Ralph Martinez, a Puerto Rican from the Bronx, found himself on 34th Street and 6th Avenue in the 80s with a suitcase of $12,000 in cash. He was sent overseas on his first logistics adventure to secure a deal with a new customer. It might sound like a scene from a movie, but this was the start of a decades-long fruitful career leading to being a logistics manager at Relatable. Listen as Ralph emphasizes the value of building relationships in logistics and the need for importers to establish the rules of engagement. Ralph also highlights the importance of experience and empathy in the industry, as well as the need for a balance between old-school methods and modern technology. He encourages leaders to take risks on individuals with strong work ethics and to foster a collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
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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.

The Transfix Take On: Lessons Learned from a Journey in Logistics feat. Ralph Martinez, Relatable

Insurance might not be the sexiest topic in freight—but it should be. In this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Taylor Walker, Chief Insurance Officer at Loadsure, and Michael Kennedy, VP of Partnerships, to unpack one of the most misunderstood (and mission-critical) aspects of logistics: cargo insurance.

Together, they decode the difference between hard and soft insurance markets, the rise of theft and fraud in 2025, and why too many brokers are unknowingly flying blind on coverage. They break down what a truly tech-powered, usage-based model looks like—and how it’s saving brokers serious money and margin. Spoiler: you can set it up in under a minute.

You’ll also hear why almonds are a hot theft target, what happens when hay combusts, and how rejected strawberries can derail a week. If you're a freight broker still relying on outdated policies, this episode might just save your business.

Key Topics:

• Why insurance cycles don’t always mirror freight cycles
• How theft, impersonation, and fraud are rewriting risk models
• The rise of on-demand cargo insurance and holistic freight protection
• What brokers get wrong about liability (and how to fix it)
• Real claims stories—from nuts to railcar fires
• Why tech-forward doesn’t mean mega-fleet only

This is the freight insurance episode you didn’t know you needed—until now.
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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. Taylor Walker & Michael Kennedy, Loadsure

Supply Chain Decoded kicks off Season Two with Diane Hutsell, Director of Philanthropy at the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. Diane shares her unexpected journey into trucking, how the Fund has provided over $5.2 million in aid, and the health challenges drivers face on the road. From innovative health programs to a fantasy football fundraiser and National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, this episode highlights why truckers are the heart of the supply chain — and why supporting them matters.

To learn more about St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, visit truckersfund.org.

To donate to Transfix's Freight Fantasy Football initiative where all proceeds benefit the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, email us at freightfantasyfootball@transfix.io.
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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. Diane Hutsell, St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund

After more than a year, The Transfix Take is officially back! Justin Maze, market expert at NFI Industries, joins Jenni Ruiz to break down the last seven days in freight, starting with a stagnant national average rate per mile of $1.61. From severe storms in the Midwest to Tropical Storm Mario hitting Southern California, weather made its mark, while seasonal patterns echo what we saw throughout 2024.

Maze dives into each region: Southeast and Coastal markets trending downward, the South seeing volatility in border markets, the Midwest and Northeast showing signs of seasonal pressure, and the West Coast tightening up as Christmas tree season approaches. Plus, the duo looks ahead to RFP season and what shippers, brokers, and carriers can expect in a market that’s still oversupplied with capacity.

This and more on the Transfix Take!
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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.


Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Sept 23 - We're back!

It’s been a volatile two weeks in freight, and Maze and Jenni are breaking it all down on this week’s Transfix Take.

As the national average line haul rate spikes and dry van load posts climb 6%, a perfect storm of factors — from end-of-quarter pressures to severe weather and a major CDL ruling — has carriers and shippers feeling the heat.

Maze unpacks the non-domicile CDL regulation and what it could mean for the industry long term, from tighter driver pools to rate shifts driven by reduced labor supply. Then, the duo dives into the regional breakdown:

🌪 Southeast & Coastal: Storms and relief loads drive volatility

🌧 South: Flooding and cross-border disruptions

🌽 Midwest: Q4 tightening begins

🗽 Northeast: Long-haul rates climb

🌲 West Coast: Steady for now, but keep an eye on ports and Christmas tree season

Plus, Jenni recaps highlights from the JOC Inland Conference, where conversations on market trends, regulations, and fraud are taking center stage.

This and more on The Transfix Take!
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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.


Transfix Take Podcast | Weel of Oct 7 - Non-Domicile CDL Ruling + Headwinds

This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down the latest trends as Q4 2025 kicks off. Rates are holding steady, but regional shifts and a few policy curveballs are keeping things interesting.

Here’s what’s moving the market:

• A return to seasonal norms after weeks of volatility

• Flatbed load-to-truck ratios up 8.4%, signaling tightening in project and construction freight

• A nor’easter and West Coast storms bringing rain, wind, and early snow to key markets

• West Coast lanes heating up while the Southeast and Coastal regions cool off

• A continued slow decline in the South, while the Midwest holds steady

• The ongoing impact of non-domicile CDL regulations — and why Maze says the real effects are still months away

Plus, Jenni gives a shoutout to Freightwaves' new WHAT THE TRUCK?!? host, Malcolm Harris, and recaps Carly Gunby’s appearance on the show to talk RFP strategies and how to beat AI fatigue in freight.

To watch Carly's appearance on WHAT THE TRUCK?!? click here: https://youtu.be/F-tYNwc6zFs?si=UGUqk12djOUyxrYA

This and more on The Transfix Take!
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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.


Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Oct 14 – Freight Market Steadies, but CDL Ruling Signals Long-Term Change

In a male-dominated industry that often rewards polish over honesty, Amber Romando shows up with zero filters and total heart. From her beginnings as a dispatcher at UPS to becoming COO of Spartan Logistics and President of CSCMP Chicago Roundtable, Amber has carved out a career defined by grit, grace, and guts.

In this conversation with host Jenni Ruiz, Amber opens up about betting on herself before LinkedIn even existed, the mentors who changed her life, and how she learned to turn tragedy into legacy. She talks candidly about what it means to be a woman navigating conferences, boardrooms, and truck yards—and why she refuses to play small or play nice when the stakes are high.

This is a masterclass in showing up fully, leading with empathy, and staying authentic no matter who’s in the room. Whether you’re a logistics veteran or just someone trying to find your footing in a tough industry, Amber’s story will make you laugh, nod, and maybe even take a few notes.

Authenticity. Advocacy. No apologies. Amber’s got all three—and she’s using them to change the game.
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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. Amber Romando, Spartan Logistics

The freight market may look steady, but don’t let that fool you — subtle shifts are already setting the stage for a volatile November.

This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s Justin Maze break down what’s happening across every region as Q4 heats up. From weather disruptions to policy curveballs, here’s where things stand — and where they’re headed next.

In this episode:
• Minimal week-over-week rate changes, but Midwest tightening continues
• Flatbed activity climbs 5% across the Southeast amid local freight pressure
• Coastal and South regions remain soft as the Northeast stays stagnant
• Weather watch: storms, snow, and possible tornado activity impacting freight lanes
• The latest on federal transportation funding withheld from California — and why it matters

Plus, Jenni shares a few shoutouts for FreightTech 25 hopefuls and the Transfix team at F3.

Tune in for a full regional breakdown and Maze’s forecast for the final stretch of October.
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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.


Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Oct 21: Calm Before the Freight Storm: Regional Trends, Weather Impacts, and Policy Watch

This week on Supply Chain Decoded, host Jenni Ruiz sits down with Ryan Goodwin, Senior Director of Advanced Supply Chain at Trinity Industries and Adjunct Professor of Supply Chain Management at TCU — a leader whose approach to automation and change management is reshaping how the rail industry thinks about data, technology, and people.

Ryan’s face recently appeared on the NASDAQ billboard in Times Square — a moment that symbolizes how far he’s taken his mission to eliminate “drudgery” from supply chain work through AI and automation. In this conversation, he shares the story behind that moment and the philosophy that got him there.

Together, Jenni and Ryan decode:

AI in the wild: How Trinity Industries uses large language models to manage supplier communication — cutting through thousands of purchase orders without a single EDI integration.

Swivel chair to seamless workflows: The real meaning of moving from manual to integrated systems and what it takes to make automation actually work for people.

The classroom meets the boardroom: What teaching the next generation of supply chain professionals has revealed about AI adoption, critical thinking, and human judgment in the age of LLMs.

Built or bought: How companies can balance in-house innovation with SaaS partnerships in an era of “AI provider fatigue.”

Inventory decoded: Why this age-old topic remains the most misunderstood — and why Ryan calls it both the light and liability of the supply chain.

From his early days measuring warehouse shelves in a suit to building bots that talk to suppliers in natural language, Ryan offers a rare, grounded look at what digital transformation really looks like in practice — and why collaboration between humans and AI will define the next decade of supply chain innovation.

🎧 Listen now to explore the future of automation, education, and decision-making — straight from one of rail’s most forward-thinking minds.
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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. Ryan Goodwin, Trinity Industries & TCU

It’s the calm before the holiday chaos — or is it?

This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down how October closed out and what to expect as we roll into November. Despite a government shutdown entering its fourth week and tender volumes hitting an all-time low for October, the national average rate per mile held its ground with a modest 2 % month-over-month gain.

Here’s what’s moving the market:

📊 Rates steady thanks to Midwest strength, while demand stays weak nationwide

🌪 Category 5 hurricane near Jamaica could spark relief freight into South Florida

🌧 Flooding and flash storms slow the South as the Coastal region continues to loosen

🌽 Midwest leads gains, expected to drive national increases through November

🗺 Northeast and South soften, while the West Coast preps for its late-season upswing

🔮 Maze’s November outlook: expect roughly a 2 % national rate bump, driven by holiday volatility and seasonal freight out of the West

With the shutdown stretching on and inflation still in play, Jenni and Maze look ahead to what could make or break the end of 2025 for brokers, shippers, and carriers alike.

This and more on The Transfix Take!
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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.


Transfix Take | Week of Oct 28 – Rates Hold, Shutdown Lingers, and November Outlooks

The freight market is cooling just as the temperatures drop — and with Thanksgiving around the corner, things are about to get interesting.

This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down the state of the freight market as we hit the midpoint of November. The national average rate per mile dips slightly to $1.66, and while capacity remains loose, early winter weather could shake things up in key regions.

Here’s what Maze and Jenni unpack:

📉 Rates hold mostly flat across the board — down just a couple of cents week-over-week

🌨 Winter weather hits the Midwest and Northeast, but capacity hasn’t tightened yet

📊 Southeast and Coastal regions stay steady, with movement depending on destination

📉 South softens as rates continue to trend downward in Dallas and Fort Worth

🌽 Midwest leads gains with early snowfall pushing rates higher in Chicago and Indianapolis

🗽 Northeast continues to decline, though lake-effect snow could bring short-term spikes

🌲 West Coast begins to heat up as the Pacific Northwest enters produce and Christmas tree season

Maze shares his outlook heading into Thanksgiving and predicts where volatility will surface first as Q4 freight picks up.

This and more on The Transfix Take!
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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.


Transfix Take | Week of Nov 11 – Freight Cools as Winter and Holiday Demand Collide

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

The Transfix Take On: Lessons Learned from a Journey in Logistics feat. Ralph Martinez, Relatable

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