In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Spencer Piland, CFO and COO of SONAR, for a timely conversation about the freight economy—and what every broker needs to watch as the landscape shifts. Recorded weeks ago but more relevant than ever, Spencer’s warning about tariffs rings loud and clear: They’re already affecting prices, whether we see it yet or not.

Together, they dig into how brokers can sharpen their decision-making by focusing on their own networks, leveraging smarter data, and resisting the temptation to over-index on spot rates alone. Spencer also shares his unconventional path to freight, the evolution of SONAR’s partnership with Transfix, and what the top-performing brokerages are doing differently today.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the noise of RFP season, rising intermodal competition, or the ripple effects of macroeconomic change. Tariffs may be just one part of the pricing puzzle—but ignoring them could cost you.
--
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.



Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Spencer Piland, SONAR

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Eileen Dabrowski, Founder and CEO of Apex Tide Consulting, for her very first interview under her new title. Eileen opens up about her unconventional journey from academia to logistics, how she built a learning and development empire at ReedTMS and Werner Enterprises, and why she believes training, culture, and DEI aren’t just HR buzzwords—they’re business imperatives.

Together, they unpack:

- Why real branding starts with real people (and why Eileen loathes stock photos)
- The deep connection between marketing, L&D, and company culture
- The life-changing personal moment that gave her the courage to launch her own consulting firm
- Her advice for entrepreneurs ready to take the leap but unsure where to start
- What companies get wrong about DEI—and how to move beyond the checkbox

With refreshing honesty and relentless passion, Eileen shows us what it means to lead with empathy, curiosity, and purpose. Whether you’re a founder, a freight veteran, or just finding your place in supply chain, this episode is a must-listen.
--
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.


Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Eileen Dabrowski, Apex Tide Consulting

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Dan Lindsey—founder and president of the Broker Carrier Summit—for a raw, no-BS conversation about what’s really broken in freight, and how his grassroots movement is setting out to fix it. From the Marines to the freight trenches, Dan shares the parallels between military structure and logistics chaos, and how a deep hatred of complacency (and complainers) fueled the creation of what’s quickly become one of the most important gatherings in the industry.

We dig into the origin story of the Broker Carrier Summit, its explosive growth in just two years, and the launch of the BCS Freight Network—Dan’s vision for a trusted, transparent freight community that lasts beyond the handshake.

With the Spring Broker Carrier Summit just around the corner (April 29–May 2 in Indianapolis), this episode is your front-row seat to the movement brokers and carriers alike can’t stop talking about. And here’s a bonus: listeners get 10% off their ticket with promo code TRANSFIX at brokercarriersummit.com. Don’t wait—seats are filling fast.

🎧 Plus: Why relationships—not bots—are still the backbone of this business.
--
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.


Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Dan Lindsey, Broker-Carrier Summit

What if the secret to solving logistics’ biggest challenges isn’t in tech, but in trust?

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Brian Asher, SVP of Logistics at Hyway Transportation, a subsidiary of FST Logistics. From courtside beginnings in the NBA to the high-stakes world of freight, Brian takes us through his journey into logistics, leadership lessons that shaped his ethos, and why joining an employee-owned company changed everything.

They dig deep into what sets Hyway apart—from a dual asset-brokerage model with dry and temp-controlled capabilities to a refreshingly real take on fraud in freight. Brian pulls no punches as he debunks the myth that fraud is just a broker problem and breaks down the proactive (and bold) compliance measures Hyway has implemented.

Plus, you’ll hear his decoded take on market predictions, why flashy carrier counts are overrated, and how customer and employee feedback helped shape a major rebrand. If you're in logistics and tired of the smoke and mirrors, this one’s for you.
--
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.

Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Brian Asher, Hyway Transportation & FST Logistics

Is freight brokering really passive income? (Spoiler alert: Absolutely not.)

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Shimmi Munson, Business Development at Strategic Transport Inc. (STI), LinkedIn freight personality, and unapologetic logistics nerd. With 15 years in the game, Shimmi gets real about what it means to build lasting relationships with both carriers and customers, and why being a true advocate for both isn’t optional—it’s essential.

From calling out the myth of sky-high broker margins to decoding LTL tariff negotiations and why “not all tariffs are created equal,” Shimmi brings her signature humor and sharp insight to the mic. She also unpacks what’s behind her viral social posts, her love for Ja Rule at the stand-up desk, and her freight-industry giveaways that are all about lifting others up.

Plus, a sneak peek at what cooking for the Broker Carrier Summit and her candid take on staying joyful in a chaotic industry.
--
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.


Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Shimmi Munson, Strategic Transport Inc

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, we’re zooming out from inland trucking and straight into the ports with Tom Zeis, brand ambassador and founding team member at Port X Logistics. From launching a company with zero VC funding to navigating the chaos of the pandemic, Tom shares how Port X went from 10 trucks to a $200 million business in just five years.

We dive into what it takes to build a resilient drayage operation in an unpredictable world—tariffs, strikes, vessel delays, and all—and why true leadership starts with culture, heart, and trust. Tom unpacks the evolving role of tech in drayage, how Port X is using AI to streamline manual work, and why the days of treating drayage like an afterthought are long gone.

Plus, a few wing tour stories, a look at the ILA labor contract, and what’s really ahead for the U.S. port system.
--
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.


Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Tom Zeis, Port X Logistics

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Kara Smith Brown, founder and CRO of LeadCoverage, and author of the Amazon bestseller The Revenue Engine to break down what most supply chain companies get wrong about marketing and go-to-market strategies.

Kara shares how getting fired (and making babies) sparked her entrepreneurial journey, and how a kismet collaboration with co-founder Will Haraway led to the creation of LeadCoverage. From there, she’s helped drive hundreds of millions in revenue for clients by shifting them from outdated tactics (hello, cold calls) to modern, data-driven strategies centered on sharing good news, tracking interest, and following up.

This episode tackles:

- The #1 mistake companies make before launching a marketing campaign

- The difference between strategic intent data and AI—and why lumping them together is a big problem

- Why follow-up is a lost art and 35 touch points might just be your magic number

- How Kara’s framework works for scrappy startups and enterprise giants alike

- What “random acts of marketing” really look like (and how to sniff them out)

- The story behind her viral Girl Scout cookie experiment and its surprising freight lessons

Whether you’re a marketer, a founder, or anyone in between, Kara’s straight-shooting advice will challenge you to think deeper, measure smarter, and lead better.
--
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.


Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Kara Smith Brown, LeadCoverage & author of Amazon bestseller, "The Revenue Engine"

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Ken Beyer, CEO of Transportation Insight and Nolan Transportation Group, to unpack what it takes to lead two powerhouse logistics organizations through economic shifts, technological transformation, and cultural growth. With more than $15 billion in freight under management and 20,000 loads moved daily, Ken shares how the Beon Digital Logistics Platform is reimagining shipper and carrier relationships—from port to porch.

Ken opens up about scaling without losing entrepreneurial spirit, why investing in people and tech during downturns matters, and what the "Law of the Harvest" means for building resilience in a volatile market. From optimizing SKUs amid tariff uncertainty to increasing carrier productivity through digital workflows, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for anyone navigating the current freight landscape.

If you're wondering how to future-proof your network or just need a reminder of the power of people-first leadership, this one's for you.
--
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.


Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Ken Beyer, Transportation Insight & Nolan Transportation Group

From Ad Exec to the King of Tricky Ship: Paul Jarrett on Reinventing Fulfillment for the Modern Brand

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Paul Jarrett, co-founder and CEO of Bulu—a 3PL that’s anything but traditional. From growing up in a trailer park to co-founding one of the first subscription box companies, Paul shares the unexpected path that led him from Madison Avenue ad agencies to masterminding logistics for brands like Disney, Clorox, and Hulk Hogan.

Paul unpacks how Bulu evolved from a subscription box startup into a fulfillment powerhouse, mastering the art of “tricky ship”—those complex, high-touch logistics projects most 3PLs avoid. He reveals how listening deeply to customers helped them build tech-enabled, omnichannel solutions that scale, and why empathy and servant leadership are the cornerstones of their business model today.

Expect stories of folding bandanas for Hulk, decoding NFT-infused inventory, and how curiosity, humility, and a solid co-founder (who happens to be his wife) keep the Bulu team future-ready in a shifting global market.

Topics include:

Paul’s journey from advertising to logistics

What it means to do “tricky ship” and why most 3PLs avoid it

Lessons in resilience from the pandemic and beyond

The power of empathy and trust in business partnerships

Why curiosity—not credentials—wins in logistics

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a fulfillment partner truly stand out, this one’s for you.
--
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.


Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Paul Jarrett, Bulu

In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, we sit down with Sean Smith, VP of Product and Client Services at Denim, for a candid look into what it really takes to build meaningful, transparent products in freight fintech. From his early days in management consulting to scaling a dump truck marketplace, Sean shares how he found his way into freight — and why he's here to stay.

Sean unpacks how Denim is rewriting the playbook for factoring by eliminating hidden fees, prioritizing transparency, and embedding financial education into every interaction. He shares how his team transforms customer feedback into real product features (often in days, not quarters), why AI is a powerful decision partner at Denim, and what it looks like when engineering, sales, and ops actually speak the same language.

Plus: a sneak peek at Denim’s Resolution Hub, how carriers can now self-elect QuickPay, and why it’s time brokers double down on relationship-building.
--
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.


Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Sean Smith, Denim

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

Supply Chain Decoded | Feat. Tom Zeis, Port X Logistics

Transfix

Related tracks