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.
Mar - 2024 -
19 March
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: AB5 takes a body blow

In this edition: Another hit to AB5, and the Southern gold rush has come.

Read More »
15 March
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: A partnership for the ages

In this edition: Chiquita and Daikin Reefer continue with what works, new robots that can thrive in any temperature and happy Frozen Food month.

Read More »
12 March
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Mexico rises to the top

In this edition: Mexico comes for the top spot and a partnership to automate LTL.

Read More »
08 March
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Autonomous trucks deliver food

In this edition: Kodiak’s autonomous trucks deliver for quick-service restaurants, vertical farms get an upcycle, and new sausages for the summer.

Read More »
05 March
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: ESG initiatives make a stand

In this edition: Why ESG initiatives matter now and the teamsters pull home another W.

Read More »
01 March
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Barbie comes to the freezer aisle

In this edition: Medtech expands on the East Coast, a new chemical facility in Arizona and Barbie comes to the freezer aisle.

Read More »
Feb - 2024 -
29 February
27 February
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: East Coast ports take center stage

In this edition: East Coast ports take center stage, demurrage charges get a hike, and another acquisition is complete.

Read More »
23 February
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Oakland has more than one set of A’s

In this edition: The Port of Oakland gets an A, the packaging revolution in pharma and the underwhelming performance of frozen food.

Read More »
20 February
Mary O'Connell

Take me to the ports

In this edition: Port roundup and the Teamsters are holding strong.

Read More »
Mary O'Connell

New Jersey law disrupts carrier insurance market

The newest regulation on insurance in New Jersey brings uncertainty to the motor carrier world.

Read More »
16 February
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Life sciences on the move

In this edition: DHL grows again, flowers for a sweetheart, and Taco Bell’s latest craze.

Read More »
13 February
Mary O'Connell

Supply chain M&A in 2024

In this edition: Mergers and acquisitions in 2024 and RXO finally shows its human side.

Read More »
09 February
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: The fulfillment trend grows

In this edition: Misfits Market moves to fulfillment, Interstate Cold Chain gets new equipment, and avocados are the Super Bowl winners.

Read More »
06 February
Mary O'Connell

No logistics, no football

In this edition: The Super Bowl and logistics, capacity begins to tighten and big jumps in the final-mile space.

Read More »
02 February
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: How cold can you go?

In this edition: New vials that are good for ultracold temps, an acquisition in the food space and frozen foods’ deep dive

Read More »
Jan - 2024 -
30 January
Mary O'Connell

Ghost jobs haunt the market

In this edition: The evolution of ghost jobs that are hiring but really aren’t, and a deal finally closes and moves forward.

Read More »
26 January
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Grip looks the future

In this edition: Grip heads for the fulfillment game, warm Georgia gets cold storage, and Ben & Jerry’s might have unlocked the best flavor of ice cream.

Read More »
23 January
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Fighting freight fraud with friends

In this edition: A partnership formed to fight freight fraud; what is the future of e-commerce?; And cross-border freight gets a tech infusion.

Read More »
19 January
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: It’s the 2024 Freezer Challenge

In this edition: The annual Freezer Challenge kicks off, imported fruit season has arrived, and Spain is the home of organ transplants.

Read More »
16 January
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: A first for the FMCSA

In this edition: The FMCSA has a first; Mexico holds the top spot; and freight audit and payment hits center stage.

Read More »
12 January
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Hearts across the country 

In this edition: Major success in organ transplants, new capacity from insurers, and frozen snacks expand.

Read More »
09 January
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Broker liability still remains questionable 

In this edition: The Supreme Court rejected hearing another case on broker liability; spot rates on the decline in Phoenix; and the settlement heard round the world.

Read More »
05 January
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Big changes for middle-mile food supply chains

In this edition: More states take advantage of food-resiliency grants; thermal energy storage as a service hits the market; and KFC has a wrap for everyone.

Read More »
02 January
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: New year, new schemes 

In this edition: Stopping freight fraud in 2024 and all eyes on Mexico in the new year.

Read More »
Dec - 2023 -
28 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: International developments for the cold chain

In this edition: There are some big advancements across the pond in rail and carbon emissions reduction, and Oklahoma invests in supply chain reliability.

Read More »
26 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Gather round the crystal ball

In this edition: 2024 predictions coming in hot; new TRAC Market Dashboard debuts; and TFI is on the prowl again.

Read More »
21 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Freezers hit the desert

In this edition: Reno gets a new cold storage facility, communities recognize the importance of cold storage and more food options come to the grocery stores.

Read More »
19 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Might have missed the 2023 mark a little

In this edition: looking back at 2023 predictions and one more labor dispute to close out the year.

Read More »
15 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: The government meets supply chain

In this edition: The Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act makes it to the next phase and Blue Apron gets in the prepared food game.

Read More »
12 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The brink of broker-carrier relationships

In this edition: Carriers are left with empty promises of payment; Yellow passes on a lifeline; and putting a book into action.

Read More »
08 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Cold acquisitions to close out the year

In this edition: RealCold makes acquisition moves; Lineage commits to slightly warmer frozen food; and McDonald’s tries something new.

Read More »
05 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: It’s all coming together

In this edition: Three intermodal companies form an alliance; DAT has zero tolerance; and Yellow’s legacy lives on.

Read More »
01 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Big cold storage moves for 2024

In this edition: Lineage seeks an impressive IPO offering, pharma packaging gets a new present, and slightly less frozen may help frozen food.

Read More »
Nov - 2023 -
28 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The Supreme Court and broker liability 

In this edition: The Supreme Court is petitioned to rule on freight brokers and F4A, and it’s been a rough year for brokerages.

Read More »
21 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Hackers hunt for brokers

In this edition: Fraud takes no breaks for the holidays, it takes a lot of semi-trucks to move Thanksgiving, and lots of businesses can profit from the parcel rate wars.

Read More »
20 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Gobble gobble, it’s turkey time  

In this edition: Hosting Thanksgiving gets a lil cheaper, the importance of thawing turkeys and the home of the best frozen rolls.

Read More »
17 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Finishing the year cold 

In this edition: New cold storage facilities across the country and needleless vaccine technology takes off

Read More »
14 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: November steals

In this edition: Cargo theft is on the rise; the Panama Canal is out, Suez is in; and Congress is a fan of the truck driver.

Read More »
10 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: When cold is slightly less cold

In this edition: A new cold storage warehouse is on the horizon, ice cream gets warmer and plant-based frozen food options expand.

Read More »
07 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The bankruptcy dominoes

In this edition: The rise of bankruptcy in brokerages, the first day of F3 and pilots find new homes.

Read More »
03 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Frosting the nation with warehouses

In this edition: New cold storage facilities in Cleveland and Houston, and a full Thanksgiving dinner in one bite.

Read More »
Oct - 2023 -
31 October
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Spooky season for all

In this edition: The numbers behind spooky season, the UAW comes out on top and XPO comes out on top.

Read More »
27 October
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Indiana is the coolest place to be

In this edition: There’s a new massive warehouse in Lebanon, Indiana; drone tech aids pharma; and Flavortown in your freezer.

Read More »
24 October
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The grim future

In this edition: breaking down what the future for freight brokers looks like, which markets are claiming top spot and how LTL carriers performed. 

Read More »
20 October
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: A new player enters the game

In this edition: RealCold gets its start, recycling energy and TGI Fridays adds to its lineup. 

Read More »
17 October
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Texas takes the top spot

In this edition: Laredo comes out on top; out of service is on the rise; and GRI season is here.

Read More »
13 October
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Walmart moves south

In this edition: Walmart expands south, developments in the Northeast and meatloaf in minutes. 

Read More »
10 October
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Enter the ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ era

In this edition: The art of cold outreach; the ongoing autoworkers strike; and when will the next cyberattack come?

Read More »
03 October
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Bid now, don’t wait

In this edition: It’s not your mama’s bid season this year; Shippers are on the hook for carbon emissions; and UPS tries to get customers back on their side.

Read More »
Sep - 2023 -
26 September
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Call the shippers 

In this edition: Shippers needs are not met by 3PLs, UAW strike expands, and subscription boxes take hold.

Read More »
22 September
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Shippers get cleaner

Shippers get clearer, Philadelphia airport gets more space, and Cup Noodles gets in the Oktoberfest spirit.

Read More »
19 September
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Another day, another possible strike  

In this edition: The United Auto Workers has its strike moment; Mexico maintains its top spot; and the FreightTech 100 list is back.

Read More »
12 September
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: #ThankADriver

In this edition: Celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week; Minneapolis is taking a dive; and C.H. Robinson goes to the border. 

Read More »
07 September
Mary O'Connell

Loaded and Rolling: Werner’s $36 million judgment 

Outbound tender volumes will continue to rise out of Texas; spot rates expected to remain around $2.30 per mile

Read More »
05 September
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Third Quarter losses on the rise

In this edition: Cargo theft was on the rise over the holiday weekend; the Panama Canal wins a spot on bingo cards; and Coyote parts ways.

Read More »
Aug - 2023 -
29 August
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The cost of a conversation

In this edition: The cost of a conversation, Florida prepares for a Hurricane and Mexico avoids a strike.

Read More »
22 August
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Identity theft is not a joke, Jim!

In this edition: Identity theft for freight brokerages on the rise, Brake Safety Week is upon us, and the battle for terminals heats up.

Read More »
15 August
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Sustainability takes a seat at the table

In this edition: Sustainability discussions come to the table; China’s Golden Week’s prep; and two companies become one.

Read More »
08 August
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Breaking down the FIFA Women’s World Cup

In this edition: breaking down the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the unforeseen side effect of rising demand in Mexico, and Yellow officially declares Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

Read More »
01 August
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Here lies Yellow

In this edition: The fallout from Yellow’s anticipated bankruptcy, UPS loses big to FedEx, and Hub Group throws down against the competition.

Read More »
Jul - 2023 -
25 July
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: What can Brown do for you?

In this edition: What can Brown do for you, now that the strike has been averted?; the future of the LTL industry; and FedEx pilots stand their ground.

Read More »
18 July
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Yellow and UPS falter; what comes next?

In this edition: What happens if Yellow and UPS stop delivering? And acquisition is Redwood’s game. 

Read More »
11 July
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: We’re going to need a bigger pipeline

In this edition: When the pipeline turns to people; reefer markets take off; and Yellow lives to see another day. 

Read More »
05 July
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Just how many fireworks were there?

In this edition: One state has over $20 in fireworks per resident; Yellow struggles with negotiations; and a double broker AMA hits Reddit. 

Read More »
Jun - 2023 -
27 June
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The most common password of all

In this edition: It might be time to change the password; new Container Atlas findings; and is it double brokering if it’s “responsible”?

Read More »
20 June
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: It has been decided

In this edition: The FMCSA has issued final guidance on the broker and agent divide and there are big doings in the West Coast labor talks.

Read More »
13 June
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Get the league minimum   

In this edition: Comparing freight broker commission rates; Stopping corn at the border; and some C-suite shuffling. 

Read More »
06 June
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: This is fine, everything is fine  

In this edition: West Coast labor union talks get ramped up a notch; Canada goes head-to-head with Mexico; and C.H. Robinson finds a new CEO. 

Read More »
May - 2023 -
30 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Stop! It’s Brake Safety Day recap time

In this edition: Brake Safety Day results released; noncompetes return to the limelight; and Nikola has to get creative.

Read More »
23 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Influencers save the Stanley tumbler

In this edition: How influencers need a 3PL; noncompetes come for the C-suite; and the first installment of double broker red flags.

Read More »
16 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: That lemonade stand looks rough

In this edition: Earnings season highlights, the rise in flatbed demand and Roadcheck starts Wednesday.

Read More »
09 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Don’t catch a violation

In this edition: International Roadcheck is around the corner — prepare now; quiet quitting won’t die; and Alaska is the new frontier.

Read More »
02 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The youths are taking over 

Inside this edition: Gen Zers enter the workforce knowing their worth and not settling for less, Mexico continues to boom, and California comes up with another rule about trucks.

Read More »
Apr - 2023 -
25 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: All in favor of the broker

Inside this edition: Appeals court rules in favor of Landstar

Read More »
18 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Gearing up for Earth Day 

Inside this edition: It’s never too late to adopt sustainable choices; head on to the blue markets; and the battle rages on for TravelCenters of America.

Read More »
Loading Posts