From Strategy to Scale: The ODW Logistics Approach to Growth with Phil Schmidbauer

REPOST: Fleet Profitability Unleashed: The Optimal Dynamics Advantage with Zach Schuhart

In "Fleet Profitability Unleashed: The Optimal Dynamics Advantage", Joe Lynch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlynchjr/] and Zach Schuchart [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-schuchart-2756976/], Senior Vice President, Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics, discuss how decades of academic research and advanced decision intelligence are being used to automate complex logistics and maximize carrier profitability. Zach Schuchart Zach Schuchart [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-schuchart-2756976/] is the Senior Vice President, Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics. He has over 20 years of experience in the North American and European transportation industries, including roles at UPS, CHAINalytics, and XPO, he brings deep expertise and leadership to the Optimal Dynamics team. As Head of Sales, he oversees a talented group of Account Executives and Solutions Engineers, guiding prospective customers through the evaluation of advanced optimization solutions that drive operational success. About Optimal Dynamics Optimal Dynamics [http://www.optimaldynamics.com/] provides the decision intelligence layer that powers logistics transformation. Born out of 40 years of research at Princeton University, Optimal Dynamics leverages proprietary artificial intelligence technology to automate, optimize, and radically improve decision-making across trucking and transportation operations. Headquartered in New York City, Optimal Dynamics is backed by marquee investors including Koch Disruptive Technologies, Bessemer Venture Partners, The Westly Group, and Activate Capital. Learn more at www.optimaldynamics.com [http://www.optimaldynamics.com/]. Key Takeaways: Fleet Profitability Unleashed: The Optimal Dynamics Advantage * In "Fleet Profitability Unleashed: The Optimal Dynamics Advantage", Joe Lynch and Zach Schuchart, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales at Optimal Dynamics, discuss how decades of academic research and advanced decision intelligence are being used to automate complex logistics and maximize carrier profitability. * From Research to Reality: The Princeton Pedigree. Optimal Dynamics isn't just another tech startup; it is built on 40 years of academic research from Princeton University. This provides a level of scientific rigor and proprietary AI that differentiates their solutions from standard off-the-shelf logistics software. * The Power of "Decision Intelligence". While many platforms focus on data visibility (showing you what is happening), Zach highlights the shift toward Decision Intelligence. This layer automates and optimizes the choice itself, helping carriers move from reactive management to proactive, data-driven execution. * Bridging the Gap Between Planning and Execution. Leveraging Zach's 20+ years of experience at giants like UPS and XPO, the episode explores how traditional planning often fails when it hits the "real world." Optimal Dynamics focuses on creating dynamic plans that account for the inherent volatility in trucking operations. * Leveraging High-Dimensional Artificial Intelligence. The core technology focuses on solving "high-dimensional" problems. Instead of looking at simple variables, the platform uses AI to process thousands of data points simultaneously—such as driver hours, fuel costs, and lane profitability—to find the "Optimal" solution. * Automating the Complexities of Trucking. Automation isn't just about replacing manual tasks; it's about augmenting human capability. Zach discusses how their solutions allow sales and operations teams to evaluate complex scenarios in minutes rather than days, drastically reducing the "evaluation-to-action" cycle. * Maximizing Profitability in Volatile Markets. In an industry with razor-thin margins, "Optimal Dynamics" means finding the most profitable way to move freight despite fluctuating market conditions. The platform helps fleets identify which loads to accept and how to route them to ensure maximum fleet utilization. * Strategic Backing for Long-Term Transformation. The company's growth is fueled by marquee investors like Bessemer Venture Partners and Koch Disruptive Technologies. This level of backing underscores the industry's belief that Optimal Dynamics is a foundational player in the future of global logistics infrastructure. Learn More About Fleet Profitability Unleashed: The Optimal Dynamics Advantage Zach Schuchart [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-schuchart-2756976/] Optimal Dynamics | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimaldynamics/] Optimal Dynamics [http://www.optimaldynamics.com/] Optimizing for the Future: D.M. Bowman Embraces Decision Automation [https://info.optimaldynamics.com/case-study-dm-bowman?_gl=1*h5a8a3*_gcl_au*MjAzMjA0OTQwOC4xNzY3NzIwMDg3] Shifting From Manual Grind to Automated Growth [https://info.optimaldynamics.com/case-study-ploger?_gl=1*17jt9zl*_gcl_au*MjAzMjA0OTQwOC4xNzY3NzIwMDg3] Driving Strategic Growth and Innovation with Decision Automation [https://info.optimaldynamics.com/driving-strategic-growth-and-innovation-with-decision-automation?_gl=1*17jt9zl*_gcl_au*MjAzMjA0OTQwOC4xNzY3NzIwMDg3] How Smarter Planning Leads to Stronger Performance [https://info.optimaldynamics.com/driving-new-levels-of-efficiency-with-decision-automation?_gl=1*17jt9zl*_gcl_au*MjAzMjA0OTQwOC4xNzY3NzIwMDg3] Rapid Transformation and Record-Breaking Results at Grand Island Express [https://info.optimaldynamics.com/rapid-transformation-and-record-breaking-results-at-grand-island-express?_gl=1*4upmb7*_gcl_au*MjAzMjA0OTQwOC4xNzY3NzIwMDg3] During Freight Recession, BCB Transport Sees 19.6% Increase in Revenue Per Truck After Embracing Artificial Decision Intelligence [https://info.optimaldynamics.com/during-freight-recession-bcb-transport-sees-19.6-increase-in-revenue-per-truck-after-embracing-artificial-decision-intelligence?_gl=1*s20nam*_gcl_au*MjAzMjA0OTQwOC4xNzY3NzIwMDg3] The Logistics of Logistics Podcast * If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. * The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google [https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVsb2xwb2RjYXN0LmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz], Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast/id1409735368], Castbox [https://www.thelogisticsoflogistics.com/], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2R6BcnTSREZ7fOx9EIoI36?si=9SxorwsJTOicUq7hOEQaYQ], Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/dancewaves/the-logistics-of-logistics], PlayerFM [https://player.fm/series/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast], Tunein [http://tun.in/pi548], Podbean [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/dtyrb-7364a/The-Logistics-of-Logistics-Podcast], Owltail [https://www.owltail.com/podcast/23776-The-Logistics-of-Logistics-Podcast/episodes], Libsyn [https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/thelolpodcast], Overcast [https://overcast.fm/itunes1409735368/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast] * Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQPVXYJLkj3mIceUYPIOedA]

Is Organized Tech Destroying the Small Logistics Entrepreneur with Nick Antoine

In "Is Organized Tech Destroying the Small Logistics Entrepreneur" Joe Lynch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlynchjr/] and Nicholas Antoine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-antoine-960aa844/], Co-Founder, Co-CEO, and Managing Partner of Red Arts Capital, discuss how mid-market logistics companies can leverage emerging automation and strategic "moats" to successfully survive and compete against tech-heavy enterprise giants. About Nick Antoine Nicholas Antoine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-antoine-960aa844/] is the Co-Founder, Co-CEO, and Managing Partner of Red Arts Capital, a private equity firm he co-founded in 2015 - at age 26 - to invest exclusively in supply chain and logistics businesses. A Princeton graduate, Nick began his career as an equity research analyst at Princeton Global Asset Management before joining Ariel Investments in Chicago, where he served as Chief of Staff to the Chairman and CEO of the $17 billion asset manager. At Red Arts, he leads fundraising, research, and investment thesis development, building one of the few Black-founded and -led PE firms in the country and one of the top-performing, ranked #7 on Bloomberg's 2025 Best-Performing U.S. Buyout Funds. Nick is a member of YPO and a board trustee of The Studio Museum in Harlem and WTTW (PBS Chicago). About Red Arts Capital Red Arts Capital [https://www.redartscapital.com/] is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on partnering with North American supply chain and logistics businesses. Founded in 2015 by Nick Antoine and Chad Strader, Red Arts is a 100% Black-owned firm investing across the "supply chain economy" - freight, transportation, warehousing, contract packaging, and related middle-market companies with strong growth potential. In 2023, the firm closed its latest fund oversubscribed at $270M, above its $225M target, backed by institutional LPs including Prudential Financial, the University of Chicago's Office of Investments, and funds managed by Neuberger Berman. Red Arts pairs a sector-focused thesis with a belief that diversity drives performance - women represent roughly half the firm. Key Takeaways: Is Organized Tech Destroying the Small Logistics Entrepreneur * In "Is Organized Tech Destroying the Small Logistics Entrepreneur" Joe Lynch and Nicholas Antoine, Co-Founder, Co-CEO, and Managing Partner of Red Arts Capital, discuss how mid-market logistics companies can leverage emerging automation and strategic "moats" to successfully survive and compete against tech-heavy enterprise giants. * Firm Profile & Focus: Founded in 2015, Red Arts Capital is a 100% Black-owned, Chicago-based private equity firm that focuses exclusively on North American supply chain, logistics, and middle-market infrastructure businesses. * Target Investment Profile: Unlike venture capital firms that hunt for speculative "hockey stick" growth, Red Arts invests $50M to $100M+ into established, profitable middle-market companies (typically family-owned with $100M to $500M in revenue) to provide liquidity and operational scaling. * Strong Institutional Backing: Validating their sector-focused thesis, the firm closed its 2023 fund oversubscribed at $270M (surpassing its $225M target) backed by premier LPs like Prudential Financial and the University of Chicago. * The Concept of "Organized Tech": Nick defines "organized technology" as a modern third form of power alongside organized people and organized capital. Large enterprise players use their scale and massive resources to deploy tech—and partner with startups for free trials—giving them a distinct, systemic advantage. * An Opportunity, Not a Death Sentence: Organized tech is not inherently destroying small logistics entrepreneurs; rather, the risk lies in a lack of adaptability. Because AI and automated tools are becoming rapidly commoditized and affordable, small business survival depends on an entrepreneurial willingness to experiment. * Building Defensive "Moats": To avoid competing strictly on commoditized pricing, successful logistics companies must build defensible moats. This includes high-touch customer service, strong cultural values that lower driver turnover, or geographic asset density (like uniquely zoned cross-dock terminals) that competitors cannot easily replicate. * Outsized Returns from Small Tech Investments: Technology adoption doesn't require a massive overhaul to significantly impact the bottom line. In one LTL case study, Red Arts introduced a simple automated software tool to capture missed, manual accessorial charges, plugging a major revenue leak and yielding massive profit returns. Learn More About Is Organized Tech Destroying the Small Logistics Entrepreneur Nicholas Antoine | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-antoine-960aa844/] Red Arts Capital | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/red-arts-capital] Red Arts Capital [https://www.redartscapital.com/] Bloomberg executive profile [https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/22758403] Investing in Supply Chain Solutions with Nick Antoine of Red Arts Capital | Impact Podcast [https://impactpodcast.com/episode/2026/03/investing-in-supply-chain-solutions-with-nick-antoine-of-red-arts-capital/] Black Professionals in PE & Finance spotlight | McGuireWoods [https://www.mcguirewoods.com/client-resources/alerts/2022/7/black-professionals-in-pe-finance-nicholas-antoine/] Fund close coverage | $270M, Business Wire [https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230502005259/en/] Organized Technology: A New Power Defining The American Dream | Forbes [https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesfinancecouncil/2026/03/10/organized-technology-a-new-power-defining-the-american-dream/] The Logistics of Logistics Podcast * If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. * The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google [https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVsb2xwb2RjYXN0LmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz], Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast/id1409735368], Castbox [https://www.thelogisticsoflogistics.com/], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2R6BcnTSREZ7fOx9EIoI36?si=9SxorwsJTOicUq7hOEQaYQ], Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/dancewaves/the-logistics-of-logistics], PlayerFM [https://player.fm/series/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast], Tunein [https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business--Economics-Podcasts/The-Logistics-of-Logistics-p1141610/?topicId=557416436], Podbean [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/dtyrb-7364a/The-Logistics-of-Logistics-Podcast], Owltail [https://www.owltail.com/podcast/23776-The-Logistics-of-Logistics-Podcast/episodes], Libsyn [https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/thelolpodcast], Overcast [https://overcast.fm/itunes1409735368/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast] * Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQPVXYJLkj3mIceUYPIOedA]

Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain with Joey Evans

In "Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain" Joe Lynch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlynchjr/] and Joey Evans [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-e-8262373b3/], Senior Director, Government Affairs & Business Development, TNW Corporation, discuss how Class III short line railroads leverage technology, sustainability, and first-and-last-mile service to keep American commerce moving. About Joey Evans Joey Evans [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-e-8262373b3/] is the Senior Director, Government Affairs & Business Development, TNW Corporation. He is a seasoned rail industry professional with over 20 years of experience, leading TNW's development and execution of government affairs and strategic growth initiatives. His role oversees legislative strategy, public funding efforts, real estate and industrial development projects, and supports acquisition and expansion activities aligned with the company's long-term objectives. Joey serves as President of the Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (TSLRRA) and is a member of the TxDOT Freight Advisory Committee. His career spans various leadership roles across the short line railroad industry. Prior to his current position, he led Customer Success for TNW, encompassing customer service, revenue protection, and infrastructure technology. His journey began as a conductor and engineer, where hands-on experience laid the foundation for his transition into management. About TNW Corporation TNW Corporation [https://www.tnwcorporation.com/] owns and operates three short line railroads — TXNW Railway, TXGN Railway, and TXR Railway — along with multiple rail logistics facilities across Texas, serving as a strategic supply chain partner to industries, shippers, fleet managers, and Class I railroads. With more than 40 years of transportation logistics experience, TNW delivers the efficiency, reliability, and customer service that keep North American commerce moving. TXNW Railway, operating in the Texas Panhandle since 1982, is a One-Stop Supercenter and boasts the largest privately owned railcar storage capacity in the United States. TXGN Railway, also a One-Stop Supercenter, has served central Texas since 1992, operating approximately 67 miles of storage and loop track with Union Pacific interchange. TXR Railway, based in Brownwood, serves the Camp Bowie Industrial Area and interchanges with BNSF Railroad. TNW's full suite of services includes rapid interchange, transloading, railcar storage, repair, cleaning, scrapping, warehousing, and rail-served industrial development. Key Takeaways: Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain * In "Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain" Joe Lynch and Joey Evans, Senior Director, Government Affairs & Business Development, TNW Corporation, discuss how Class III short line railroads leverage technology, sustainability, and first-and-last-mile service to keep American commerce moving. * Revenue, Not Track Length, Defines Railroad Classes: Railroad classification is strictly determined by annual revenue, not physical distance. Class I railroads (the "interstates" like BNSF and UP) exceed $1 billion in annual revenue, Class II regional railroads fall between $1 billion and $47 million, and Class III short lines—where TNW Corporation operates—fall below $47 million. * Short Lines Serve as the "First and Last Mile" for Rural America: While Class I railroads excel at long-distance freight movement, North America's 615 short line railroads provide essential first- and last-mile service to industrial parks and rural communities. Operating in smaller towns (often under 15,000 people), short lines keep vital agricultural, manufacturing, and petrochemical hubs connected to the national rail network. * Lowering the Barrier to Entry with Truck-to-Rail Conversions: Because one railcar holds the equivalent capacity of four trucks (4:1 ratio), TNW launched a dedicated logistics and transloading business. This allows smaller regional shippers within a 50-to-100-mile radius to enjoy the economic benefits of rail by breaking bulk rail loads down into local trucks, without requiring a massive capital investment in dedicated track infrastructure. * High-Volume Commodities and Major Public-Private Infrastructure Investments: Short lines primarily handle heavy, bulk commodities like petrochemicals, plastics, lumber, agricultural yields, and construction aggregates (rock). To support these loads, short lines reinvest a massive 33% to 50% of their annual revenue into infrastructure, a timeline accelerated by federal CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvement) grants to expand track fluidity. * Transitioning from Rail's Historic "Black Hole" to High-Tech Visibility: Spurred by rising post-COVID consumer expectations (the "Amazon experience"), TNW developed a proprietary digital portal called My TNW. This tool eliminates the historic visibility "black hole" of rail shipping by providing customers with complete data transparency, allowing them to track cars across both TNW property and intersecting Class I networks. * Embracing AI and Autonomous Infrastructure Safety: The rail industry is heavily adopting AI, autonomous railcars, and automated track inspection tools. These automated systems travel the lines to instantly pinpoint structural micro-cracks, gauge misalignments, or railcar defects. Removing the human error factor from these tedious inspections helped the rail sector chart its safest operational year in its 200-year history in 2025. * Meeting Corporate ESG Targets Through "Clean and Green" Operations: Rail remains one of the most inherently sustainable modes of land transportation, moving a ton of freight roughly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel. Beyond fuel efficiency, TNW helps shippers meet strict corporate environmental goals by certifying all properties under Operation Clean Sweep, which enforces strict handling frameworks to prevent plastic pellets and commodities from spilling into local ecosystems. Learn More About Short Lines, Big Impact: How Short Line Railroads Power America's Supply Chain Joey Evans | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-e-8262373b3/] TNW Corporation | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnw-corporation/] TNW Corporation | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tnwcorporation/] TNW Corporation | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/tnwcorporation/] TNW Corporation | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiaHoxM2ysGuOXfTiSvvhog] TNW Corporation [https://www.tnwcorporation.com/] The Logistics of Logistics Podcast * If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. * The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google [https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVsb2xwb2RjYXN0LmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz], Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast/id1409735368], Castbox [https://www.thelogisticsoflogistics.com/], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2R6BcnTSREZ7fOx9EIoI36?si=9SxorwsJTOicUq7hOEQaYQ], Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/dancewaves/the-logistics-of-logistics], PlayerFM [https://player.fm/series/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast], Tunein [http://tun.in/pi548], Podbean [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/dtyrb-7364a/The-Logistics-of-Logistics-Podcast], Owltail [https://www.owltail.com/podcast/23776-The-Logistics-of-Logistics-Podcast/episodes], Libsyn [https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/thelolpodcast], Overcast [https://overcast.fm/itunes1409735368/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast] * Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQPVXYJLkj3mIceUYPIOedA]

Breaking Bulk Logistics Data Silos with IntelliTrans and Matt Everson

In "Breaking Bulk Logistics Data Silos" Joe Lynch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlynchjr/] and Matt Everson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-everson-42341026/], Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at IntelliTrans, discuss how unifying multimodal freight technology eliminates operational blind spots and optimizes bulk supply chains. About Matt Everson Matt Everson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-everson-42341026/] is the Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at IntelliTrans. He brings more than 15 years of experience driving growth and building strong customer relationships in the transportation and logistics technology industry. He leads the company's sales and marketing efforts with a focus on delivering measurable value and long-term partnerships that help customers succeed. He leads the commercial and customer engagement strategy that connects shippers with technology designed to simplify logistics complexity and deliver measurable value. About IntelliTrans IntelliTrans [https://www.intellitrans.com/], a business unit of Roper Technologies, delivers multimodal transportation management solutions built by experts to simplify freight complexities for bulk and breakbulk shippers. By combining real-time data, predictive risk management, and expert support, IntelliTrans provides insights to help shippers reduce costs, prevent disruptions, and deliver with confidence. IntelliTrans' mission is to keep the world's goods moving by giving transportation professionals the clarity, confidence, and control to deliver every time. Established in 1992, IntelliTrans is headquartered in Atlanta, with offices in Arkansas, London, and Sweden. Key Takeaways: Breaking Bulk Logistics Data Silos * In "Breaking Bulk Logistics Data Silos" Joe Lynch and Matt Everson, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at IntelliTrans, discuss how unifying multimodal freight technology eliminates operational blind spots and optimizes bulk supply chains. * Serve the Core Bulk and Breakbulk Sectors: Focus technology and operations on shippers of heavy, raw commodities—essentially "anything that comes out of the ground," including oil, gas, chemicals, plastics, metals, agriculture, and forestry products. * Dominate the North American Rail TMS Market: Establish market leadership by processing 40% of all North American railcars (excluding intermodal) on any given day and maintaining direct data connections into 95% of Class II short-line railroads. * Unify Multimodal Freight to Break Data Silos: Eliminate operational blind spots for large Fortune 100 shippers by combining rail, truck, yard management, and barge data into a single comprehensive execution platform. * Leverage Historical Data Cleanliness for AI Readiness: Utilize decades of specialized operational expertise and human-verified data cleaning to build high-quality datasets, positioning the platform to deliver highly accurate predictive insights as supply chain AI evolves. * Optimize High-Value Asset Utilization and Fleets: Provide advanced forecasting and analytics tools that calculate a shipper's exact fleet size requirements, ensuring optimal lease management and minimizing idle railcar costs. * Mitigate Overcharges and Prevent Demurrage Fees: Protect shippers from costly detention, storage, and demurrage fees by deploying automatic alerts, verifying car placement data, and actively auditing carrier invoices. * Track Scope 3 Emissions for ESG Compliance: Help shippers meet modern environmental compliance standards through certified state-by-state tracking of mileage, weight, and CO2 emissions across all transportation modes. Learn More About Breaking Bulk Logistics Data Silos Matt Everson | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-everson-42341026/] IntelliTrans | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/intellitrans/] IntelliTrans [https://www.intellitrans.com/] The Logistics of Logistics Podcast * If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. * The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google [https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVsb2xwb2RjYXN0LmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz], Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast/id1409735368], Castbox [https://www.thelogisticsoflogistics.com/], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2R6BcnTSREZ7fOx9EIoI36?si=9SxorwsJTOicUq7hOEQaYQ], Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/dancewaves/the-logistics-of-logistics], PlayerFM [https://player.fm/series/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast], Tunein [http://tun.in/pi548], Podbean [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/dtyrb-7364a/The-Logistics-of-Logistics-Podcast], Owltail [https://www.owltail.com/podcast/23776-The-Logistics-of-Logistics-Podcast/episodes], Libsyn [https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/thelolpodcast], Overcast [https://overcast.fm/itunes1409735368/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast] * Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQPVXYJLkj3mIceUYPIOedA]

From Strategy to Scale: The ODW Logistics Approach to Growth with Phil Schmidbauer

In "From Strategy to Scale: The ODW Logistics Approach to Growth" Joe Lynch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlynchjr/] and Phil Schmidbauer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-schmidbauer-b4020516/], Vice President of Solution Design at ODW Logistics, discuss how middle-market brands can scale by optimizing their entire supply chain network rather than just chasing low freight rates. About Phil Schmidbauer Phil Schmidbauer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-schmidbauer-b4020516/] is the Vice President of Solution Design at ODW Logistics, where he specializes in creating optimized transportation and integrated supply chain strategies. A dynamic and innovative leader, Phil brings extensive industry experience focused on driving process efficiencies, eliminating waste, and delivering significant value to clients. Recognized as a top industry innovator—including being named a "Pros to Know" award winner—he excels at building strategic bridges across complex supply chain networks. Phil works closely with businesses to align their comprehensive logistics frameworks with overarching financial and operational goals. His expertise spans advanced supply chain analytics, cargo security, and network optimization studies, making him a trusted authority in helping growth-minded brands design custom-engineered solutions that reduce complexity and successfully position their businesses to scale. About ODW Logistics ODW Logistics [https://www.odwlogistics.com/] is a top-tier, integrated third-party logistics (3PL) provider dedicated to enabling collective growth for its clients, associates, and the industry. With over 50 years of experience, ODW Logistics delivers end-to-end supply chain solutions that combine strategic warehousing, distribution, and advanced transportation management. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, health and beauty, and industrial manufacturing. As an approved consolidator for major retail networks, ODW specializes in retail consolidation, strategic inventory load planning, and automated workflows that control costs and improve on-time delivery. Driven by core values of respect, trust, team, and opportunity, ODW Logistics operates as a seamless extension of its customers' businesses, providing the technology, infrastructure, and continuous innovation necessary to scale operations effectively. Key Takeaways: From Strategy to Scale: The ODW Logistics Approach to Growth * In "From Strategy to Scale: The ODW Logistics Approach to Growth" Joe Lynch and Phil Schmidbauer, Vice President of Solution Design at ODW Logistics, discuss how middle-market brands can scale by optimizing their entire supply chain network rather than just chasing low freight rates. * Integrated 3PL Solutions for Middle-Market Growth: ODW Logistics leverages over 50 years of experience to provide end-to-end warehousing, distribution, and managed transportation solutions, operating as a seamless extension for middle-market companies that lack the internal resources to manage complex supply chains alone. * A Consultative, Total-Network Focus: Rather than just chasing the lowest transaction rate on a truck lane, Phil Schmidbauer emphasizes a consultative approach that designs and optimizes the entire supply chain, aligning warehousing and transportation around each other to reduce hidden costs, fines, and lead times. * High-Frequency Retail Consolidation: ODW specializes in retail consolidation (serving major networks like Walmart and Target) by combining smaller multi-pallet shipments into full truckloads. This ensures high-frequency deliveries, which reduces lot sizes, minimizes inventory requirements, and drives better overall service. * Mitigating the Cost of Stockouts: Keeping products on shelves is critical to brand survival. Stockouts cause severe financial penalties and permanent brand-loyalty loss when consumers switch to competitors—making consistent supply chain execution vital for sales growth. * Managing the Hidden Costs of Excess Inventory: Influenced by his background with Toyota's world-class manufacturing processes, Schmidbauer highlights that excess inventory carries heavy hidden liabilities, including high warehousing fees, multiple touchpoints, and obsolescence or shelf-life expiration risks. * The Power of a Dual-Node Network: ODW operates 27 facilities nationwide, utilizing a highly efficient dual-node setup between Southern California and Columbus, Ohio. This center-of-gravity strategy allows brands to easily meet next-day delivery demands for a massive portion of the U.S. population. * Bridging the Omni-channel Divide: As retail and ecommerce models increasingly blend, ODW supports brands navigating both channels, helping companies scale and transition their operational structures from online-only to brick-and-mortar retail fulfillment seamlessly. Learn More About From Strategy to Scale: The ODW Logistics Approach to Growth Phil Schmidbauer | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-schmidbauer-b4020516/] ODW Logistics | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/odw-logistics-inc-/] ODW Logistics [https://www.odwlogistics.com/] The Logistics of Logistics Podcast * If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. * The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google [https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVsb2xwb2RjYXN0LmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz], Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast/id1409735368], Castbox [https://www.thelogisticsoflogistics.com/], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2R6BcnTSREZ7fOx9EIoI36?si=9SxorwsJTOicUq7hOEQaYQ], Stitcher [https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/dancewaves/the-logistics-of-logistics], PlayerFM [https://player.fm/series/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast], Tunein [http://tun.in/pi548], Podbean [https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/dtyrb-7364a/The-Logistics-of-Logistics-Podcast], Owltail [https://www.owltail.com/podcast/23776-The-Logistics-of-Logistics-Podcast/episodes], Libsyn [https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/thelolpodcast], Overcast [https://overcast.fm/itunes1409735368/the-logistics-of-logistics-podcast] * Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQPVXYJLkj3mIceUYPIOedA]