Automation and digitization are rapidly transforming the LTL industry, enabling greater transparency and visibility. Seamless technology fosters improved planning, pricing, service, and relationships among carriers and shippers.   Host Jonathan Betz speaks with Barry Craver, VP of Technology at Old Dominion, who served OD on the business side for twenty years and took responsibility for IT in 2023, and Paul Dugent, Executive Director of the Digital LTL Council under the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. Paul is responsible for bringing together LTL motor carriers, technology providers, and shippers to standardize and digitize the data stream of an LTL shipment.   Key Takeaways:   What tech trends and breakthroughs are reshaping LTL shipping? [1:23]   Looking forward, opportunities in automation and API standardization are promising. [4:42]   Why will standardizing APIs transform the relationship between carriers, shippers, and 3PLs? [5:33]   The biggest challenges for shippers when it comes to adopting the standardized APIs. [7:40]   How has the industry adopted and implemented the single standard eBOLs and other technological changes? [10:12]   Is the National Motor Freight Classification system being reimagined? [14:18]   From a technology standpoint, what will the LTL industry look like in 10 years? [20:20] Resources: OD Outlook ODFL.com National Motor Freight Traffic Association Cargo Shorts podcast Shippers can direct freight-related questions to marketing@ODFL.com

The findings from Mastio’s annual study of LTL carriers help shippers evaluate carriers based on many important attributes.   Shippers need to choose the right partner when selecting a carrier. Shippers want to ensure that their freight will make it to their customers on time and damage-free. What tools are available to help shippers choose the right carrier for their business? How can collecting independent, third-party logistics data assist them with the decisions?   Host Jonathan Betz speaks with Kevin Huntsman, the president of Mastio & Company, a market research consulting firm that conducts independent customer experience research across various industries. For over 20 years, Mastio & Company has been surveying shippers annually about their needs and what they look for in a carrier. On today's episode, Kevin shares insights on how Mastio & Company conducts the survey and what it means for the industry. Old Dominion was named the number one national LTL carrier for quality for the 14th consecutive year. Marty Freeman, president and CEO of Old Dominion Freight Line shares why this award means so much to the organization and how Old Dominion uses the data to continuously improve service for their customers.    Key Takeaways:   Who is Mastio & Company, how do they collect LTL survey data, and how is the data used in the logistics industry? [1:44]   OD builds its company culture around the results of the Logistic Professional Survey. [4:30]   The attributes shippers value are highly weighted when Mastio chooses the Logistics Professional Survey Award winner. [7:49]   How OD uses the Conscious Differentiator attributes when setting annual objectives. [11:02]   What is the Mastio value map and why is it important for shippers? [13:22]   The Mastio independent third-party study offers shippers and carriers the important data needed to make informed business decisions. [17:22] Resources: OD Outlook ODFL.com Mastio & Company Cargo Shorts podcast Shippers can direct freight-related questions to marketing@ODFL.com

Understanding freight classification is a critical part of the shipping process. If freight is not properly classified or wrong item numbers are used, the most accurate rates may not be applied, which can lead to an unwelcome surprise on the final bill. Understanding these classifications is critical to a business, but why is it a struggle for some, and what can be done to improve the system to streamline LTL shipments?   In this episode, hear from Old Dominion’s Director of Pricing Services, Erin Topper. Erin spent 18 years at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), where she was responsible for managing the classification development process, including reviewing and updating packaging-related content and writing proposals to amend the National Motor Freight Classification.   Key Takeaways:   What are the components that go into determining the freight classification for LTL shipments? [1:36]   Why should shippers spend more time upfront in properly classifying their freight? [3:31]   What is being done to help shippers properly classify freight? [4:36]   How important is packaging, and what is the key for shippers to get packaging “just right”? [6:38]   Why does Old Dominion prioritize claim prevention? [13:06]   Erin answers shipper’s freight-related questions. [13:42] Resources: OD Outlook ODFL.com Cargo Shorts podcast Shippers can direct freight-related questions to marketing@ODFL.com

Customer expectations are growing as economic stress factors remain, giving rise to an uncertain holiday season.   Retailers face their peak period during this season of shopping and shipping. This year appears to be shaping up like few others. Inflation remains a concern, interest rates continue to rise, and retailers are worried about weakened spending. So, where do things stand now? Do shippers expect this season to be naughty or nice?   In this episode, hear from the Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School, Dr. Tony Bell. Dr. Bell has 30 years of experience in supply chain operations and management with Johnson & Johnson, the Coca-Cola company, Whirlpool, and Maersk. And Old Dominion’s Senior VP of Sales, Steve Hartsell. Steve has over 20 years of experience and has held multiple positions, including Director of OD Expedited and Service Center Manager.   Key Takeaways:   What can we expect for the holiday shopping season, based on the fall shipping season? [1:15]   Have post-COVID-19 supply-chain issues been solved? [3:21]   Are manufacturers and retailers managing their inventories sufficiently despite the multiple supply chain risks? [5:27]   How can risk-mitigation strategies reduce supply chain challenges? [8:35]   What can retailers do to prepare for this holiday season? [10:08]   How are labor shortages impacting the overall supply chain? [10:59]   Resources: OD Outlook ODFL.com Cargo Shorts podcast

How can carriers evolve to navigate retail supply chain complexities and future consumer expectations?   The pandemic caused a seismic shift in the industry and resulted in systemic changes to traditional retail supply chain strategies. What lessons did we learn and where have we landed to better meet customer demands?   In this episode hear from Joe Metzger, former Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Operations at Walmart and 30 year veteran in consumer product goods supply chain leadership at Kraft Foods and The Kellogg Company. Greg Plemmons is the Executive VP & Chief Operations Officer at Old Dominion Freight Line. Greg has over three decades of experience working in LTL and transportation.   Key Takeaways:   What were the biggest retail and supply chain challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and do those issues still exist in the market? [2:06]   How can you overcome supply chain challenges to become more resilient and collaborative? [6:59]   How can manufacturers work with retailers to mitigate inventory issues still affecting the delivery of consumer goods? [9:03]   How can AI and machine learning capabilities benefit the transportation and logistics industry? [10:57]   How has the Amazon model affected the current state of retail shipping? [11:57]   Do customer scorecards drive efficiencies and a higher level of customer satisfaction? [14:32]   What future trends and expectations stand out within consumer goods and retail shipping? [16:41]   Resources: ODFL.com Cargo Shorts Podcast

There are many reasons for shippers and carriers to share information including better planning, better pricing, and cost savings. It benefits all parties to work together to improve transparency, efficiency, and trust. Business expectations are rapidly changing, therefore it is important to come together to talk about using digitalization in transportation and how it can lead to enhanced visibility and transparency.   Joining host Jonathan Betz are Todd Polen, the VP of Pricing Services for Old Dominion Freight Line, and Scooter Sayers, President of Sayers Logistics, an LTL Consultancy. In this discussion, they address how clarity can lead to benefits such as improved planning, better communication or sharing of information, and most importantly increased trust between companies and customers. Key Takeaways:   How digitization helps to improve transparency in business operations. [0:47]   How will the NMFTA’s new single standard eBOL benefit the transportation industry, and how is Old Dominion responding? [6:08]   How will digitization help control business costs in the transportation industry? [9:40]   How should carriers help shippers digitize their operations? [11:00]   What is missing in the relationship between shippers and carriers, and how can a “Shipper Scorecard” remedy the issue? [13:21]   Where are the friction points for adopting new technologies in the transportation industry? [16:47]   What is the future of transparency and pricing within the shipping industry? [21:30] Shareables:   “When you have transparency, when you have visibility through digitization, that’s going to help you reduce errors. It’s going to help you get big data fast in the fields that you need to operate with. It turns events and exceptions into actionable data that you can actually work with and it promotes standardization.” — Scooter Sayers, President, Sayers Logistics & LTL Consultancy   “If a carrier can reduce their cost by saving fuel, by not having to add labor as they grow, they can offer better pricing to their customers. So it’s a win-win for everybody.” — Scooter Sayers, President, Sayers Logistics & LTL Consultancy   “We’ve actually adopted, I think we’ve got it with about 10 or 12 customers now, a digital scorecard. In other words, how well are they doing at integrating with us digitally? Are we getting a bill of lading digitally? If we are, what is the quality of the data that we get?” — Todd Polen, VP of Pricing Services, Old Dominion Freight Line   “I think a great place to start is incentivizing everyone to pull out all of these exceptions, all of this friction, all of the sand in the gears and eliminate this administrative burden for everyone.” — Scooter Sayers, President, Sayers Logistics & LTL Consultancy   Resources: ODFL.com Cargo Shorts Podcast Sayers Logistics

Well-known, established companies have successfully navigated downturns by focusing on their foundational principles and values. Maintaining relevance in their markets had little to do with competition or price. In this episode of Cargo Shorts, we focus on understanding brand value in the market and how building good relationships with partners drives business success.   Host Jonathan Betz is joined by two experts who know the importance of staying focused on their brand fundamentals and how maintaining quality service drives customer loyalty far beyond pricing–Chip Overbey, Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning at Old Dominion Freight Line, and Thom Albrecht, CFO, and Chief Revenue Officer at Reliance Partners Insurance.  Key Takeaways:   A company’s foundation and its values should be the guiding light when navigating through uncertain economic times, Chip explains. [1:43]   Thom shares five universal foundational principles for long-term business success beyond the trucking industry. Chip explains how Old Dominion delivers on the brand promise. [4:13]   Thom describes how to build a consistent brand value by emboldening a company’s internal dynamics. [9:49]   Thom explores the common denominator of well-known brands that have maintained brand value for the long term. [14:32]   Chip references other organizations that convey the value of their brand to customers and prospective customers. [17:13]   Chip explains how Old Dominion differentiates itself as the premier transportation company. [22:11] Resources:  ODFL.com Cargo Shorts Podcast

Anyone who buys goods and services knows how important customer service is, but how can companies deliver it successfully and consistently? What is the difference between service and a truly unique customer experience? We are always looking for ways to understand the needs and challenges of the customer to deliver exceptional service.   In this episode, Host Jonathan Betz is joined by two experts who know a lot about the value of exceptional service: Greg Plemmons is the current senior vice president of sales and incoming executive vice president and chief operating officer of Old Dominion Freight Line and Scott Deming is a sought-after consultant, speaker, customer service expert, and author.   Key Takeaways:   Scott and Greg discuss the importance of customer satisfaction and how Old Dominion sets itself apart. [:56]   Scott shares the mindset necessary to build customer satisfaction and loyalty. [4:02]   What companies need to think about to better meet their customer needs. [5:51]   Greg and Scott share the benefits of having a service-focused mindset and how it impacts a company’s culture. [7:58]   How can leaders transfer their vision and purpose to motivate employees toward customer satisfaction? [9:33]   The role of customer service in maintaining leadership in a competitive industry. [10:09]   What are the short- and long-term benefits to companies that deliver uncommon service? [12:02]   Greg expounds on how Old Dominion strives to cultivate loyal customers by having loyal employees. [12:49] Resources: ODFL.com Cargo Shorts Podcast

During 2022, the industry has continued to experience global supply chain challenges and the effect it has had on the American economy. The pandemic disrupted global supply chains and it tested the resilience and flexibility of supply chain leaders. While COVID-19 was not a typical risk event, it underscored the need for organizations to reexamine and manage their supply chains to ensure business continuity and growth for the future.   Joining Host Jonathan Betz are two industry specialists to discuss future strategies on how companies can maintain supply chain resilience and the lessons they’ve learned to help companies avoid disruptions, Chip Overby, Sr. VP Strategic Development of Old Dominion Freight Line, and Professor Jeffrey Bergstrand, Professor of Finance in the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame.   Key Takeaways:   Chip highlights the potential bottlenecks and issues, including labor, inflation, and weather, that affect the supply chain. [1:05]   Will companies reconsider their offshoring strategies and overseas manufacturing practices? Professor Bergstrand discusses the myriad of uncertainties that abound in the industry and Chip offers up some statistics that may shape the future. [3:46]   Chip describes the three key requirements for keeping domestic supply chains operating efficiently. [11:29]   Professor Bergstrand shares an example of the liability of having a limited number of suppliers and the additional risk smaller suppliers face. [14:03]   Both Professor Bergstrand and Chip weigh in on the critical requirements of labor, network, equipment, and technology to provide reliable on-time service to customers. [16:47]   Professor Bergstrand describes the semiconductor issue, e-commerce trends, and the need for diversification in the supply chain. [20:43]   Chip shares the operational technologies and planning tools Old Dominion invests in to maintain superior customer service and on-time deliveries. [25:19]   Chip and Professor Bergstrand remark on how technologies and innovation will assist business leaders in developing strategies for business resilience in the future. [26:59]

The trucking industry, specifically less than truckload carriers, has reached an inflection point where digitization and automation are critical parts of the industry’s future. But who will drive that transformation? Like most things we experience in life and business, change takes time and leadership. As manual processes are being replaced by automation, this leads to many downstream benefits for both the shipper and carrier.   Joining Host Jonathan Betz, are two guests passionate about freight payments and automation. Todd Polen is the VP of Pricing Services for Old Dominion Freight Line and Curtis Garrett the Sr. VP of LTL at Freight Plus, and founder of Understand LTL. They discuss how the transportation industry continues to benefit from automation, digitization, and simplifying shipping.   Key Takeaways:   Todd shares what convolutes the freight payment process from a shipper’s perspective. [1:03]   Curtis believes the standard digital infrastructure is the missing component in the automated freight payment process and offers a possible solution. [2:36]   Todd talks about how the LTL freight classification system will change for carriers, third parties, and shippers. [5:25]   Curtis breaks down the National Motor Freight Classification process by theory and application. [6:55]   Todd explains the LTL grocery store analogy and how being paid by weight is not beneficial to carriers. [10:06]   Curtis describes the industry benefits of building a digital infrastructure foundation by way of technology and APIs. [14:05]   Todd unpacks Old Dominion’s One Rate One Time program that may save billions of dollars and will serve as the future of freight payments. [15:44]   Curtis sums up the huge opportunities available to the transportation industry. [20:02]

The rising cost of transportation bottlenecks and service delays have left logistics managers with much to manage. Calculating the total cost of these issues is difficult when only addressing a predetermined price per transaction. Strategic partnerships between shippers and carriers can mitigate pain points and lead to a better customer experience. But, how can logistics partners improve the supply chain and reduce cost in today’s operating environment and create resilience in logistic operations?   Joining Host Jonathan Betz are two industry experts who share best practices for forging and nurturing long-term partnerships. Ed Garner is the Director of National Accounts at Old Dominion Freight Line and Lisa Anderson is the Founder and President of LMA Consulting Group. LMA Consulting provides expertise and advice on end-to-end supply chain strategy and business transformation.   Key Takeaways:   In 2022, the top three challenges shippers face have carried over from 2021. Ed shares the details. [:56]   Lisa shares the strategies of shippers on how they manage their transportation costs as prices rise. [3:17]   Ed explains the total cost of transportation and why carriers are the single most important link in the supply chain. [4:47]   A precise and coordinated operational execution plan is necessary when two-thirds of every shipment handled requires an appointment. [7:21]   Lisa comments on what it will take for carriers to excel in this on-demand economy. [8:47]   Ed maintains that one of the best methods to forge and maintain a long-term partnership between carriers and shippers is for the relationship to be strategic, not transactional. [11:22]   As many companies turn to the total cost of transportation, Old Dominion developed a value calculator which allows customers to see what the actual cost of moving a shipment is. [13:20]   Best practices for the future of logistic partner relationships, building resiliency into supply chains, and providing superior customer service; both Lisa and Ed weigh in. [16:09]

For decades, companies have used a just-in-time inventory model to reduce excess supply and create a lean production process. But recently, we've seen firms take a more conservative approach with a just-in-case supply used to avoid running out of stock. The pandemic-induced devastation of supply chains put a spotlight on some of the challenges we face and exposed vulnerabilities in the just-in-time model. Does this mean the just-in-time process is no more? What lessons have we learned and what more needs to be done to ensure reliable on-time delivery of goods?   To answer these questions and discuss future inventory management strategies, Host Jonathan Betz sits down with Greg Plemmons, Sr. VP of Sales for Old Dominion Freight Line, and Bob Costello, Chief Economist, and Sr. VP of International Trade Policy and cross-border operations for the American Trucking Associations.   Key Takeaways:   Greg describes the common disruptions in the current supply chain and the lessons shippers have learned over the last three years. [1:12]   Bob shares the idea of a just-in-time-plus model and offers an optimistic outlook for keeping systems up and running during brief lags. [2:18]   Greg highlights the benefits of a close relationship between shippers and their carriers. [3:52]   Bob reflects on the e-commerce trends over the past three years and future-casts business shipping and inventory needs, based on personal consumption data. [5:18]   Beyond a solid relationship with their carrier, Greg details the steps shippers can take to manage changes and mitigate risk. [8:31]   Bob shares competitive data on the important role surface transportation plays in the shipping industry. [9:31]   Greg and Bob weigh in on what will make the just-in-time method work for suppliers and the value of acknowledging drivers. [11:58]   Bob and Greg discuss the challenges and changes of bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. in the near future. [15:22]

Cargo Shorts tackles all things related to the transportation of goods. Each episode digs into a key issue facing North American surface transportation with expert insights from economics, automation, and logistics professionals. Learn more about the complexities in the supply chain you’re facing in your business.