<description>The carrier side of freight is often discussed in terms of rates, assets, and capacity, but Zach Schuchart wants the industry to remember what sits underneath all of it: people.

On this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Zach, SVP and Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics, for a candid conversation about carrier profitability, meaningful automation, and why treating carriers and drivers like true partners is not just the right thing to do, it is good business.

Zach brings more than two decades of experience across UPS, Chainalytics, XPO, and Optimal Dynamics, giving him a rare view into the shipper, broker, and carrier sides of the market. Together, he and Jenni unpack how carrier networks have evolved, why “getting the right freight in the network” matters, and how advanced optimization can help carriers make smarter, more profitable decisions without stripping the human knowledge out of the operation.

They also dig into the emotional side of change management, the difference between useful automation and automation for automation’s sake, and why the shipper-carrier relationship has become more distant over time. From driver experience at facilities to liability indemnification and the overuse of non-asset providers, Zach isn't afraid to initiate the tough conversations freight needs to have.
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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.
</description>

The carrier side of freight is often discussed in…

The carrier side of freight is often discussed in terms of rates, assets, and capacity, but Zach Schuchart wants the industry to remember what sits underneath all of it: people.

On this episode of Supply Chain Decoded, Jenni Ruiz sits down with Zach, SVP and Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics, for a candid conversation about carrier profitability, meaningful automation, and why treating carriers and drivers like true partners is not just the right thing to do, it is good business.

Zach brings more than two decades of experience across UPS, Chainalytics, XPO, and Optimal Dynamics, giving him a rare view into the shipper, broker, and carrier sides of the market. Together, he and Jenni unpack how carrier networks have evolved, why “getting the right freight in the network” matters, and how advanced optimization can help carriers make smarter, more profitable decisions without stripping the human knowledge out of the operation.

They also dig into the emotional side of change management, the difference between useful automation and automation for automation’s sake, and why the shipper-carrier relationship has become more distant over time. From driver experience at facilities to liability indemnification and the overuse of non-asset providers, Zach isn't afraid to initiate the tough conversations freight needs to have.
--
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. Zach Schuchart, Optimal Dynamics

<description>The freight market is not easing quietly.

On this week’s episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and Maze break down a fast-moving week across transportation, from the fallout of C.H. Robinson’s carrier purge to a national rate environment that is starting to feel uncomfortably familiar. With linehaul rates climbing to $2.36 per mile, tender rejections sitting at 17%, and spot market activity hitting levels not seen since the COVID-era peaks, brokers and shippers are once again being forced to make decisions quickly.

Here’s what we cover:

• C.H. Robinson’s carrier purge signals a major shift in broker risk management following the Montgomery v. Karibe Transport II decision.

• Diesel offered some relief, dropping 17 cents to $5.35 per gallon, but rates are still climbing fast.

• National linehaul rates are up nearly 20% in roughly three weeks, putting serious pressure on shippers.

• Tender rejections are sitting at 17%, higher than they were during DOT Week.

• The Southeast remains the toughest region for capacity, with Savannah especially tight and rates to Atlanta jumping sharply.

• The Coastal and Southern regions are still seeing pressure, especially on freight moving into the Northeast and Midwest.

• The Northeast is showing seasonal easing, while the West Coast is beginning to tighten, particularly on long-haul lanes out of California.

• The spot market remains extremely volatile, with both rates and volume reaching highs not seen in years.

With July 4th approaching and regional capacity still shifting, this is a market that demands close attention and faster decision-making.
--
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.
</description>

The freight market is not easing quietly.

On thi…

The freight market is not easing quietly.

On this week’s episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and Maze break down a fast-moving week across transportation, from the fallout of C.H. Robinson’s carrier purge to a national rate environment that is starting to feel uncomfortably familiar. With linehaul rates climbing to $2.36 per mile, tender rejections sitting at 17%, and spot market activity hitting levels not seen since the COVID-era peaks, brokers and shippers are once again being forced to make decisions quickly.

Here’s what we cover:

• C.H. Robinson’s carrier purge signals a major shift in broker risk management following the Montgomery v. Karibe Transport II decision.

• Diesel offered some relief, dropping 17 cents to $5.35 per gallon, but rates are still climbing fast.

• National linehaul rates are up nearly 20% in roughly three weeks, putting serious pressure on shippers.

• Tender rejections are sitting at 17%, higher than they were during DOT Week.

• The Southeast remains the toughest region for capacity, with Savannah especially tight and rates to Atlanta jumping sharply.

• The Coastal and Southern regions are still seeing pressure, especially on freight moving into the Northeast and Midwest.

• The Northeast is showing seasonal easing, while the West Coast is beginning to tighten, particularly on long-haul lanes out of California.

• The spot market remains extremely volatile, with both rates and volume reaching highs not seen in years.

With July 4th approaching and regional capacity still shifting, this is a market that demands close attention and faster decision-making.
--
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 June 4 - The Freight Market Won't Ease Quietly

<description>DOT Blitz Week didn’t just shake the freight market. It may have reset it.

On this week’s episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and Justin “Maze” Maze break down one of the most volatile weeks the freight market has seen in years. Coming out of DOT Blitz Week and heading straight into Memorial Day weekend, rates are climbing fast, capacity is tightening in key regions, and brokers are feeling pressure from every direction.

Maze walks through the latest national and regional market movement, including a 13% jump in national average linehaul rates, major spikes across the Southeast and Midwest, continued diesel pressure, and why the West Coast remained comparatively stable. The episode also touches on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling around broker liability and negligent hiring, a decision that could reshape how brokers think about carrier vetting moving forward.

If you are pricing freight, covering loads, managing capacity, or trying to understand whether this is a short-term holiday spike or the beginning of a broader market shift, this episode is one to watch closely.
--
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.
</description>

DOT Blitz Week didn’t just shake the freight mark…

DOT Blitz Week didn’t just shake the freight market. It may have reset it.

On this week’s episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and Justin “Maze” Maze break down one of the most volatile weeks the freight market has seen in years. Coming out of DOT Blitz Week and heading straight into Memorial Day weekend, rates are climbing fast, capacity is tightening in key regions, and brokers are feeling pressure from every direction.

Maze walks through the latest national and regional market movement, including a 13% jump in national average linehaul rates, major spikes across the Southeast and Midwest, continued diesel pressure, and why the West Coast remained comparatively stable. The episode also touches on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling around broker liability and negligent hiring, a decision that could reshape how brokers think about carrier vetting moving forward.

If you are pricing freight, covering loads, managing capacity, or trying to understand whether this is a short-term holiday spike or the beginning of a broader market shift, this episode is one to watch closely.
--
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 May 19 - Is This the Freight Market Reset?

<description>DOT Blitz Week is almost here, and the freight market is already starting to twitch.

On this week’s episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and Maze break down the key signals brokers, shippers, and carriers should be watching as diesel rises, capacity tightens, and tender rejections prepare for a potential climb.

Diesel is back in focus, with national on-highway prices sitting at $5.64 per gallon, up 30 cents, while linehaul rates remain relatively steady around $1.97 per mile. But with DOT Blitz Week one week away, Maze expects the market to shift quickly, especially as long-haul capacity comes off the road and contractual freight starts getting rejected.

Here’s what we cover:

• Tender rejections are sitting just under 14%, but Maze expects that number to rise as DOT Blitz Week begins.
• The Southeast is tightening, with Florida markets like Jacksonville, Miami, and Tallahassee showing notable gains.
• The South and coastal regions are splitting, with southern markets tightening while parts of Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic continue to loosen.
• The Midwest and Northeast are cooling, but long-haul freight heading west remains a key pressure point.
• The West Coast is softening overall, though California remains the market to watch.
• The spot market is calm for now, but that could change fast as rejections rise and carriers play into market favorability.

With DOT Blitz Week around the corner, this is the week to watch the market closely and have a plan ready before volatility hits.
--
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.
</description>

DOT Blitz Week is almost here, and the freight ma…

DOT Blitz Week is almost here, and the freight market is already starting to twitch.

On this week’s episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and Maze break down the key signals brokers, shippers, and carriers should be watching as diesel rises, capacity tightens, and tender rejections prepare for a potential climb.

Diesel is back in focus, with national on-highway prices sitting at $5.64 per gallon, up 30 cents, while linehaul rates remain relatively steady around $1.97 per mile. But with DOT Blitz Week one week away, Maze expects the market to shift quickly, especially as long-haul capacity comes off the road and contractual freight starts getting rejected.

Here’s what we cover:

• Tender rejections are sitting just under 14%, but Maze expects that number to rise as DOT Blitz Week begins.
• The Southeast is tightening, with Florida markets like Jacksonville, Miami, and Tallahassee showing notable gains.
• The South and coastal regions are splitting, with southern markets tightening while parts of Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic continue to loosen.
• The Midwest and Northeast are cooling, but long-haul freight heading west remains a key pressure point.
• The West Coast is softening overall, though California remains the market to watch.
• The spot market is calm for now, but that could change fast as rejections rise and carriers play into market favorability.

With DOT Blitz Week around the corner, this is the week to watch the market closely and have a plan ready before volatility hits.
--
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 May 5 - DOT Blitz Is Coming

<description>A Calm Before the Storm: Cooling Markets, Falling Diesel, and What to Watch Before DOT Week

It’s the week of April 29, and the freight market is doing something rare… exhaling.

On this episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s Justin Maze break down a quieter week across freight, where easing diesel prices and softening markets are giving brokers and carriers a brief window to reset before the surge of DOT Blitz Week.

But don’t get too comfortable. Beneath the surface, the signals are already shifting.

Here’s what we cover:

Diesel prices are finally easing — down week-over-week nationally, with noticeable relief on the West Coast, pulling down all-in rates across regions
Tender rejections remain elevated at ~13%, holding steady as the market prepares for its next move
Linehaul rates are flat at ~$1.96/mile for loads over 200 miles, signaling stability… for now
Flatbed continues to dominate, with rejection rates hovering near 50% and rates still climbing
Regional cooling is widespread across the Southeast, South, Midwest, Northeast, and West Coast, driven largely by fuel declines and seasonality
The Midwest and Northeast are in a seasonal slide, while the Southeast quietly sets up to become the most volatile region heading into May
Spot opportunities are dipping — but expect a sharp rebound as capacity tightens and rejection rates climb into DOT Week

Maze walks through why this “slow week” is actually a critical setup moment, and what brokers, shippers, and carriers should be doing right now to prepare for the volatility ahead.

Because come next week, the market won’t be quiet anymore.

🎧 Tune in for the insights you need to stay ahead before the next swing hits.
--
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.
</description>

A Calm Before the Storm: Cooling Markets, Falling…

A Calm Before the Storm: Cooling Markets, Falling Diesel, and What to Watch Before DOT Week

It’s the week of April 29, and the freight market is doing something rare… exhaling.

On this episode of The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s Justin Maze break down a quieter week across freight, where easing diesel prices and softening markets are giving brokers and carriers a brief window to reset before the surge of DOT Blitz Week.

But don’t get too comfortable. Beneath the surface, the signals are already shifting.

Here’s what we cover:

Diesel prices are finally easing — down week-over-week nationally, with noticeable relief on the West Coast, pulling down all-in rates across regions
Tender rejections remain elevated at ~13%, holding steady as the market prepares for its next move
Linehaul rates are flat at ~$1.96/mile for loads over 200 miles, signaling stability… for now
Flatbed continues to dominate, with rejection rates hovering near 50% and rates still climbing
Regional cooling is widespread across the Southeast, South, Midwest, Northeast, and West Coast, driven largely by fuel declines and seasonality
The Midwest and Northeast are in a seasonal slide, while the Southeast quietly sets up to become the most volatile region heading into May
Spot opportunities are dipping — but expect a sharp rebound as capacity tightens and rejection rates climb into DOT Week

Maze walks through why this “slow week” is actually a critical setup moment, and what brokers, shippers, and carriers should be doing right now to prepare for the volatility ahead.

Because come next week, the market won’t be quiet anymore.

🎧 Tune in for the insights you need to stay ahead before the next swing hits.
--
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 April 29 - The Calm Before DOT Week

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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