael Caney, Highway

Michael Caney, COO of Highway, came ready to talk, and he did not pull a single punch. In this lively episode of *Supply Chain Decoded*, Michael joins Jenni Ruiz to trace his journey from booking freight with a fax machine and manufacturers guide to helping Highway rethink identity, trust, and governance across the freight transaction. Michael explains why Highway has evolved beyond carrier vetting into an integrated platform, how the entire freight industry is undergoing a real-time penetration test, and why stronger technology has pushed thieves toward fewer, more sophisticated, higher-value attacks. He also offers a blunt diagnosis of why so many freight tech startups fail: they arrive with capital, hubris, and a solution before taking the time to understand the people moving the loads. They also get into: - Why brokers cannot build their own way out of every security problem - How network effects, proprietary data, and vertical integration create a durable technology moat - Who truly owns carrier telematics and freight transaction data - Why the Supreme Court’s *Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II* ruling is an opportunity for brokerage to professionalize - How consistent carrier standards can strengthen growth rather than restrict capacity - Why pricing and carrier eligibility must be evaluated together, load by load - How AI can produce exponential gains—and exponentially larger mistakes - Why shippers must accept more responsibility for the risk structures they helped create The through line is clear: freight brokers win by focusing on their commercial relationships and service, while trusted platforms handle the security infrastructure that becomes stronger at scale. Equal parts history lesson, hot-take marathon, and candid look at freight’s next chapter, this is Michael Caney at full speed. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

October 23, 202639 min

Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Aqil Naeem & Caleb Sirak, E3 Group

Aqil Naeem and Caleb Sirak entered the freight industry by convincing a conference to give them a student discount. There, one of the first technology leaders they met was Transfix co-founder Jonathan Salama. Now, the best friends and co-founders of E3 Group have come full circle as Transfix partners. In this episode of *Supply Chain Decoded*, Aqil and Caleb join Jenni Ruiz to discuss how E3 applies its “explore, experiment, expand” philosophy to some of freight’s hardest problems—beginning with cargo theft. They unpack Shield, E3’s driver-verification platform, and explain why preventing fraud requires knowing who actually arrives at the dock—not merely which carrier was onboarded. Their approach places legitimate drivers at the center, helping them establish trust while giving brokers and shippers better information before freight changes hands. The conversation also explores: - Why AI implementation must begin with an operation’s existing workflows and incentives - How E3 builds alongside drivers through an advisory group and 24/7 human support - Why companies must continuously evaluate AI tools instead of treating deployment as the finish line - How open-source models can offer businesses greater control and lower costs - Why brokers and shippers must collaborate more closely to combat cargo theft - How asking “ridiculous” questions can produce genuinely transformative technology It’s a conversation about friendship, experimentation, driver advocacy, and building AI that works beyond the demo—and at the dock. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

October 20, 202610 min

Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Oct 20 - Flat Rates, Rising Risk: Freight's Cross-Border Capacity Squeeze

The national freight market may look flat—but underneath the averages, major legal, regulatory, and regional shifts are reshaping capacity. In this episode of *The Transfix Take*, Jenni Ruiz and NFI market expert Justin Maze examine C.H. Robinson’s decision to appeal a closely watched Texas judgment and the freight industry’s continuing debate over broker liability. They also unpack a sudden cross-border capacity shock following the reported revocation of thousands of Mexican driver visas—and what mounting enforcement changes could mean for brokers, carriers, and shippers heading into 2027. They discuss: - Why the C.H. Robinson appeal could have broader implications for freight contracting - How enforcement changes are constraining cross-border capacity - Why diesel remains unpredictable despite relatively stable linehaul rates - What tender rejections holding near 12.7% reveal about the market - Where rates are declining across the Southeast, Coastal, Southern, and Midwest regions - Why West Coast rates continue to climb as the Pacific Northwest enters peak season - What a soft spot market could mean through early November Plus, Justin explains why the market could remain quiet for several more weeks before holiday freight begins shifting more volume into the spot market around mid-November. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

October 15, 202658 min

Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Amber Romando, BWS Logistics & CSCMP Chicago

What changes when you stop playing a supporting role in your own career and step fully into the spotlight? Amber Romando returns to *Supply Chain Decoded* with a new title, a new company, and more energy than ever. Now Vice President of Operations at BWS Logistics, Amber joins Jenni Ruiz to discuss embracing unfamiliar territory, leading with intention, building culture across a remote workforce, and remaining a student—even after more than 20 years in supply chain. The conversation also spotlights CSCMP Chicago’s third annual Women Empowering Women event, **Main Character Energy**, taking place October 29 in Naperville. Hosted by Amber and featuring a panel moderated by Carly Gunby, the event brings together women at different stages of their careers for honest storytelling, meaningful networking, and candid conversations about self-worth, authenticity, and taking ownership of your next chapter. In this episode, Amber shares: - Why success means having the power to choose your next move - How to recognize when you’ve become a supporting character in your own story - Why leaders must listen directly to carriers, employees, and partners - How relationships and trust drive business in a volatile market - Why men should also attend and support the women in their workplaces and lives It’s your career, your story, and your time to shine. Learn more and register for **Main Character Energy** at https://cscmpchicago.org. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

October 7, 202612 min

Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Oct 7 - Freight’s October Surprise: Rising Rates and a $5.8B Mega-Deal

The freight market just delivered an October surprise. Rates climbed across every region—outpacing the gains seen over Labor Day—while one of the largest brokerage acquisitions in industry history signaled that freight consolidation may only be getting started. In this episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and NFI market expert Justin Maze unpack C.H. Robinson’s $5.8 billion agreement to acquire RXO and what the deal could mean for brokerage scale, AI integration, and future consolidation. They also examine the unexpected rate surge, shifting regional capacity, and the growing importance of service as shippers head deeper into RFP season. They discuss: Why the C.H. Robinson–RXO deal could become a major industry domino How national average linehaul rates climbed six cents to $2.18 per mile Why tender rejections remain elevated at approximately 12.7% Where capacity is tightening most across the Midwest and Northeast Why the Pacific Northwest and California remain markets to watch How declining diesel prices could affect next week’s regional rates Why Prime Day is unlikely to create a significant freight-market ripple How service failures and spot-market exposure could influence 2027 contract rates Plus, Justin explains why some recent gains may flatten in the coming week—even as stubborn capacity constraints keep the market difficult for shippers. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

October 2, 202640 min

Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Nathan Chaney, Supply Chaney

What happens when 100 conversations with the people moving supply chain forward are transformed into a field guide you can actually hold? In this episode of *Supply Chain Decoded*, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Nathan Chaney, founder of Supply Chaney, to discuss his new book, *Supply Chain Story Time*. Drawing from the first 100 episodes of his podcast, the book turns each conversation into an accessible two-page guide featuring the personal stories, career paths, and hard-earned insights of brokers, operators, founders, executives, and innovators across the industry. Nathan explains why he wanted to take these stories out of the cloud and give them greater staying power in print—and why the names of every featured guest belong front and center on the book’s cover. They also explore: - Nathan’s journey from warehouse operations and freight brokerage to full-time content creation - How a community-first mindset shaped Supply Chaney and the Supply Chain Social Club - Why B2B creators and “freight fluencers” are becoming an important part of industry marketing - How aspiring creators can find their voice and build meaningful industry connections - Why relationships—not technology alone—are the network beneath every successful supply chain More than a collection of podcast highlights, *Supply Chain Story Time* is a celebration of the people whose experiences, ideas, and connections keep the industry moving. Learn more about the book at supplychaney.com/book. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

September 30, 202614 min

Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Sept 30 - Q4 Freight Reset: Diesel Volatility, Tightening Capacity and RFP Risk

Q4 is here, but the freight market isn’t moving in one direction. Linehaul rates remain relatively flat while diesel prices stay volatile, spot volume rises around the end of the quarter, and capacity tightens across several key regions. In this episode of *The Transfix Take*, Jenni Ruiz and NFI market expert Justin Maze break down the regulatory, operational, and pricing trends shaping the start of Q4. They examine the FMCSA’s rejection of a return to paper logbooks, a major cross-border labor lawsuit, and unconfirmed calls for a driver strike—plus what each development could mean for the trucking industry. They discuss: - Why ELD requirements aren’t going away anytime soon - What the cross-border driver lawsuit could mean for future compliance - Why a widespread driver strike remains unlikely to disrupt the market - How diesel volatility is affecting carriers and regional freight costs - Why tender rejections remain elevated between 12% and 13% - Where capacity is tightening across the Midwest, Northeast, and Pacific Northwest - Why the South and Southeast continue to soften - What shippers and brokers should expect from an unpredictable RFP season Plus, Justin explains why spot volume could decline during October before holiday demand brings more freight—and more volatility—back into the market in November. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

September 25, 202642 min

Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Leo Rodriguez, River Plate Inc

What does it take to grow a logistics company from a single box truck into a thriving omnichannel 3PL—and rebuild it after everything burns to the ground? In this episode of *Supply Chain Decoded*, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Leo Rodriguez, Vice President of River Plate Logistics, to trace the remarkable story of the family business his mother, Daniela Yvonne Rodriguez, founded more than 30 years ago. What began as local freight and courier work between Los Angeles and San Diego has grown into a nearly 140,000-square-foot operation serving today’s fast-moving retail and e-commerce landscape. Leo shares how River Plate rose from the ashes of a devastating warehouse fire, evolved from paper-based processes to AI-enabled systems, and maintained the personal relationships that remain essential to great logistics. They also unpack: * How tariffs and tighter margins are reshaping decisions for consumer brands * Why retailers are replacing large purchase orders with smaller, more frequent shipments * How 3PLs can help brands reduce hidden costs and protect profitability * Where AI is making the biggest difference in warehouse and transportation operations * Why successful 3PL partnerships require ongoing collaboration long after implementation Through every market shift, Leo’s message is clear: technology can surface the answers, but communication, reliability, and true partnership are what keep supply chains moving. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

September 16, 202611 min

Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Sept 15 - Fuel Shock: Diesel Surges as Freight Rates Soften

Linehaul rates have fallen back to pre-Labor Day levels—but that doesn’t mean freight is getting cheaper. Diesel prices have surged 68 cents in two weeks, placing enormous pressure on carriers and complicating transportation costs across the country. In this episode of *The Transfix Take*, Jenni Ruiz and NFI market expert Justin Maze examine how fuel volatility is reshaping the freight market, even as spot activity and linehaul rates soften. They also warn drivers about fraudulent websites impersonating official government resources and recognize the carriers keeping freight moving during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. They discuss: * Why diesel’s rapid rise is threatening smaller carrier operations * How fuel costs can spill into linehaul rates and shipper budgets * Why national average linehaul rates returned to roughly $2.16 per mile * What tender rejections above 12% may signal for a volatile Q4 * Where capacity is tightening across the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest * Why California fuel prices could become a major market curveball * What declining spot activity could mean through early October Plus, Justin explains why the next two weeks may bring a looser freight market—and what could interrupt that outlook if fuel prices continue climbing. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.