The Intermodal Logistics podcast

42:31

Quite a bit of the food Americans eat is grown on foreign soil, so it only gets here because of food importers. On the latest episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, guest Bob Bauer, President of the Association of Food Industries (AFI), discusses the food import process, some examples of products that the U.S. doesn't (and can't) produce on a large scale like nuts and olive oil, and the challenges importers face with evolving tariff policies. On the tariff issue, he explains what importers are doing to prepare and respond - and what they're not doing just yet. Bob also tells us about AFI, its advocacy on behalf of its members, food standards it has helped enact (and why they're important) and its role in legislation like the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011. He goes over the steps a typical product takes to get to the U.S., how importers bear the risk and responsibility, and what freight modes are most common. We also discuss AFI's upcoming Annual Convention, set for April 24-26 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which will feature more discussion on tariffs, the economy and the role of AI in the food industry. Learn more about AFI and the Convention at www.afius.org . 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.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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Ready, Set, Go-Rail 43:16

19 days ago43:16

43:16

Choosing freight rail offers a wide array of benefits - but they're benefits many need reminders of. That's where GoRail comes in. To discuss more about what GoRail does, its now more than 20-year history and the evolution of the industry, State Director Brett Sebastian and AVP for Communications Betsy Cantwell join The Intermodal Logistics Podcast. Betsy and Brett talk about GoRail's origins, its role at the Federal, state and local government levels - and why each is important - and the Rail Advocate and Rail Champion programs. Plus, they go over some of GoRail's legislative priorities, including the safe crossing grant program, the highway trust fund, and the 2026 reauthorization of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). We also highlight the GoRail Twenty report (including some key rail stats) and cross-border issues now arising. For more on GoRail, including reports, the Rail Grant Hub and state-by-state info, visit www.gorail.org . 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.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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5 Questions on the State of Freight in 2025 31:02

29 days ago31:02

31:02

As the first quarter of 2025 nears an end, check in on the state of freight as it stands now, as it compares to 2024, and as it relates to the future of the market. InTek CEO Rick Lagore answers 5 questions (plus a few follow-ups) to offer a measure of the logistics landscape - discussing predictions of recovery made just a few months ago that already feel deferred, spot rates and volumes relating to intermodal, how the new administration is affecting freight, interest rates and inflation, and when we may see a freight recovery (with a couple of potential scenarios). Compare this episode to our 2023 predictions https://youtu.be/hyOhnrqjx3k?si=kYNpq5eZrXU26njw and 2024 https://youtu.be/0fLRC-Wn3H0?si=WlRxwWtF4gGxH3Z3 , and you may find things haven't changed as much as hoped for the market. 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.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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Insuring the Freight 48:45

6 weeks ago48:45

48:45

Freight moves domestically and across borders every day using various combinations of road, rail, ship, etcetera, but one thing all that freight - and all the providers who have a stake in it - have in common is insurance. On the latest episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, guest Mark Vickers, EVP of International Logistics for Reliance Partners, discusses cargo insurance - including what it is, why it's needed, why coverage depends on the situation and how it's influenced by outside factors. He particularly spotlights Borderless Coverage, a product he initially came up with to cover valuable freight beyond the U.S. borders and into Mexico and Canada - all with one policy. Mark tells us about the security issues facing cross-border freight and the prior lack of coverage options. He also talks about over the top coverage options for specific scenarios like high value freight or cargo normally not shipped by a particular provider. And he explains why strong insurance can be a differentiator in winning business, even if it means a freight provider's bid is a bit higher. We also discuss potential tariff impacts on the industry as well as inflation - which not only impacts everyone's bottom line but also makes a difference as to the type of cargo thieves target. Learn more about Reliance Partners at https://reliancepartners.com/ and look up Mark on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-vickers-a90a6710/ for more from him. Plus, find out about the upcoming 8th Annual Modernization of Cross Border Trade event in Texas here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-modernization-of-cross-border-trade-tickets-1112890809369?aff=oddtdtcreator . 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.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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Leading TIA 40:40

7 weeks ago40:40

40:40

The new leader of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) already knows the lay of the land, so he's hit the ground running tackling membership priorities. President and CEO Chris Burroughs began leading TIA in November, after his predecessor Anne Reinke took the leadership spot with the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) - see and hear more from her on our previous episode of the Intermodal Logistics Podcast. But unlike many new CEOs, Chris had already spent more than 13 years with his organization, and he tells us on this edition how that background - including the earlier days of TIA with fewer staff - helped him wear many hats and gave him a broad understanding of how things work. Since taking over leadership, Chris says TIA's continued focusing on a problem that's not going away - fraud, navigating the transition from the Biden to Trump administrations in the process. He continues to see getting exposure in Washington D.C. as key to helping the association's priorities, which also include nuclear verdicts arising from accidents involving commercial trucks, owner-operator definitions and more. Plus, Chris tells us about TIA's focus on expanding its continuing education offerings - many of which are free to members. And, we hear about the Capital Ideas Conference, with the 2025 edition taking place in San Antonio this April. Learn more about the TIA at its website, www.tianet.org , where you can also find registration information and more about the conference. 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 about InTek.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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Leading IANA 45:47

9 weeks ago45:47

45:47

Taking over a new organization is always a challenge, but Anne Reinke is ready to face it head-on when it comes to running the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). Anne joins us on The Intermodal Logistics Podcast about a month into her tenure as IANA President and CEO following four years in the same role with the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). She tells us about her background, including how she got into the industry, her love of railroads that started with her time at CSX, and how that helped lead her to IANA. We discuss the challenge of replacing a longtime leader like Joni Casey, who headed up the association for about 27 years, and how she's worked to get the lay of the land by talking with just about all IANA's staff and board members in her first month. Anne goes over the challenges facing intermodal as it looks to gain market share - with a big one being awareness. She talks about plans to increase marketing efforts as well as raising IANA's advocacy profile in Washington - to get the road and rail mode a seat at the table in transportation discussions. For more on IANA, visit www.intermodal.org , where you can also register to become a member, access learning resources that are only expected to grow, and find out about the association's upcoming Business Meeting. 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 about InTek.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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In Appreciation of the Chassis 48:36

12 weeks ago48:36

48:36

It's the base of intermodal container movement and a necessity for dray trucks' ability to transport boxes to their final destination. It's the chassis, so consider this a chassis appreciation episode of the Intermodal Logistics Podcast. To explain all it does and how the chassis system in the U.S. works, we welcome Abby Anderson, AVP of Marine Operations for DCLI. Abby tells us about DCLI's systems, how chassis movement has been streamlined in recent years, adjusting to supply and demand, and the different ways ports, railroads and drayage carriers rely on chassis for container transport. She also tells us about improvements in chassis availability, how they determine when they're in good order, the difference between marine and domestic chassis programs, and how the recent agreement preventing a port strike on the east and Gulf coasts helps the freight industry. To learn more about DCLI and what it does, visit dcli.com . And as you may have noticed, this is the first episode of the Intermodal Logistics Podcast, renamed from InTek Freight & Logistics: The Podcast. We're still offering the excellent guests and industry insights you've come to expect, but with a name that better reflects our focus on intermodal transportation. 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.intekfreight-logistics.com to learn more about InTek.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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The Intermodal Logistics Podcast Trailer 1:32

13 weeks ago1:32

1:32

Intermodal logistics combines road and rail for valuable transportation solution in todays supply chain environment. So why not focus a podcast on this important freight mode? That's what the Intermodal Logistics Podcast is all about - welcoming key industry figures to provide the ins and outs of intermodal and how it fits into the shipping landscape. With topics like market updates, ports, warehousing, railroads, dray trucking, sustainability, news headlines, cross-border, cargo types and much more, the Intermodal Logistics Podcast has your bases covered, touching not only intermodal, but the freight world in general. And just as they did when it was called InTek Freight & Logistics: The Podcast, hosts Kevin Baxter, Shelli Austin and Rick LaGore are not above having some fun along the way as well. Subscribe or follow the Intermodal Logistics Podcast, on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. And visit https://www.intekfreight-logistics.com to stay up on all things freight, logistics, supply chain and more.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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Paper & Packaging 45:51

18 weeks ago45:51

45:51

Freight touches a vast array of industries, and one of them touches freight in a variety of ways. Paper and packaging not only moves via traditional shipping modes across the world, it also ensures other goods move safely through supply chains. To take us through the industry, Rick and Kevin speak with Greg Lovensheimer, President of Millcraft Paper Company. Greg explains the ins and outs of paper and packaging, the both expected and unexpected products that fall under its umbrella and how the industry has evolved over the years. He also explains paper production, starting from the forest - and why sustainability has always been a major part of it. Plus, Greg tells us how the market is doing today, how it relates to freight, how AI is impacting paper and packaging, and what he thinks of The Office's take on his field. Learn more about Millcraft at millcraft.com , and learn more about the industry through the National Paper Trade Association (for which Greg serves as Chair) at www.gonpta.com . And for still more on paper and packaging, visit the American Forest and Paper Association website here www.afandpa.org . Subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes of InTek Freight & Logistics: The Podcast 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.intekfreight-logistics.com to learn more about InTek.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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The Intermodal Market Now and in 2025 53:21

20 weeks ago53:21

53:21

As the year winds down, where does the intermodal market stand? And what should we expect heading into 2025, with a new administration and proposed tariff policies that could have a substantial effect on international trade? For those answers and more, we turn to the intermodalist himself, Larry Gross, President and Founder of Gross Transportation Consulting, for Episode 50 of InTek Freight & Logistics: The Podcast. Larry goes inside the numbers to tell us how intermodal is doing today, how it compares over time, its stance against truckload, and the difference between inland point intermodal (thriving with port activity) & purely domestic intermodal. Plus, he shares his thoughts on the election's potential effects on the market in 2025, and how tariffs would likely shift the balance of intermodal activity. Additionally, we talk cross-border intermodal, where Larry notes, the numbers disagree with both the activity of many businesses and anecdotal evidence of growing strength between the U.S. and Mexico. For more from Larry, visit intermodalindepth.com , where you can sign up for his excellent Intermodal In-Depth reports and find other services he offers. You can also check out his first time on our podcast, back on Episode 5, to learn more about his background https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKNoJwpPkYs . Subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes of InTek Freight & Logistics: The Podcast 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.intekfreight-logistics.com to learn more about InTek.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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The LMI, a healthy recovery & tariff effects 55:05

21 weeks ago55:05

55:05

The Logistics Managers Index (LMI) tracks the freight market through thick and thin. Until recently, it's been thin, but head author Zac Rogers, Assistant Professor of Operations & Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University, tells us indications squarely point to a healthy recovery. Zac tells us about his background, the origins of the Index, how it surveys logistics pros (and who they are), how it relates to the economy as a whole, what typically causes shifts and where it's heading now. Plus, we discuss how the election and incoming President Trump's suggested tariffs (and other policies) could influence the freight recovery. And we talk a bit about teaching future supply chain pros along with the three pillars of sustainability to consider - beyond simply environmental benefits. Find the Logistics Managers Index at www.the-lmi.com and check out our monthly summaries - including the latest from the October LMI blog.intekfreight-logistics.com/october-24-logistics-managers-index-lmi . Subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes of InTek Freight & Logistics: The Podcast 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.intekfreight-logistics.com to learn more about InTek.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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Better Dray? There's an App for That 44:02

23 weeks ago44:02

44:02

Drayage is a vital part of intermodal transportation, but many of its processes are stuck in the past. Enter ModalView, an app that marks a collaboration between Norfolk Southern and DrayNow aimed at modernizing and streamlining those first and final mile processes. To discuss, hosts Kevin and Shelli welcome Senior Director of Product Meghan Nesta, President and General Manager Mike Albert and former President of Triple Crown Services (and current consultant) Sam Niness. The ModalView team talks about how the partnership materialized, and the many ways the app helps dray drivers, IMCs and by proxy, shippers with visibility, real-time tracking and real-time documentation. To learn more about working with ModalView, visit modalview.com . Subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes of InTek Freight & Logistics: The Podcast 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.intekfreight-logistics.com to learn more about InTek.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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Short Haul, Florida and Mexico Intermodal 39:07

25 weeks ago39:07

39:07

Intermodal is traditionally associated with long-haul shipping, but a few Sunshine State - and Mexico - solutions show it can shine with short-haul, too. On the latest InTek Freight & Logistics: The Podcast, Luis Hernandez, VP of Intermodal with Florida East Coast Railway (a member of Grupo Mexico - which also owns Ferromex) to discuss those Florida options, from intra-Miami to all the way up and down the coast. Luis tells us how intermodal not only offers convenience for Florida freight, but also surprising speed - whether between ports or not. He talks about the relationship between FEC and the expanding Brightline passenger rail network - and how railroad crossings have changed for Floridians. He also discusses the freight landscape in Mexico, how intermodal offers underused solutions for cross-border shipping, and how AMTI - the Mexican intermodal association - is working to make more inroads (or rails in this case). Learn more about FEC at https://fecrwy.com , Ferromex at https://www.ferromex.com/index-eng.jsp and AMTI at https://www.amtimexico.com/en . Subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes of InTek Freight & Logistics: The Podcast 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.intekfreight-logistics.com to learn more about InTek.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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The Port of Long Beach with Noel Hacegaba 43:41

27 weeks ago43:41

43:41

It all starts at the ports - especially when moving intermodal across North America. And one of the busiest of those, is the Port of Long Beach in Southern California. Hosts Kevin Baxter and Shelli Austin are joined by POLB COO Dr. Noel Hacegaba as he discusses how the port operates, just how busy it is this year in terms of container shipping, how it handled the pandemic-related peak, port strike impacts, how it's prioritized infrastructure to improve service, and more. We dive into sustainability, including measures the port has taken to reduce its environmental impact, the progress of electric trucks, the ability of on-dock rail to help with emissions and freight movement simultaneously, and how the port is tackling sea level rise. Additionally, we discuss the Intermodal Association of North America (whose board both Shelli and Noel serve on), the importance of creating an educational pipeline for future supply chain pros, and, a band called the TEUs - for which Noel and some fellow POLB employees play. Learn more about the Port of Long Beach at www.polb.com , and find a performance by the TEUs in a video of the recent POLB State of the Port 2024 . Subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes of InTek Freight & Logistics: The Podcast 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.intekfreight-logistics.com to learn more about InTek.…

The Intermodal Logistics Podcast

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Getting Started with Intermodal 48:35

30 weeks ago48:35