Watch Now

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.
Dec - 2024 -
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.

Read More »
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. 

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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. 

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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. 

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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. 

Read More »
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. 

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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?

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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. 

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
Mary O'Connell

What impacts insurance rates?

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

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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!

Read More »
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. 

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
16 August
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: The acquisition edition

In this edition: The cold chain hits acquisition central

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
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.

Read More »
02 July
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Born in the USA

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

Read More »
Mary O'Connell

Christmas in July 

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

Read More »
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.

Read More »
25 June
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Long live the tale of Coyote Logistics

In this edition: Coyote finds another home, and another firm closes its doors.

Read More »
24 June
Mary O'Connell

Future-proofing insurance with telematics

Insurance rates continue to rise despite a down freight market. What does the future of mitigating insurance rates look like?

Read More »
21 June
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Port advancement comes to cold chain 

In this edition: Partnerships to enhance ports; acquisitions; and a special new kind of pizza.

Read More »
18 June
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Mo’ money, mo’ problems for brokers

In this edition: Breaking down the new FMCSA fee increase and a big freight payment partnership.

Read More »
17 June
Mary O'Connell

Borderless insurance coverage for shippers

Cargo insurance rates in Mexico are wildly different from the U.S. Mark Vickers breaks down the differences.

Read More »
14 June
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Cold chain gets royal treatment

In this edition: Dutch royalty comes to christen a new cold storage warehouse, supply chain wins at VC competition and a frozen food rebrand.

Read More »
11 June
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: IPO calls to logistics companies

In this edition: The rise of logistics companies looking to go public and the evolution of Denim.

Read More »
07 June
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Cold chain – the answer to food waste

In this edition: Food waste is becoming a bigger problem, new medium-duty electric truck hits the scene, and an award for best frozen dough.

Read More »
04 June
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Study highlights lingering disconnect between shippers, 3PLs

In this edition: The 2024 3PL study findings are out, and Convoy’s legacy lives on.

Read More »
May - 2024 -
31 May
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Freeze-dried vaccines

In this edition: a potential freeze-dried smallpox vaccine, Chicago’s growing cold storage market and developments to the cake pop world.

Read More »
28 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Here comes hurricane season

In this edition: Hurricane season is anticipated to be one for the books this year, and cross-border heats up in Texas.

Read More »
22 May
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Medium-duty, big advancements

In this edition: Two major announcements for medium-duty temperature-controlled trucks and another new type of ice cream.

Read More »
21 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The effects of nearshoring in Mexico

In this edition: Cross-border is here to stay and the cleanup for the Port of Baltimore.

Read More »
17 May
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Perishable direct-to-consumer fulfillment gets a leg up

In this edition: Direct-to-consumer fulfillment gets a facelift, the Midwest grows in cold storage and vegan pizzas make a splash.

Read More »
14 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Inspections for all

In this edition: International Roadcheck is here, and Mexico comes out a winner again.

Read More »
10 May
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Mother’s Day flower rush

In this edition: The logistics behind the second-biggest day for flowers, new developments in sustainable packaging and the rise of demand for ultracold solutions.

Read More »
07 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Q1 earnings did most carriers no favors

In this edition: First-quarter earnings hit some harder than others, and Cargado had a successful seed round of funding.

Read More »
03 May
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Kansas City thrust into the spotlight again

In this edition: The evolution of the Midwest Mexico Express, Polar Leasing expansion and Walmart develops a new brand.

Read More »
01 May
Mary O'Connell

CVSA International Roadcheck just around the corner

International Roadcheck has two key areas of concern this year. Knowing how to prepare is crucial.

Read More »
Apr - 2024 -
30 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Hope for a ban on noncompetes heads to court

In this edition: The dream that may or may not come true under the FTC’s new rule, and TFI International wants heavier freight.

Read More »
Mary O'Connell

Reducing accidents through driver training

Building a strong driver training program pays dividends in the long run.

Read More »
26 April
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Pyramids and the pharmaceutical supply chain

In this edition: Tower Cold Chain introduces a pyramid, the Port of Savannah gets a new neighbor, and consumer spending negatively impacts Nestle.

Read More »
23 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The broker dry spell

In this edition: Large brokerages take sizable hits, and an unlikely partnership could redeem a fast-fashion company.

Read More »
22 April
19 April
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: A new refrigerant on the scene

In this edition: Honeywell introduces a new type of refrigerant, Arcadia Cold moves to Chicago and pharma stands to get an overhaul.

Read More »
16 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The hope of 2024 dashed

In this edition: 2024 might not end up being the white knight, and the Panama Canal opens up for additional volumes.

Read More »
12 April
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Cold chain solutions for pets

In this edition: Pet food gets a solution, Stord makes an acquisition and Conagra doubles down on frozen food.

Read More »
10 April
Mary O'Connell

Managing insurance costs for growing operations

In an environment where theft is a growing issue, knowing what’s covered is crucial.

Read More »
09 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Baltimore mounts a comeback

In this edition: The aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge destruction, and UPS and the U.S. Postal Service form a partnership.

Read More »
05 April
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Breaking down cold chain improvements

In this edition: Breaking down warehouse turnover and the demands on cold storage

Read More »
Mar - 2024 -
22 March
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: New cold storage and fruit as a package

In this edition: FreezPak chooses a new warehouse location, DP World expands globally and fruit coating as packaging replacement.

Read More »
Loading Posts