Trucking for Millennials

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we dive deep into the often-overlooked world of insurance and cargo claims with our guest, Claudia Catlett, the insurance claims and fraud manager at General Transportation, Inc. Claudia shares her unique journey into the logistics industry, which began unexpectedly when she was hired from a bar after being discovered on LinkedIn. With a background as a Marine Corps veteran and a marketing graduate, she brings a wealth of experience and passion for risk management. We discuss the complexities of cargo claims, emphasizing the importance of understanding rate confirmations and the need for thorough documentation throughout the shipping process. Claudia highlights the significance of taking photos at various stages—during loading, transit, and unloading—to protect against potential claims. She also stresses the necessity of being well-acquainted with insurance policies, including exclusions and requirements, to avoid pitfalls when claims arise. Throughout the conversation, Claudia's enthusiasm for learning and her commitment to justice in the industry shine through. She provides valuable insights into the challenges of navigating claims and the proactive steps that carriers and brokers can take to mitigate risks. This episode is packed with practical advice for small trucking companies and logistics professionals looking to enhance their understanding of insurance and claims management. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the logistics world and how to better prepare for the unexpected challenges that may arise.

In this episode of Trucking for Millennials, we had the pleasure of speaking with John Cantera, a seasoned logistics and supply chain management professional with 25 years of experience. Known as the "double broker bounty hunter," John is on a mission to bring integrity to the broker-dispatcher world and combat fraud in the industry. We kicked off the episode with a light-hearted discussion about a recent heist involving 400 kegs of Guinness stolen from a delivery truck in the UK, which led us to reflect on the challenges of dealing with stolen freight in logistics. John shared his journey into the trucking industry, starting from his time as a Logistics Readiness Officer in the U.S. Air Force to running his own trucking company and now focusing on fraud prevention. John's unique nickname, the "double broker bounty hunter," stems from his proactive approach to identifying and combating double brokering. He explained how he and his team intentionally book loads from known double brokers to expose their fraudulent activities and help carriers recover lost payments. His passion for fighting scammers is evident, and he even humorously noted that receiving death threats from scammers is a sign of success in his work. Throughout our conversation, we delved into the complexities of the logistics industry, including the challenges faced by dispatchers and the need for better regulation. John emphasized the importance of integrity and relationships in the industry, lamenting how the rise of compliance departments has shifted the focus away from personal connections. We also discussed the role of the FMCSA in addressing fraud and the potential for future changes in regulations to better protect honest players in the industry. John's insights into the current state of logistics and the ongoing battle against fraud were both enlightening and thought-provoking. Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the trucking and logistics space, as it sheds light on the darker side of the industry while also highlighting the efforts of individuals like John who are dedicated to making it a better place for everyone.

In this episode we kick off 2025 with an inspiring conversation with Kristy Knichel, the President and CEO of Knichel Logistics. Kristy shares her remarkable journey in the logistics industry, starting from her early days working for her father to becoming a leading figure in the field. We delve into the dynamics of running a family business, the challenges she faced, and the tough decisions she had to make to ensure the company's growth and success.

Welcome back to the Trucking For Millennials Podcast, this week we are going back to some our most popular episodes of the year, including our interviews with Matt Perkins, LaShawn Brown, Brandon Wiseman, and Trevor Cowley. We hope you enjoy going through this recap as much as we did! Happy New Years Trucking For Millennials listeners, here is to a great 2025!

In this special Christmas week episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we dive into the holiday hustle of the logistics world and explore how the Christmas season impacts supply chains. Our guest, Matthew Chapa, Transportation Manager at Crunchyroll, shares his insights on navigating international logistics and building strong global relationships. We kick off the episode with some fascinating Christmas statistics, highlighting the immense logistics involved in the holiday season, from the 35 million Christmas trees harvested annually to the staggering $9.36 billion Americans spend on gift wrap. We discuss the growing trend of online shopping, which now accounts for 60% of holiday purchases, and the significant role that trucking plays in delivering nearly 70% of all freight in the U.S. Matt shares his journey into logistics, detailing his experiences managing transportation networks for major companies like Apple and Kendra Scott, and how he applies his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to keep things moving in a fast-changing industry. We delve into the complexities of international logistics, including the challenges posed by tariffs, port automation, and the potential impact of strikes on the trucking industry. Throughout our conversation, Matt emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances when working with international partners and the need for proactive problem-solving in logistics. We also touch on the potential challenges the trucking industry may face in 2025, including the implications of strikes and the ongoing push for automation at ports. As we wrap up this engaging discussion, we reflect on the hard work and dedication of those in the logistics field during the holiday season, reminding our listeners to appreciate the efforts of their delivery personnel. Join us for this insightful episode as we explore the challenges and opportunities shaping logistics today!