
Hosted by Averitt · EN

Intermodal transportation gets a reputation it doesn't always deserve. Many shippers assume rail means slower transit, more complexity, or freight that gets handled too many times to feel comfortable. In practice, the experience is often very different.In this episode of Beyond Point to Point, Averitt's intermodal services leader Allison Phillips joins host Joe Greek to break down how intermodal actually works, where it delivers the strongest cost and capacity advantages, and why shippers who try it are often surprised by how closely it mirrors a dedicated truckload experience.Topics covered in this episode:When intermodal is a strong fit and what lanes perform bestHow freight moves door to door without being touched or transloadedHow intermodal connects to LTL pool distribution strategiesCross-border options into Canada and MexicoHow tracking works for individual shipments moving by railBeyond Point to Point is the podcast from Averitt where we go beyond pickup and delivery and dive deeper into the world of logistics, freight, and supply chain management. Subscribe for new episodes covering the strategies and solutions shaping today's supply chains.

What started in the 1980s with Tara's grandmother clearing office furniture out of a Houston building has grown into a multi-faceted business importing products from Eastern Europe, navigating tariffs, and shipping to customers nationwide.In this episode of Beyond Point to Point, host Joe Greek sits down with Tara Laughter of Systems Office Furniture, Inc. and i5 Industries to trace that journey — from faxing inventory lists to managing weekly container shipments through the Port of Houston.Tara shares how the pandemic unexpectedly accelerated i5's growth, why transparency in international shipping became non-negotiable, and how Averitt's team helped them navigate a near-miss with a 100% tariff. She also talks about what it means to build a true logistics partnership — one where the drivers know everyone in the warehouse by name.Whether you're a growing importer trying to get a handle on your supply chain or a shipper weighing cost against service quality, this is a conversation worth your time.

Freight technology has come a long way from simple shipment tracking. In this episode of Beyond Point to Point, host Joe Greek sits down with Russell Young, Averitt's Director of Integrated Services Sales, to explore how AI and dynamic pricing are changing the way shippers get rates, manage freight, and audit invoices.Russell breaks down what's driving the evolution of transportation management systems, how Averitt Connect works as a carrier-neutral TMS platform, and how ExactRate uses real-time capacity and market conditions to deliver the best available rate on any shipment — regardless of a shipper's volume.The conversation also covers where the industry is headed, including the NMFTA's shift toward density-based freight classification and what that means for LTL pricing in the years ahead.Whether you're evaluating a TMS for the first time or just trying to understand why freight pricing feels different than it used to, this episode has something for you.

In this episode of Beyond Point to Point, host Joe Greek explores how dedicated logistics is reshaping supply chains by reducing complexity and improving performance. David Fussell, VP of Dedicated Sales at Averitt, explains what makes dedicated transportation different from other freight models, how it drives consistency, and why it’s a strong solution for shippers facing staffing, liability, and cost challenges.You’ll also hear from Matt Ehlinger of NCH Corporation, who shares his company’s experience transitioning from a private fleet to a dedicated partnership, and Russell Young, who highlights how Averitt Enterprise brings added visibility and flexibility through managed transportation. Together, their insights show how dedicated solutions go far beyond trucks on the road—they create stability, scalability, and long-term value.

What if the best supply chain solutions don’t start with a quote—but with listening? In this episode of Beyond Point to Point, host Joe Greek and guest Tim Shuster dive into the concept of freight therapy: asking better questions, uncovering hidden challenges, and creating strategies that simplify logistics.You’ll hear how this mindset helped KICKER, a leading audio manufacturer, reimagine its East Coast distribution strategy—cutting miles, reducing costs, and delivering faster to key customers.If your supply chain feels more complicated than it should, this episode shows how a fresh perspective can lead to game-changing results.

In this episode of Beyond Point to Point, we’re diving deep into the complexities of international trade and cross-border logistics. Join Averitt’s VP of International Solutions, our VP of Mexico Sales, the General Manager of our trusted Mexican carrier partner, and our in-house licensed customs broker as they break down sourcing strategies, the impact of tariffs, and what shippers need to know to keep freight moving across borders efficiently. Whether you’re navigating trade policy or exploring nearshoring opportunities, this conversation offers grounded insights from those on the front lines.

In this episode of Beyond Point to Point, host Joe Greek explores one of the most overlooked yet critical areas of supply chain management: inbound freight. Joined by Averitt’s Ed Smith, Vice President of Distribution and Fulfillment, the conversation begins with a deep dive into how shippers can gain greater control and reduce costs by consolidating services, eliminating unnecessary touch points, and planning more strategically in response to volatile conditions like tariffs and sourcing shifts. Ed shares how Averitt’s integrated PortSide network is helping companies rethink inbound logistics with flexibility, speed, and resilience.The episode then moves to the shipper perspective with Matt Klause, COO of DiversiTech, who explains how his team overcame rising demurrage costs and warehouse congestion by partnering with Averitt for transloading and freight staging at the Port of Savannah. Finally, David Miller of Extensiv discusses the role of warehouse technology in achieving real-time inventory visibility and labor efficiency. Together, the guests paint a clear picture of how leadership, operations, and technology intersect to turn inbound freight from a pain point into a competitive advantage.

In the debut episode of Beyond Point to Point, host Joe Greek sits down with Averitt’s Mark Davis, Greg Hallmark, and Jason Brewer to break down the 2025 changes to the NMFC freight classification system.They explore how these updates could impact pricing, the importance of accurate freight measurements, and the risks of cutting corners on packaging. Whether you're shipping under a traditional class-based system or using an FAK, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to help you stay ahead of the curve.