#IMALLIN Podcast

Looking into the Bullwhip effect from last week's Road Check blitz - How did the market respond? Then, Dean and Dan dive into a brief rant about AI, its impact on logistics, and what the future could hold, based on the insights of some of the most prominent minds of the next "Industrial Revolution."

One number that tells a story beyond the recent headlines is the start of produce season, mixed with a bit of Mother's Day flowery goodness. So what's it shaping out to look like? How can it help you, the professional logistician? What's next, and when? Join Dean and Dan as they review and discuss what's happening in the wonderful world of logistics this week...

This episode breaks down the ripple effect of policy pivots and political posts on the freight and logistics industry. Just as the market showed signs of recovery, renewed tariff talks sent shockwaves through supply chains, shifting forecasts, freezing shipper strategies, and rewriting playbooks overnight. We explore how a single post on Truth Social can spark economic uncertainty and dive into China's undeniable role in the North American logistics ecosystem. If you're a freight leader, 3PL rep, or logistics strategist trying to make sense of the chaos, this is your frontline briefing. Get the insight you need to adapt fast, stay profitable, and turn disruption into opportunity. Key Topics Covered: Why the freight rebound was gaining steam—and what halted it How social media is becoming a new economic disruptor The real cost of tariff uncertainty for shippers and carriers What you must factor in now when building resilient supply chains Tune in, and turn volatility into your competitive advantage.

Rail Tariff Shockwave This episode examines the ripple effects of Trump-era tariffs and how they’ve reignited chaos in America’s rail sector. Dean and Dan explain what this means for brokers, shippers, and everyday operations, from sudden rate hikes and import bottlenecks to the scramble for capacity. With supply chains straining under new global tension, this isn’t just a rate spike—it’s a logistics shockwave. Get ready to hear the unfiltered truth, the data behind the headlines, and what you must do now to protect your margin and clients.

Are we possibly shifting towards a different resolution of the truckload market's ups and downs? Today, we will compare the cost of Spot Market Intermodal and Spot Market OTR rates throughout North America. The contrast and the similarity will shock you.

Navigate the harsh realities of tariffs, rising logistics rates, and North American market upheaval. We break down complex trends into clear, actionable strategies. Each episode delivers no-nonsense insights from industry experts. Tune in to sharpen your competitive edge and drive real growth. Today on The Logistics Life

Let's go deeper into tariffs, rhetoric, and imports. We'll explore the push-pull scenario and how it could further tumult the logistics and supply chain world. Is there a bright side on the horizon, or will we have to deal with these challenges for years to come? This raises the question: where is all this going? How will it impact us in the long term, and what does the data tell us that can help us stay ahead of these rapidly shifting trends and industry changes?

Here's some research on what Tariffs can/will do to the North-American Economy. IS THIS AN OPPORTUNITY for those who pivot? Only time will tell! ## Tariffs Summary Overview of Tariffs A 25% tariff will be imposed on all Canadian imports starting March 4, 2025, except for energy products, which will face a 10% tariff. Impacts on the U.S. Economy: - Inflation: The tariffs could raise U.S. consumer prices by 0.5%-0.7%, pushing inflation closer to 3% by late 2025. - Economic Growth: Estimated to reduce U.S. GDP growth by 0.6%-1% over the next year, with risks of stagnation if tariffs persist. - Stagflation Risk: The combination of higher prices and slower growth may disproportionately affect low-income households. - Job Losses: Tariffs may result in job losses in sectors reliant on imports or exports. Impacts on Canadian Businesses: - Export Challenges: Increased costs for U.S. consumers could reduce demand for Canadian goods. - Energy Sector: The 10% tariff on energy products may still make this sector relatively less affected compared to others. Impacts on Low-Income Consumers: - Higher Costs for Essentials: Low-income households are disproportionately affected by increased prices on necessities like food and clothing. - Reduced Purchasing Power: Tariffs might lower incomes for the poorest by up to 4%, compared to 2% for wealthier groups. - Fewer Choices: Higher import costs may reduce product variety, forcing consumers to settle for lower-quality alternatives. Long-Term Risks: - Market Inefficiencies: Diversion to higher-cost suppliers and reduced global competitiveness of exports. - Weakened Trade Relationships: Retaliatory tariffs could further strain trade dynamics and investment. - Economic Stability: Prolonged tariffs risk undermining overall economic stability and growth. Logistics Industry Summary The newly imposed tariffs on Canadian imports are set to profoundly impact the logistics industry, especially trucking. Increased costs for transporting goods across borders will likely lead to higher freight rates and additional financial strain on trucking companies. Customs delays and complex documentation requirements will further disrupt operations, creating inefficiencies in cross-border logistics. Trucking firms may need to adopt advanced technologies, such as real-time tracking and automated customs processing, to mitigate these challenges. Moreover, smaller logistics providers with limited resources will face heightened difficulties in adapting to these changes, potentially leading to market consolidation as larger firms absorb smaller ones to maintain competitiveness. Overall, the tariffs will compel the logistics and trucking sectors to reevaluate strategies, invest in technology, and diversify routes to sustain operations in the face of increased operational complexities.

Join us as we explore Flat Beds and the unique markets they serve! Over the past few years, we’ve experienced quite the ride with Dry Vans and general commodities. Are we feeling the same thrill with flats now? Let's dive into this exciting process together in today's show!

Today, we brought in two of the most educated people in our industry to have a roundtable on how tariffs impact our markets and compound our supply chain challenges. If you're like me and have read many articles, blogs, and posts about one aspect of tariffs and their long-term implications that are still unclear, then this is the show you need to absorb. Welcome to The Logistics Life!

Observations from a trip to India, contrasting the logistics systems there with those in North America. The heavy reliance on physical "phone books" to find carriers in India despite the country's tech-savviness contrasts this with the efficiency of North American logistics despite its challenges. Then, we highlighted India's low truck utilization rates due to long wait times between loads, a stark difference from the higher efficiency in North America. This discussion also touched on the fragmentation of the Indian freight market and the language barriers that contribute to inefficiencies from one side to the other!

SalesHackers, today we see some blips in the market and inside reports that are a bit concerning for the market... OR ARE THEY? Rates, Weather, Capacity, Volumes, and a host of other situations are revolving inside the supply chain... Check out Data Day and get the scoop!

Hey there SalesHackers, today's Data Day is a special one as we discuss something the trucking industry has been doing for decades... Remembering those who protect us while we drive, eat, sleep, and play. Giving back to the fallen that kept us free... And why this matters in today's global environment... Welcome to The Logistics Life!

As we hit December, more and more information is coming out about Tariffs, imports from Asia and a host of other... Frankly disturbing conversations about what a second Trump Presidency will have on our industry. It's irrelevant about your political view—we all have one. What's more relevant is what added tariffs would do to the freight flow, the rebound of the market, and the turnaround for 2025. Let's dive into the Logistics Life!

Today might be the day we debunk some of the headlines you're reading with concrete DATA - Where the freight market truly is and what this next phase of government looks like for our industry... These, plus the Canadian Port Lockouts - November numbers tell us a IG story - and what the holiday season is shaping up to look like! Welcome to the Logistics Life!

Today, we discuss and share some insights on what could be coming down the road with last week's Trump's Presidential win. TRarrifs, Green Trucking, and a whole lot more - join Dean Croke and I as we discuss some of the possible twists and turns of the Logistics life we live!

It's the time of year when the weather starts to impact our day-to-day, well it's early but that means some are getting caught off guard and without the proper equipment. Let's dive into weather's impact and how to stay ahead of Mother Nature (As much as possible) Then we look at the Montreal Ports, the Diwali Festival and its impacts on rates and capacity.

Sometimes, we make the simple complex and with tech and all these super cool new "shiny" things to grab our attention, we miss... We miss the fundamentals of sales and most often, allow ourselves to be swept away in the desire to do less, but sell better. Is this "new" strategy one that will stand the test of time? Where is the sales profession going and how do we ensure we stay at the top of our game? These questions and more are what The Logistics Life is focused on today!

As the temperature drops, freight needs rise, and as we enter mid-Q4, let's dive into the Headwinds coming our way, and even the Tailwinds that seem to be lingering... A few shifts are coming our way... The question is are you in or outside the wake?

Data Day on a Monday: This week, we discuss systems and where companies that want to scale in this economy should focus. Dean and I also get into what the market looks like heading into mid-Q4. Lanes- Where are prices now, and where are they heading... Exits - What it looks like moving into the "Busy Season"... Busy Season - Is it what we all hoped it would be? Today, on The Logistics Life!