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Mary O'Connell

Former pricing analyst, supply chain planner, and broker/dispatcher turned creator of the newsletter and podcast Check Call. Which gives insights into the world around 3PLs and Freight brokers. She will talk your ear off about anything and everything if you let her. Expertise in operations, LTL pricing and procurement, flatbed operations, dry van, tracking and tracing, reality tv shows and how to turn a stranger into your new best friend.
Mar - 2025 -
27 March
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Mr. Cold Chain goes to Washington

In this edition: The Fridge Act debuts in Congress, a hockey puck aims to tackle cargo theft, and peanut butter cones at your fingertips.

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26 March
Mary O'Connell

SFOO Summit: 30 years of carrier improvement and development with Truckstop

Trust between carriers and freight brokers is paramount. Truckstop is on the front lines helping to enhance these relationships.

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25 March
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: ‘Sell With a Story’ review and LTL spinoffs

In this edition: A book review for “Sell With a Story,” and FedEx freight moves spinoff forward

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21 March
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Pharmaceutical supply chain headed for $5.3B valuation

In this edition: Pharmaceutical supply chains set for growth, building reliability for vaccines in developing areas and the return of a favorite ice cream bar

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18 March
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: DHL looks at the global freight market

In this edition: What the “DHL Trade Atlas 2025” report forecasts, and the unofficial start to produce season has arrived.

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14 March
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: The cold chain gets an acquisition, a warehouse and new sorbets

In this edition: Lineage acquires a new cold storage company; Foley, Alabama, gets a new cold storage warehouse and Häagen-Dazs brings new sorbet to the freezer aisle. 

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11 March
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Broker transparency heads to court

In this edition: A new lawsuit over broker transparency and warehousing space comes at a premium.

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07 March
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Tariffs may bode ill for already rising pharmaceutical costs

In this edition: Health care and pharmaceutical supply chains face upheaval with tariffs on Chinese goods, a new rapid thaw unit hits the market, and the frozen french fry section gets tastier.

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04 March
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Tariffs finally arrive in US supply chains

In this edition: Breaking down the impact of tariffs on U.S. supply chains and a new project44 and SONAR partnership.

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Feb - 2025 -
28 February
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Pharma shipping containers get an upgrade

In this edition: Envirotainer enhances pharma supply chains, Wabash boosts trailers and DiGiorno heads to the ranch. 

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26 February
Mary O'Connell

3PL Summit: The art of scheduling appointments for supply chain success

Appointments are the most commonly overlooked component of the supply chain but are crucial to keeping operations running smoothly.

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Mary O'Connell

3PL Summit: Retaining top talent for operational excellence

AI is moving in but transportation is inherently a people business. How do we make sure the human touch is there while having AI as a support system?

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Mary O'Connell

3PL Summitt: What does visibility actually mean?

Visibility was set to be the be-all, end-all solution in logistics. Did it deliver what it promised?

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Mary O'Connell

3PL Summit: Managing your inbox with AI technology

Freight can be made or broken by response time on rate quotes. Front has the AI assistant that helps brokers work faster to get responses out.

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Mary O'Connell

3PL Summit: Addressing fraud in the industry

Fraud has been a constant in the 3PL industry, but it’s gotten more sophisticated as criminals get smarter, says Transportation Intermediaries Association President Chris Burroughs.

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25 February
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Business deals through the eyes of a hostage negotiator

In this edition: Reviewing ‘Never Split the Difference’ and Amazon maybe tries to break into the LTL game.

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21 February
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Last-mile ice cream solutions and Dolly Parton in the freezer

In this edition: Unilever unveils ice cream solutions, Mucinex maker boasts resiliency and Dolly Parton strums into the freezer aisle.

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18 February
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Broker transparency rule gets second comment period

In this edition: The FMCSA’s proposed broker transparency rule gets an extra comment period, and The Playbook arrives at FreightWaves.

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14 February
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Big Tech comes to the cold chain

In this edition: New telematics, new shipping labels and new pizza choices hit the cold chain.

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11 February
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: 2024 quarterly earnings miss the mark on Wall Street

In this edition: Quarterly earnings echo the pain everyone feels, and metal tariffs hit.

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07 February
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Chinese tariffs’ impact on the pharmaceutical supply chain

In this edition: Impacts of tariffs on the pharmaceutical industry, cutting-edge container monitoring and the sheer number of chicken wings consumed for the Super Bowl. 

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04 February
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: 3PLs’ role in preparing for tariffs

In this edition: Helping shippers prepare for impending tariffs and some restored service post-Hurricane Helene

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Jan - 2025 -
29 January
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Global supply chains hurry up and wait on possible tariffs

In this edition: Still waiting on possible tariff implications, and Lunar New Year creates delays.

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24 January
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: New drug formulas could mean less cold chain involvement

In this edition: A new formulation for medicine that does not need cold chain support, new air cargo friendly ultra-cold storage, and the FDA steps in to reduce food-borne illnesses in berries. 

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21 January
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The ‘No Rules Rules’ review 

In this edition: The book review of ‘No Rules Rules’ and the final day for the broker transparency rule.

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17 January
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: FreezPak warms to Western expansion

In this edition: FreezPak goes West, Lineage faces layoffs and GLP-1 drugs tank grocery store spending.

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14 January
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Small and medium-size businesses have strong feelings about 2025

In this edition: Breaking down the DHL Express survey, and the broker liability battle stays in the lower courts

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10 January
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Cold chain gets a new option for IoT devices 

In this edition: The debut of SmartSense Voyage; A multistory cold storage warehouse; and changes to the freezer aisle.

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08 January
Mary O'Connell

UPS broadens network with double health care acquisition

UPS makes acquisitions to bolster the health care segment of its business.

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07 January
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Broker transparency rule gets heated as comment period ends

In this edition: The FMCSA broker transparency rule comment period is almost up, and Mexico gets bushels of corn.

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03 January
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Carrier wants reefer containers out of ports ASAP

In this edition: Maersk wants reefer containers picked up pronto, a new cold warehouse in Maine, and frozen food continues to rise in ranks. 

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Dec - 2024 -
30 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The 2025 crystal ball

In this edition: Predictions for 2025, and import fees rise for Asia in Mexico.

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27 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: A few partnerships to end the year

In this edition: SeaCube and GreenSee end the year with a collaboration, and the NX group and Tive partner for tracking. 

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23 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: To everything, there is a returns season

In this edition: Returns season is around the corner and the logistics of Christmas trees.

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20 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: The one with all the trees

In this edition: The logistics behind Christmas trees, changes to import inspections, and the frozen food competition heats up. 

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17 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Rating 2024 supply chain predictions

In this edition: Looking back at the 2023 predictions for 2024, and freight broker tries for the Supreme Court again.

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16 December
Mary O'Connell

Telematics on the rise in trucking insurance underwriting

Telematics is leading the way in efforts to gain control over trucking insurance premiums.

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13 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Getting into the AIM Act 

In this edition: Breaking down the components of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, and big mozzarella comes to the freezer section. 

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10 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The B2B marketing book review edition

In this edition: “The Revenue Engine” gets a once-over, and the East and Gulf Coast port worker strike may rise again.

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09 December
06 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Acquisitions and frozen ravioli desserts

In this edition: Two acquisitions hit the cold chain space, and a chocolate ravioli startup makes headway. 

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03 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: It’s time for the coolest tree in town to make a scene

In this edition: the logistics behind the Rockefeller Center tree lighting, and consumer predictions for peak season are locked in.

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Mary O'Connell

There’s no substitute for the right cross-border insurance

Insurance varies among countries, so knowing where a policy should be underwritten is key.

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Nov - 2024 -
26 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: A new set of rules for freight brokers

In this edition: breaking down the FMCSA’s proposed rule on broker transparency and changes again at Roadrunner.

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25 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: The Thanksgiving edition

In this edition: Taking a dive into the turkey supply chain, Port of Oakland sees some volumes and Tyson nuggets for Cowboys fans. 

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22 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Drones cozy up to cold warehousing 

In this edition: Gather AI makes big cold moves, Grip expands its footprint, and Nestle expands operations in the South. 

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19 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Q3 data promises more cargo theft issues in the future 

In this edition: Overhaul published Q3 cargo numbers, and layoffs come for the logistics sector.

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15 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Ultra-low temps become ultra-cool 

In this edition: A new ultra-low-temperature freezer drops, Maersk makes a big refrigerant swap, and Uncrustables set quite the future.

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12 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The end of a bad freight market era

In this edition: The end of the freight recession has come, and the U.S./Mexico border gets busier.

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08 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Reducing pharma waste with ‘coolers on steroids’

In this edition: A new solution to supply chain waste in pharma, Lineage’s first earnings post-IPO and the NFL’s favorite treat.

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06 November
Mary O'Connell

What is cargo insurance and why does it matter?

Cargo insurance is one of the top expenses for carriers, but what does it really do and why is it so important?

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05 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The election special

In this edition: Breaking down the biggest day every four years, and another strike has it feeling like Groundhog Day.

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01 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Lineage grows and Thanksgiving food gets weird

In this edition: Lineage adds a new facility to the lineup, another cold storage acquisition and Thanksgiving-inspired frozen food gets an italian and dairy makeover. 

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Oct - 2024 -
29 October
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The Halloween supply chain

In this edition: Breaking down how scary freight makes its way to consumers, and the Savannah port rises to the top.

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25 October
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Organ transportation goes subzero

In this edition: The first subzero organ transportation’s raging success, an acquisition between friends and it’s butter season.

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Mary O'Connell

What impacts insurance rates?

Hurricanes, cargo theft, double brokering, and accidents all can negatively impact insurance rates.

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22 October
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The future of talent in the supply chain

In this edition: Breaking down talent research findings, and the Port of LA looks to set a new record.

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18 October
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Hurricane Helene came for the medical supply chain in a bad way

In this edition: Long-lasting implications for the medical supply chain following the hurricanes, DeltaTrak gives solutions to the masses and Butterball gets the turkey ready.

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15 October
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Freight fraud gets long-overdue attention

In this edition: The first-ever Freight Fraud Awareness Day is here, and women are major players in the supply chain.

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11 October
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Big things coming in smaller pharma packages

In this edition: The pharmaceutical supply chain improves packaging, Hurricane Milton disrupts the perishable supply chain and caffeine comes in frozen form.

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09 October
Mary O'Connell

Winter weather safety measures to take now

Dangerous winter road conditions are on the way. Drivers need to prepare ahead of time to stay safe.

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08 October
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Freight fraud has many faces, none of them pretty

In this edition: TIA releases its ‘State of Fraud’ report and Forward Air remains chaotic.

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04 October
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Volume of temperature-sensitive goods lost to strike unclear

In this edition: The port strike ends and goods can flow, a chilly acquisition and new nuggies hit the freezer aisle.

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01 October
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The strike has begun

In this edition: East and Gulf Coast port workers on strike and everyone bands together to help with disaster cleanup.

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Sep - 2024 -
27 September
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: American Airlines doubles down on cold chain

In this edition: American expands its pharma offering, a possible port strike cripples the cold chain, and a legend in home delivery has fallen.

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24 September
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Supply chain bottlenecks are more than transportation’s fault

In this edition: Breaking down a white paper that highlights inefficient supply chains; a new cross-border load board.

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20 September
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Blue Cube advances cold chain 

Blue Cube develops new freezing technology, SeaCube makes major investments, and Green Giant expands the freezer aisle.

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17 September
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Oh we got trouble, right here in River City

In this edition: Big strike issues lie ahead, and it’s Truck Driver Appreciation Week!

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13 September
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: UPS expands its health care footprint

In this edition: UPS makes some acquisitions, Thermo King introduces a new reefer battery unit, and White Castle gives customers what they crave. 

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10 September
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Q4 could get messy

In this edition: Q4 could get messy for importers, and Aifleet completes Series B round of funding.

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09 September
Mary O'Connell

Carrier verification key to fighting freight fraud

With fraud on the rise, verifying carriers has become one of the top ways shippers can fight fraud on the front lines.

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06 September
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Triple-cooled cold chain

In this edition: Maersk Container Industries has a new triple-refrigerant solution, Pharma air cargo gets an upgrade, and a friendly face in the frozen aisle gets a facelift.

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04 September
Mary O'Connell

Navigating market uncertainty in 2024

Knowing the signs of a potential market flip is half the battle in preparing for the future.

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03 September
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Gains find their way into the 3PL space

In this edition: The TIA’s report has positive findings, and Jack Cooper is back in the limelight.

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Aug - 2024 -
30 August
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Lineage patents Lego

In this edition: Lineage crosses 100 patents, Polar King Mobile develops new portable cold storage solutions and a new pack to package frozen food.

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29 August
Mary O'Connell

Loaded and Rolling: Grants for CDL training programs

In this edition: CDL training programs get grants, autonomous trucking faces a setback and Motive releases its August economic study.

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27 August
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: US caught in the middle of North American supply chain problems

In this edition: Rail issues and cargo theft plague Canada and Mexico, and the Panama Canal looks for a drought solution.

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23 August
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Cold chain chaos averted

In this edition: The cold chain dodged a rail lockout bullet in Canada, heart transplant transportation gets a boost and Chick-fil-A expands.

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20 August
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The rise of private fleets

In this edition: Private fleets are rising in popularity, and the Canadian rail strike looms.

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16 August
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: The acquisition edition

In this edition: The cold chain hits acquisition central

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13 August
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The rise of cross-border struggles – and the response

In this edition: Complications mount with cross-border freight, and the FMCSA wants input on guidance.

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09 August
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Quarterly earnings comes for cold chain

In this edition: Americold quarterly earnings, South Jersey gets a new warehouse and frozen pasta finds a new home.

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Mary O'Connell

Driver hiring standards key to keeping down insurance costs

Rigorous driver hiring standards are proving to be more than just a safety measure — they’re a strategic tool for managing insurance costs.

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06 August
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: A great hope comes after disappointing Q2

In this edition: Breaking down second-quarter earnings, the impacts of Hurricane Debby and warehousing meets video games.

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02 August
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Cold chain on the moon

In this edition: The moon becomes a cold storage warehouse, vaccines transported outside the cold chain and Pig Sooie chicken nuggets hit the freezer.

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01 August
Mary O'Connell

The power of Group captive insurance plans for trucking companies

Thin margins and unpredictable risks are the norm, and trucking companies are increasingly turning to captive insurance plans to address those challenges.

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Jul - 2024 -
30 July
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Shippers spell out expectations for 3PLs 

In this edition: The Inbound Logistics annual survey results have been released, and Werner celebrates 25 years in Mexico.

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26 July
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: An IPO gold rush for Lineage

In this edition: Lineage’s beyond-successful IPO; new cold storage in Motor City

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23 July
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Freight market shows promise of strong finish to 2024

In this edition: Breaking down the most recent Armstrong & Associates study and the FMCSA hits a snag.

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19 July
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Port Houston gets an upgrade

In this edition: Port Houston gets the cold treatment, Lineage strikes it big, and decreasing food waste in the supply chain.

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18 July
Mary O'Connell

 A unified approach to improving cross-border operations

Reliance Partners’ Modernization of Cross Border Trade event Aug. 6 will spotlight ways to improve cross-border operations through collaboration and relationships.

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16 July
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Hostages in freight

In this edition: Ransom freight is on the rise and TQL has a victory in court.

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12 July
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Chillin’ with Gel-Paks in a new home

In this edition: A new home for avocados, improvements in food tech shipping, and enhancements to the food traceability rule.

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09 July
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: International warehouse study finds challenges and progress

In this edition: Warehouse study outlines key challenges; Hurricane Beryl makes landfall; and Werner is back on the union front.

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03 July
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: A new home for avocados

A new home for avocados, improvements in food tech shipping and enhancements to the food traceability rule.

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02 July
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Born in the USA

In this edition: Fireworks’ biggest day and another fallen trucking company.

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Mary O'Connell

Christmas in July 

Fundraising doesn’t sleep, and there’s no better time to get the holiday spirit than July.

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Jun - 2024 -
28 June
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: The cold chain needs a little warmup

Raising the temperature of ultracold storage, a fully refrigerated supply chain and new additions to the freezer aisle.

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