The TRUCK YEAH! Podcast

85 | 2026 Q2 Freight Market Forecast

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:00:17 +0000

Tune in for a 2026 Q2 freight market update breaking down capacity vs. demand, rate outlooks, and what shippers can expect heading into produce season. Zipline’s Andrew Lynch shares insights on market stabilization, potential disruptions, and how CPG brands can plan smarter for the months ahead.

Learn more: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/2026-q2-freight-market-update-forecast/

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

[freight market, Q2 outlook, trucking capacity, shipper strategy, CPG logistics, produce season, supply chain trends]

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Q2 Freight Market Report
(00:00:47) - Q2 Freight Market Update
(00:04:14) - Delilah's Law
(00:11:07) - Transportation Industry: Challenges ahead
(00:12:24) - Does a Lack of Experience Hurt the Freight Market?
(00:16:02) - Vaccine Validation: If Passed, It Would Hurt the
(00:21:49) - Marathon Freight: Cold Storage Product
(00:27:21) - Blitz Week and Cybersecurity
(00:28:42) - Trucking: Floor is Raised
(00:32:28) - Journey Into Tight Market: Partner Focus
(00:36:28) - Partnerships in the Supply Chain
(00:39:27) - Importance of logistics for grocers
(00:40:48) - Importruptions in Q1

84 | The Power of Content in Logistics: Helping CPG Brands Scale Smarter

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Most 3PLs rely on sales calls and industry jargon to reach shippers. But what happens when a logistics company treats content like a strategic advantage instead of a marketing afterthought?

We sat down with Emily Kitko, VP of Marketing at Zipline Logistics, and Emily Ledbetter, owner of Ledbetter Marketing, to unpack how educational content is helping CPG brands make smarter logistics decisions.

Together, they explore why most logistics companies avoid educational content, the gaps that exist in supply chain marketing today, and how transparent, shipper-focused content can help brands reduce costly mistakes, streamline operations, and ultimately scale faster.

Learn more: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/logistics-solutions-guide/

Connect with Zipline: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

Connect with Ledbetter Marketing: https://linktr.ee/ledbettermarketing

Chapters

(00:00:00) - How AI Is Changing the Way People See Content
(00:00:28) - Zipline Logistics: From Chaos to Clarity
(00:01:49) - Zipline's Emily Kitco on the Company's Growth
(00:03:14) - Leadbetter Marketing: The Elevation at Zipline
(00:04:22) - What Do 3PLs Do In the Content World?
(00:07:00) - How to Write Clear, Objective Content
(00:07:47) - Q&A: CPG
(00:11:00) - What Does Our Content Do to Help Shippers Save Money?
(00:14:28) - How Do Sales Reps Come Up With The Ideas For New Content?
(00:18:40) - The Content That Made the Biggest Impact
(00:20:53) - Zipline on Trust and Content
(00:24:06) - The Most Fun Project at Zipline
(00:25:49) - The Emily's

83 | Dominating Drop Trailer Deliveries

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:28 +0000

When supply chain chaos hits—whether from seasonal peaks, unexpected surges, or a warehouse that’s bursting at the seams—CPG brands need options that actually relieve pressure instead of adding to it. Enter: drop trailer deliveries.

In this episode, we're breaking down what drop trailers are, when they’re most effective, and how CPG shippers can leverage them as a strategic tool, not just a last-minute fix.

What you’ll learn:

What drop trailer deliveries actually are (minus the jargon)
When and why CPG brands should use them
How they improve efficiency during peak volume
Their impact on on-time delivery performance
How Zipline helps brands execute drop trailer programs smoothly
Real examples of when drop trailers saved the day

Learn more: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/drop-trailer-deliveries/

Connect with Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

Get 10% off your Expo West pass: https://www.xpressreg.net/register/npew0326/start.asp?sc=10953

82 | How to Spot (and Avoid) a Love-Bombing Logistics Partner

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:04:51 +0000

There are tons of general 3PLs out there who bait CPG brands by selling a dream that promises not only the best rates but the best service, too. Some would call this love-bombing.

But with no data or proof to back “the best” they claim to be, their true colors are revealed over time. The result? CPG brands end up getting slammed with late fees and losing significant on-shelf gross profit.

Tune in to learn how to spot (and avoid) a love-bombing 3PL.

Learn more: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/general-3pls/

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

Get 10% off your Expo West pass: https://www.xpressreg.net/register/npew0326/start.asp?sc=10953

81 | Leveraging AI & Robotics to Optimize Supply Chains

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:19 +0000

What does it really take to run a $250M fulfillment network that powers billions of mailpieces, survives peak season chaos, and still ranks #1 in efficiency?

We’re joined by Brent Hagan, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lob, whose resume spans everything from launching Amazon’s top-performing robotic fulfillment center to scaling Deliverr’s network through its $2.2B Shopify acquisition.

Brent pulls back the curtain on:

How robotics and AI actually impact throughput, labor, and dock operations
Where AI delivers real value in logistics and where it’s still overhypes
Why postal logistics and freight face more of the same challenges than you might think

Whether you’re behind the wheel, managing a CPG supply chain, or building the next-gen logistics network, this episode is packed with practical insights, real-world stories, and hard-earned lessons from one of the industry’s most experienced operators.

Connect with Brent Hagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-hagan-530284173/

Learn more about Lob: https://www.lob.com/

Connect with Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

Get 10% off your Expo West pass: https://www.xpressreg.net/register/npew0326/start.asp?sc=10953

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:05:19) - Robots and the Warehouse Floor
(00:09:42) - Robots to Replace Human Fulfillment Workers
(00:11:24) - How AI is improving the Postal Service
(00:13:32) - Direct Mail: Coming Back to Your Home
(00:16:40) - How Does AI Affect the USPS?
(00:21:01) - The Future of Print Industry Is AI
(00:26:12) - Are You Ready for AI in Your Supply Chain?
(00:30:44) - Future of Robotics in Warehouse
(00:32:06) - Close

80 | What CPG Brands Get Wrong About Warehousing and How to Fix It

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:00:09 +0000

Vice President of River Plate, Inc., Leo Rodriguez, breaks down what CPG brands really need to understand about warehousing and fulfillment strategy as they scale. From inventory control and kitting to choosing the right 3PL, Leo shares practical insights that help shippers reduce cost, avoid chaos, and create a fulfillment operation that actually supports growth—not stress-test it.

Whether you’re shipping to retailers, Amazon, or DTC customers, this episode will help you rethink how you manage product flow, labor, storage, and accuracy across your network.

This episode is perfect for CPG supply chain leaders, operations teams, COO/Founder-led brands, anyone wrestling with inventory + fulfillment performance.

Learn more about River Plate, Inc.: https://www.riverplateinc.com/

Connect with Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Chuck Cam: The Truck Yeah Podcast
(00:00:47) - How Logistics Work
(00:05:51) - What caused you to fall in love with logistics?
(00:09:12) - Separation of the Supply Chain and Distribution
(00:10:42) - DTC to Retail: What's the Process?
(00:14:41) - 3 Pl
(00:16:32) - Pallet Configuration for Retailers
(00:19:03) - 3PL Provider: On-Time Delivery and Data-driven Process
(00:22:13) - 3PL Proposals: Questions CPG Brands Should Ask When
(00:25:02) - How To Prevent Errors From Your 3PL
(00:27:22) - River Plate Logistics: How To Reach Out to a Brand?

79 | 2026 CPG Logistics Industry Predictions

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:02 +0000

Your 2025 Supply Chain Wrapped is here, plus expert predictions on where the freight market is headed in 2026 and beyond. Tune in and stay ahead of the next slowdown… or surge??

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

2026 Q1 Freight Market Update: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/2026-freight-market-forecast/

Chapters

(00:00:00) - CPG Shippers: How To Sell Your Stuff...
(00:00:47) - Zipline Logistics: Forwarding Into 2021
(00:01:56) - Top Executives: What Do You Expect In 2021?
(00:04:03) - Is Non-Domicile CDL Tightening the Market?
(00:10:17) - Rejection Rates: Pre-Covid and Post-
(00:12:16) - Owning a Truck Is a Stupid Business Decision
(00:15:43) - Private Fleets Impact on the CPG Industry
(00:19:04) - Private Label and its sustainability
(00:22:49) - Private Label Brand Advice for 2022
(00:27:09) - Zipline: Future of Covid in 2026

78 | "Put it in reverse, Terry!" (Reverse Logistics for CPG Brands)

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:00:19 +0000

Every CPG brand wants their products flying off the shelf…but what about what comes back? Let’s talk reverse logistics: the secret to saving money, strengthening retailer trust, and keeping your brand sustainable.

Learn more about Reverse Logistics: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/reverse-logistics-for-cpg-brands-save-money-build-trust-and-increase-sustainability/

Connect with Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

Chapters

(00:00:00) - The Process of Recycling an Overpriced Order
(00:00:46) - Reverse Logistics in CPG Brands
(00:05:00) - Return and Collection: Why it's so important for CPG brands
(00:06:39) - Returning an iPhone to the Store
(00:09:26) - LTL Orders Being Refused For The Wrong Product
(00:10:43) - Disposing of damaged food
(00:11:27) - Pulse: The Future of Repair & refurbish Is Connected
(00:12:24) - What are some other challenges that retailers face?
(00:15:52) - Rework Costco Network: Auditing Returns & Collaborating With Car

77 | Diagnosing Supply Chain Health via Cadence Tracking

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:00:32 +0000

Is your supply chain calmly vibing or silently screaming for help? One of the easiest ways to find out is by tracking your order cadence — AKA the heartbeat of your supply chain. Cadence tracking helps CPG brands spot patterns, predict strain, and get a clear picture of everything from PO timing to lead times to MOQs. We're breaking down how cadence tracking might just transform the way you plan, produce, and scale.

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

76 | CPG Tradeshow Tea with Zipline Sales Reps

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered about what CPG shows like Expo West, Newtopia Now, or SFA Fancy are like from the inside? Zipline Logistics sales reps, Tyler Mathews and Joe Lovell, are on the mic to spill all the tea from their time at these tradeshows.

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

More about CPG tradeshows: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/food-and-beverage-conferences/

75 | Collaborative Partnerships with David Commiskey

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:00:23 +0000

David Commiskey, CEO of Zipline Logistics, joins us to talk all things partnership, growth, and creating winning logistics strategies for CPG brands.

Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-commiskey-a07a0a17/

Follow Zipline: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

74 | The Costco Effect

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:00:16 +0000

Hosts Teddy and Jesse are joined by Krista Winner, a local business owner, soccer mom, and Costco enthusiast to chat about The Costco Effect. From bulk buys to bakery favorites, the trio explores what makes Costco a powerhouse in grocery retail and how its supply chain model sets it apart.

Connect with Krista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-winner-aud-189b541

More on Costco: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/quick-tips-for-costco-transportation/

More about Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

73 | Tips for Navigating Christmas Tree Season

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:00:02 +0000

It’s nearly that time of the year! This holiday season, between 25 to 30 million Christmas trees will be piled onto flatbeds and make their way to a marketplace near you. This uptick in volume means capacity will be strained and outbound rates will rise in high-producing Christmas tree areas. Tune in to learn more!

Learn more: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/christmas-tree/

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

72 | 2025 Q4 Freight Market Update & Predictions

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:00:13 +0000

This episode dives deep into the freight market variables at play heading into 2025 Q4. Hosts Teddy Lee Knox and Jesse Juett are joined by special guest Andrew Lynch, Co-founder of Zipline Logistics.

"We're entering busy season, says Lynch in the episode. "This is the time typically, right? We normally see a peak during Q4 retail season: people start to prep for holiday shopping and start buying more snacks and sodas for tailgates. So, yeah, it should be humming out there."

"Should be," said Juett in response, "is the key word. What appears to have happened is some inventories were pulled in, which means the 'stuff' is already here. So ocean freight continues to drop. We'll see what happens on the import side of things."

"Yeah, there seems to be lag between what economic survey data says and what economic activity actually looks like," replied Lynch. "I don't know that I've ever seen anything like this. One month, the consumer is feeling down about inflation or their capacity to spend. So the next month, their spending is a bit lower. And then the following month, consumer sentiment polls really high. And then the month after that -- sure enough -- the consumer doesn't perform as well as we expected them to. Last I saw, consumer sentiment surveys were pretty positive. So, I'd like to think that will translate to better consumer activity in October and November. But it will be interesting to see how consumer mindset and actual economic data compare."

Tune in for more updates in the CPG/retail freight market just like this: we’re talking all things tariffs, inflation, holiday spending, and more.

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

71 | Optimizing LTL Deliveries with a Niche Go-to Market Strategy

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:00:49 +0000

Curtis Garrett makes his third appearance on the show to talk go-to market LTL strategy for niche 3PLs like Zipline.

"If I think back through the years and all the companies I've observed, the most chaotic 3PLs are the ones with an 'LTL is a necessary evil because something's gonna go wrong' type of mentality," says Curtis, "They're always the broadest and most transactional 3PLs, using blanket rates only and getting rates from anybody and everybody. When you're trying to choose the best carrier based on routing and the cheapest price, there are tons of service and capability variables that aren't aligned."

CPG brands: tune in for more LTL and 3PL insider knowledge to help you create a bulletproof supply chain strategy with trustworthy partners.

More info on rateHERO: https://www.ratehero.io/

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

70 | Shipping to Target: Everything CPG Brands Need to Know

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:00:10 +0000

Target Corporation is a big player in the retail space. With over 1,900 locations in the United States alone, the store is a household name and its shelf space offers a big opportunity for any up-and-coming CPG brand. If your brand has recently secured shelf space at Target, there are some important behind-the-scenes steps to take before getting your product in front of shoppers. Teddy and Jesse cover it all in today's episode!

Learn more about shipping to Target: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/consignee-spotlight-target/

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

69 | UNFI System Outage from Cyberattack: Key Takeaways for CPG Brands

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:00:22 +0000

At the beginning of June 2025, UNFI was hit by a cyberattack and was forced to shut down its entire network to contain the incident. The outage prevented UNFI from fulfilling and distributing customer orders at scale.

The result? Diminished shelves due to out-of-stocks all over the country and likely a huge hit to UNFI’s gross profit margins. Hosts Teddy & Jesse are on the mic to share the biggest lessons CPG brands can take away from this event and use it as leverage to secure their supply chain strategies before the next unpredictable event hits.

Learn more: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/controlling-the-controllables/

Connect with Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

68 | The True Value of a 3PL in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Transportation

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:00:22 +0000

Hosts Teddy and Jesse are joined by the CEO of rateHERO, Curtis Garrett, to discuss the value LTL shippers can tap into by partnering with a third party logistics provider (3PL).

The trio discuss the different types of service providers in the LTL space, navigating these types of relationships, and keeping a "big picture" focus on partnerships over transactions.

More info on rateHERO: https://www.ratehero.io/

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

67 | Beat the Back-to-School Rush with Strategic Logistics

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:00:12 +0000

Last year, back-to-school (BTS) sales totaled a whopping $35 billion, cementing BTS as the second largest retail season behind the holidays. This year’s spending spree may last all the way through the end of September. CPG brands looking to capitalize on this spending need to be prepared for the rush, starting with transportation. Hosts Teddy and Jesse are on the mic to share how you can get your logistics strategy right ahead of the rush and win more shelf space.

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

66 | 2025 Q3 Freight Market Updates & Predictions

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Zipline Logistics TRUCK YEAH! Podcast, hosts Jesse Juett and Teddy Lee Knox welcome back Andrew Lynch, President and Founder of Zipline Logistics, for their quarterly freight market check-in.

The team dives into what’s shaping the logistics landscape heading into Q3 and what CPG supply chain professionals should be watching closely.

Key Topics Covered:

Freight market trends rolling over from Q2 into Q3
Insights on capacity levels and rate stabilization
How retailer behavior is impacting volume unpredictability
Inventory management trends across industries
Economic forces at play: inflation, consumer demand, and shipping volume
Why Q4 might bring more clarity (or more confusion)

Whether you're a seasoned logistics manager or just trying to keep up with market conditions, this episode delivers timely insight with Zipline’s signature transparency.

Read our blog: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/2025-q3-freight-market-update-predictions/

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

65 | Shipping to Sam's Club: Everything CPG Shippers Need to Know

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:00:50 +0000

Scoring Sam’s Club as a retail partner can be a game-changer for CPG brands. With its massive member base and national reach, landing shelf space at Sam’s can fuel explosive growth. But along with that opportunity comes operational complexity, making the margin for very slim.

This episode unpacks what makes Sam’s different and how CPG shippers can avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes.

Learn more about Sam's Club: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/shipping-to-sams-club-everything-cpg-brands-need-to-know/

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

64 | Tariffs in 2025: Everything CPG Shippers Need to Know

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:00:38 +0000

In this episode of the Zipline Logistics TRUCK YEAH! podcast, Jesse Juett and Teddy Lee Knox are joined once again by Co-Founder and President, Andrew Lynch, to break down one of the hottest topics of the year: tariffs.

As of January 2025, shifting trade policies and executive orders have brought tariffs to the forefront for North American freight. Andrew walks us through a clear timeline of changes, the real-world implications for shippers, and what companies should expect moving forward.

Whether you’re in logistics, supply chain, or simply trying to stay ahead of policy impacts—this episode is a must-listen.

Learn more: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/how-tariffs-are-reshaping-the-logistics-industry/

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

63 | Potential Impact of Tariffs on the LTL Market with Curtis Garett, CEO of rateHERO

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 27 May 2025 10:00:36 +0000

In this episode of the Zipline Logistics Podcast, hosts Jesse Juett and Teddy Lee Knox dive into one of the most pressing topics facing CPG supply chains today: tariffs—and their unexpected ripple effects on LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping.

Joined by special guest Curtis Garrett, founder and CEO of rateHERO, the trio breaks down:

✅ What tariffs actually mean for shippers beyond the customs line
✅ How LTL networks are vulnerable to cost and routing shifts
✅ How CPG brands are responding with smarter sourcing and consolidation strategies
✅ The role of technology in navigating unpredictable trade environments

Whether you're in procurement, logistics, or supply chain strategy, this episode offers timely insights to help you adapt to an evolving trade landscape.

Tune in to learn how to future-proof your shipping strategy in a tariff-driven world.

About rateHERO: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rate-hero/

Learn more: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/how-tariffs-are-reshaping-the-logistics-industry/

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

62 | How to Win More Shelf Space During Beverage Season

Zipline Logistics — Mon, 12 May 2025 10:00:50 +0000

Summer is heating up — and so is demand in the beverage industry.

In this episode of TRUCK YEAH!, we break down what peak beverage season really means for CPG brands and how it impacts your ability to stay on shelves and in-stock. From rising freight costs to tighter delivery windows, hosts Teddy and Jesse cover the logistical landmines and offer actionable strategies to help you plan ahead, secure capacity, and avoid costly out-of-stock scenarios.

Whether you’re shipping sodas, seltzers, or sports drinks, this is your guide to surviving (and thriving) during the busiest time of year for beverage logistics.

What You’ll Learn:

What triggers peak beverage season and when it happens
How out-of-stocks during this window can cost brands over $1 billion weekly
The connection between on-time delivery rates and gross margin
How to plan smarter and ship earlier to secure retail shelf space

Mentioned in This Episode:

How to Win More Shelf Space During Beverage Season: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/how-to-win-more-shelf-space-during-the-2025-beverage-season/
Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

61 | How to Track KPIs and Stand Out to Retail Buyers

Zipline Logistics — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:00:57 +0000

As the biggest retailers in the game like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon only grow in market share, how can small and mid-sized CPG brands stand out from all the competition and lock in more retail shelf-space?

Your hosts Teddy and Jesse are answering that exact question in this episode of TRUCK YEAH!

Follow Zipline Logistics: https://linktr.ee/ziplinelogistics

Learn more about shipping into retailers: https://ziplinelogistics.com/blog/retailer-roundup/