Maintenance and repair are vital to keeping supply chains moving, but many are missing out on efficiencies that come with better technology. On this edition of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, we talk about a software that's streamlining the M&R process for intermodal equipment (and truck carriers as well), REACH, with its CEO and co-founder Paul Burgoyne.

Paul tells us how REACH came about, the app-based simplicity of optimizing driver and technician time, the many companies that use the platform (including recent podcast subject DCLI and its RapidLink service), and how most don't - still dealing with spreadsheets and emails instead. He explains how it works for both planned and unplanned (i.e. roadside emergency) events, how it compares to non-freight apps like Uber and how it offers visibility into what had previously been an opaque area in transportation.

Learn more about REACH at www.reach24.net or contact Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-burgoyne-1893a924.

Subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

It's been an issue as long as trucks and their drivers have traversed the country with freight - where to safely park. Now, technology and innovation have converged to address the problem, with a simple app known as Truck Parking Club. Its CEO and co-Founder Evan Shelley joins us to discuss the genesis of the idea and the progress it's already made since launching in late 2022 - having just passed 1,900 locations across the U.S.

He tells us how simplicity is key, as drivers can book (and lot owners can list) much like AirBNB or Uber, complete with search filters to fit each unique situation and reviews to guide users to the best option. Evan also discusses how the data gathered through the app can help in other areas and his future goals for Truck Parking Club.

For more on Truck Parking Club, download the app on Apple or Android, and visit www.truckparkingclub.com.

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Thousands of containers, and thus chassis and trucks, move across the country every day. And while an ideal world would have everything going perfectly each time, wear and tear happens, meaning there's an ongoing need for repairs and maintenance. On this episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, we discuss a (sort of) new nationwide solution - RapidLink Repairs - with RapidLink and DCLI VP of Sales Rob Finch.

Rob explains how RapidLink was borne from DCLI's already robust maintenance network now expanding to customers using other chassis. He tells us the wide variety of trailer and chassis (and beyond) repairs that can happen roadside or by appointment across the country, with an average three-hour call-to-roll time. We also go over the general state of chassis in the U.S., RapidLink's transparent pricing, the need for a national service such as this, and how to become a customer.

For more information on RapidLink, visit www.rapidlinkrepairs.com.

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RFID technology has been around for quite some time, but Eric Biel, Powercast's Director of Strategic Partnerships, shares how his company is elevating its use in freight, especially for temperature-monitoring and warehouse applications.

Eric discusses how both custom-designed and adapted RFID tags, known as RAIN RFID, provide detailed, real-time data on temperature, humidity, and more for products like food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals that need a stable cold chain.

He highlights how these compact sensors can accompany shipments and store significant data, whether they are powered or not, all with a simple scan. Eric also explains how powered tags with LED indicators simplify locating products in warehouses and distribution centers, and with this power, the scanner's range to detect a tag is extended.

Further, he describes how Powercast has innovated technology to power these tags without batteries, using ambient electricity to wirelessly charge them—a technology that has also been applied to TV remotes and other devices.

Discover more about Powercast at www.powercastco.com.

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Quite a bit of the food Americans eat is grown on foreign soil, so it only gets here because of food importers. On the latest episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, guest Bob Bauer, President of the Association of Food Industries (AFI), discusses the food import process, some examples of products that the U.S. doesn't (and can't) produce on a large scale like nuts and olive oil, and the challenges importers face with evolving tariff policies. On the tariff issue, he explains what importers are doing to prepare and respond - and what they're not doing just yet.

Bob also tells us about AFI, its advocacy on behalf of its members, food standards it has helped enact (and why they're important) and its role in legislation like the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011. He goes over the steps a typical product takes to get to the U.S., how importers bear the risk and responsibility, and what freight modes are most common.

We also discuss AFI's upcoming Annual Convention, set for April 24-26 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which will feature more discussion on tariffs, the economy and the role of AI in the food industry. Learn more about AFI and the Convention at www.afius.org.

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Choosing freight rail offers a wide array of benefits - but they're benefits many need reminders of. That's where GoRail comes in. To discuss more about what GoRail does, its now more than 20-year history and the evolution of the industry, State Director Brett Sebastian and AVP for Communications Betsy Cantwell join The Intermodal Logistics Podcast.

Betsy and Brett talk about GoRail's origins, its role at the Federal, state and local government levels - and why each is important - and the Rail Advocate and Rail Champion programs. Plus, they go over some of GoRail's legislative priorities, including the safe crossing grant program, the highway trust fund, and the 2026 reauthorization of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). We also highlight the GoRail Twenty report (including some key rail stats) and cross-border issues now arising.

For more on GoRail, including reports, the Rail Grant Hub and state-by-state info, visit www.gorail.org.

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As the first quarter of 2025 nears an end, check in on the state of freight as it stands now, as it compares to 2024, and as it relates to the future of the market.

InTek CEO Rick Lagore answers 5 questions (plus a few follow-ups) to offer a measure of the logistics landscape - discussing predictions of recovery made just a few months ago that already feel deferred, spot rates and volumes relating to intermodal, how the new administration is affecting freight, interest rates and inflation, and when we may see a freight recovery (with a couple of potential scenarios).

Compare this episode to our 2023 predictions https://youtu.be/hyOhnrqjx3k?si=kYNpq5eZrXU26njw and 2024 https://youtu.be/0fLRC-Wn3H0?si=WlRxwWtF4gGxH3Z3, and you may find things haven't changed as much as hoped for the market.

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Freight moves domestically and across borders every day using various combinations of road, rail, ship, etcetera, but one thing all that freight - and all the providers who have a stake in it - have in common is insurance. On the latest episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, guest Mark Vickers, EVP of International Logistics for Reliance Partners, discusses cargo insurance - including what it is, why it's needed, why coverage depends on the situation and how it's influenced by outside factors.

He particularly spotlights Borderless Coverage, a product he initially came up with to cover valuable freight beyond the U.S. borders and into Mexico and Canada - all with one policy. Mark tells us about the security issues facing cross-border freight and the prior lack of coverage options. He also talks about over the top coverage options for specific scenarios like high value freight or cargo normally not shipped by a particular provider. And he explains why strong insurance can be a differentiator in winning business, even if it means a freight provider's bid is a bit higher.

We also discuss potential tariff impacts on the industry as well as inflation - which not only impacts everyone's bottom line but also makes a difference as to the type of cargo thieves target.

Learn more about Reliance Partners at https://reliancepartners.com/ and look up Mark on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-vickers-a90a6710/ for more from him. Plus, find out about the upcoming 8th Annual Modernization of Cross Border Trade event in Texas here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-modernization-of-cross-border-trade-tickets-1112890809369?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at podcast@inteklogistics.com. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.