To discuss recent changes and the evolution of the industry, in addition to celebrating 17 years in business, Spot co-founders, Andrew Elsener and Andy Schenck, brought together a handful of the company’s most tenured employees for an off-site roundtable at one of their favorite Indianapolis restaurants, Harry & Izzy’s.
With over 130 years of collective logistics experience sitting around the table, the group reminisced about the days of handwritten rate confirmations, manual check calls, and cold McDonald’s meals, and traced the pivotal moments that transformed Spot into one of the nation’s largest logistics providers.
The conversation had a single throughline, whether talking about technology, office space, or new challenges; Spot would not be where it is without its people.
When a shipper meets a complex logistics obstacle, true partnership goes far beyond answering phone calls from behind a desk. It requires rolling up your sleeves, traveling to the source, and taking direct accountability on the warehouse floor.
For Spot’s Senior National Account Director, Chey West, that commitment was put to the test when a key client reached out with a high-stakes challenge involving cross-border glass shipments and strict regulatory enforcement.
The freight market continues to send mixed signals. AI and data center construction are driving demand while manufacturing remains in expansion territory. At the same time, carrier capacity continues to contract, operating costs are rising, and diesel has reached a record high.
Spot rates have eased from recent highs, but remain well above last year. Here’s a look at the forces shaping the market, and what to watch next.
For Randolph James, President of James Transportation, success isn’t just measured in miles; it’s measured in relationships, family, and keeping his word.
After spending 20 years managing eight locations and 120 employees for KFC, James decided it was time for a change. Following a conversation with a friend about the trucking industry, he took a bold leap of faith: he bought his first truck, went to school to get his CDL license, and launched James Transportation out of Connecticut in 2007.
“Never looked back since then,” James said.
Cold calling in a hyper-competitive market isn’t about running through a rigid script—it’s about pattern interrupts, building rapport, and mastering sales conversations under pressure.
In a recent podcast episode, Andrew Elsener, Co-Founder of Spot, sat down with Dr. Stefanie Boyer, a Professor at Bryant University and Co-Founder of RNMKRS, to unpack modern sales strategies and AI-driven training.
Spot has been recognized by FourKites®, a leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation, on its Premier Carrier List for the first half of 2026, identifying carriers and brokers that have shown outstanding tracking performance across all modes of transport globally.
The Premier Carrier List spotlights carriers and brokers who consistently provide exceptional visibility and service quality to their customers. These carriers reduce manual check calls, minimize dwell time, streamline carrier-shipper workflows, and help shippers respond quickly to operational changes and disruptions.
FourKites® operates as a leader in AI-driven supply chain transformation for global enterprises and pioneers of real-time visibility, turning supply chain data into automated action. FourKites®Intelligent Control Tower® breaks down enterprise silos by creating a real-time digital twin of orders, shipments, inventory and assets. This comprehensive view, combined with AI-powered digital workers, enables companies to prevent disruptions, automate routine tasks, and optimize performance across their supply chain.
View The Full List >> https://www.fourkites.com/premier-carriers/
The freight market is sending a clear signal: shippers are paying more to move less, while available capacity continues to contract. Manufacturing demand remains uneven, intermodal is taking share from long-haul truckload, and rising operating costs are putting additional pressure on carriers.
At the same time, regulatory enforcement is removing capacity from the market, while diesel prices have moved back above $5 per gallon.
Here’s what matters now.
When Christian Hyman joined Spot, the company was navigating a period of rapid growth. While rapid expansion is an exciting milestone, it comes with real operational challenges, especially when relying on outdated systems.
“I don’t think the company’s infrastructure was there to support that growth,” Hyman recalls. “In turn, that falls on recruiting.”
To meet the challenge head-on, Hyman helped revamp Spot’s entire talent acquisition strategy. By replacing archaic tools with cutting-edge technology, the team streamlined the hiring process, boosted efficiency, and accelerated velocity, making life easier for recruiters and setting Spot up for scalable success.
In the latest episode of More Than a Broker, Spot Co-Founder, Andrew Elsener, sits down with two of Spot’s industry veterans and Senior National Account Directors, Theo Mascari and Alex Buening, to break down today’s unpredictable freight environment.
Market Update.
In logistics, data is abundant but converting it into actionable foresight is where the real challenge lies. In this episode of More Than a Broker, Spot Co-Founder, Andrew Elsner, spoke with Jonathan Starks, CEO of FTR Transportation Intelligence, to make sense of current market cycles, regulatory headwinds, and what lies ahead for freight capacity.
Here are the key takeaways from their conversation.