Barry Aumiller and Joe Lynch discuss building a high-performance carrier network. Barry is the Founder of Bear Ventures, a transportation advisory that helps shippers develop high-performance carrier networks.

About Barry Aumiller

Barry Aumiller's 18-year transportation journey began as an intern at North America's largest refrigerated trucking company. There, he navigated the complexities of the fuel desk, advising drivers nationwide on Comdata issues, optimizing purchase orders, and leveraging tax advantages. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in business management and logistics and supply chain management from Missouri State University. Ascending through the ranks, Barry assumed the role of mid-shift fleet manager, orchestrating reefer teams across the country in a fast-paced environment. Here, he tackled challenges, ensuring driver satisfaction and company profitability remained paramount. Following this tenure, Barry returned to his St Louis, MO roots, joining a transportation company with a century-old legacy. Over nine years, Barry progressed from a broker on enterprise accounts to various managerial roles, culminating in a multifaceted position. Excelling as an inside sales manager, account manager, and mentor, he led a broker team to achieve a monumental revenue goal of $40 million. For the subsequent six years, Barry ascended to the ranks of Director and Vice President within prominent trucking companies and intermodal marketing firms. In these roles, he spearheaded initiatives to foster new revenue streams and cultivate business development opportunities, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

About Bear Ventures

Bear Ventures specializes in crafting asset-based logistics solutions that resonate with the diverse needs of shipper who are Fortune 500 companies to mom and pop manufacturers. They employ strategic sales campaigns for medium to large asset-based carriers then implement customer contract freight to deliver workable solutions that propel businesses forward. With a rich background in transportation and trucking, honed in by leading four pivotal business development roles, the journey has been as rewarding as it has been challenging. Barry Aumiller's approach hinges on an unwavering commitment to trucking efficiency and customer satisfaction. This dedication has cultivated a culture of excellence and integrity, enabling asset freight networks that optimize profitability while streamlining service delivery. This fusion of talent, technology, standard operating procedures, the right equipment, innovation, collaboration, and strategic foresight continues to drive growth and value for asset-based carriers and shipper partnerships for the long haul.

Key Takeaways: Building a High-Performance Carrier Network

• Barry Aumiller and Joe Lynch offer insights on building strong carrier networks. Key factors include:
  • Alignment: Ensure carriers' routes align with shippers' needs.
  • Financial stability: Verify carriers' resources.
  • Expertise: Identify specialized carriers.
  • Compatibility: Match carriers with shippers and their systems.
  • Equipment: Select carriers with the right equipment.
  • Efficiency: Prioritize on-time performance and efficient operations.
  • Growth: Ensure carriers can handle future growth.
  • Willingness: Assess carriers' adaptability.
• Cultural fit is crucial. Build relationships through in-person meetings, casual interactions, and regular communication.
• Successful logistics companies prioritize people and culture. Hire talented leaders, maintain stability, and create a positive work environment.
• For shippers, strong relationships are essential. Focus on timely payments, efficient processes, long-term partnerships, and a positive reputation.
• Enterprise shippers need vetted carriers with a strong service footprint, lane synergies, financial stability, specialization, compatible technology, right equipment, drop-and-hook capacity, operational excellence, strong talent, and cultural fit.

Timestamps

(00:00:02) Building a High-Performance Carrier Network

(00:00:21) Barry Aumiller and Bear Ventures

(00:00:49) Not a Freight Broker, Representing Carriers

(00:03:50) Barry's Background

(00:04:40) Career Highlights

(00:06:34) Working with Enterprise Shippers

(00:07:57) Building a High-Performance Carrier Network

(00:09:06) Enterprise Freight and Drop Trailer Programs

(00:10:41) Carrier Synergies

(00:16:27) Technology Integration

(00:18:14) Drop and Hook vs Live Load

(00:21:27) Service Footprint and On-Time Delivery

(00:24:53) Carrier Leadership and Culture

(00:27:16) Shipper Readiness and Operational Excellence

(00:28:12) Matching Carriers and Shippers

(00:29:12) Communication and Relationships

(00:31:54) Carrier Specialization and Cultural Fit

(00:33:15) Competitive Pricing and Scaling

(00:34:35) Upcoming Conferences

(00:35:52) Podcast Outro

Learn More About Building a High-Performance Carrier Network

Barry Aumiller | Linkedin

Bear Ventures | Linkedin

Bear Ventures

Freight Executive Insights with Barry Aumiller, Founder of Bear Ventures

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