At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry. Market Update.
Canadian Tariffs Surge: A Hidden Shock
While China has dominated the headlines, Canadian imports are bearing the brunt of new tariffs under the current administration:
•Average monthly tariffs in 2024: $34M
•March & April 2025 tariffs: $660M and $675M, a 19.5x increase
•June is expected to surge again due to 50% tariffs on steel/metal
Top affected categories
•Unwrought aluminum: $123.7M
•Auto parts: $67.5M
•Finished vehicles: $52.2M
Operating Costs: Inflation Without Pricing Power
- Stagflation Strains Margins: Carriers face the worst of both worlds, flat volumes and rates paired with rising costs. This stagflationary environment has forced many into cost-deferral decisions that may backfire long term (e.g., delayed maintenance, equipment replacement).
- Insurance a Top Pressure Point: Premiums are skyrocketing due to increased litigation and nuclear verdicts (claims >$10M). Carriers are also contending with cargo theft risks, including sophisticated scams like identity manipulation and double brokering.
Supply & Capacity: A Market in Contraction
- Carrier Exits Hit New High: In April 2025, 7,474 trucking companies exited the market, a 12-month peak and a 26% increase from March. Weekly revocation rates remain elevated, with more than 1,500 carriers losing authority each week.
- New Entrants Defy the Trend: Despite exits, new carrier authorities rose 48% month over month in April. Seasonal optimism and the lure of an eventual rate rebound keep new players entering the market, though many may be underestimating the financial headwinds.
Market Update.
How Spot & Red Technologies Build Practical, Real-World AI Solutions That Actually Work
Artificial intelligence isn’t new to logistics, but honest conversations about what actually works are. For years, Spot’s wholly-owned subsidiary and technology arm, Red Technologies, has been building and deploying AI in ways that reflect the real-world pace, pressure, and complexity of freight. The work wasn’t linear; it was iterative and deeply collaborative.
What follows is a behind-the-scenes look at how the engineers, data scientists, and operations teams of Red Technologies have adopted AI by doing what logistics has always required: solving the problem directly in front of them, learning from the people closest to the work, and scaling only when the results earn it.
This whitepaper blends two perspectives rarely found in a single narrative:
- The data side: where AI is fueled, shaped, and validated
- The development side: where ideas become actual systems inside Spot’s platform
Together, the two perspectives reveal how the Red Technologies team approaches AI with clarity, humility, and a firm focus on operational value.
Read and download the latest white paper here
When freight stops moving, every shipper knows the ticking clock becomes a countdown to a service failure, a claim, or a lost customer relationship. For high-value, time-sensitive, and perishable goods, reliability isn’t a perk; it’s non-negotiable. That’s where The Spot Experience comes in.
This is the story of how one of Spot’s National Account Directors, Nathan Lanhart, who manages some of Spot’s most critical lanes for key accounts, defines “commitment” not by contracts, but by showing up when everyone else says no.
The 2 AM Litmus Test: The Difference Between Carriers
The scene: 2:00 a.m. on a Saturday. One of Nathan’s drivers, carrying a crucial, perishable, and high-touch load running into Tampa, is stranded at a weigh station. The problem? A flat trailer tire. The truck is tagged “Out of Service.”
For most carriers, this is a textbook problem solved by a single phone call: roadside assistance.
But for Nathan’s customer, the news was grim: roadside estimated a two-and-a-half to three-hour minimum wait, with no guarantee. For a sensitive shipment with a tight delivery window, that delay was already a potential claim. The typical, institutional response was failing.
Solving the Problem (Not Just Escalating It)
The next standard steps for a logistics professional would be to initiate expensive contingency measures:
- Transload: Hire two additional box trucks and movers to manually shift the product. Costly, time-consuming, and risky.
- Repower: Send a fresh tractor to swap out the trailer. Difficult if the disabled truck’s brakes are locked without air.
Nathan chose none of the above. He knew the carrier was close to the receiver—about eight miles. He also knew that the trailer tire wasn’t damaged; it had simply fallen off the bead (the rim seat), leaking air and rendering the vehicle non-compliant.
Instead of escalating the problem up the cost chain, Nathan grabbed his personal truck and drove to the weigh station.
“I was like, ‘Hey, you’re like 15 minutes from me. I’m just going to go get my truck. I’m gonna go meet you out there, see what’s going on.'”
Using his small, on-board air compressor and drawing on old mechanic shop experience, Nathan and his driver spent 20 minutes physically manipulating the massive trailer tire, which can weigh around 100 pounds fighting to get the bead to catch and seal. Finally, they succeeded in reseating the tire and inflating it to get the truck back on the road.
Result: Hours of Delay Averted. Costly Transload Eliminated. Service Maintained.
Building the Network of Trust
Nathan didn’t just save the load; he followed the truck to the receiver. This might seem like over-servicing, but it was a calculated move to reinforce service and open doors for future growth.
At the receiver, he:
- Verified Quality: Ensured the freshly reseated tire remained stable all the way to the dock.
- Introduced Himself: Met the dockworkers and warehouse operations team—the people who actually handle the freight.
- Gained Intelligence: These on-the-ground relationships often provide early intelligence on new lanes or inbound challenges before they are officially communicated to procurement.
Shipper Takeaway: A carrier who invests in on-the-ground relationships—not just with logistics managers, but with warehouse personnel—is gaining valuable, early insights that help you plan better. They put a face with the name on the Bill of Lading.
The Return on Radical Commitment
For shippers, the true value of a partner like Nathan isn’t just in competitive rates, but in the certainty that when an inevitable crisis hits, they won’t default to the easiest or most expensive option.
Customers now automatically entrust Nathan and his team with the hardest, most sensitive freight, often waiving standard bid processes.
The message is clear from his customers: “We’ll send it over to Nathan, and I’m not gonna worry about it.”
The difference between a good carrier and a great one is often the willingness to roll up your sleeves at 2:00 a.m. on a Saturday and do what others won’t. When selecting your next logistics partner, ask yourself who you want to answer the phone when the unexpected happens.
In this episode of More Than a Broker, Spot Co-Founder, Andrew Elsener, sits down with John Gatesman, CEO and Founder of Gatesman, an award-winning ad agency, as the pair compare insights into the logistics and marketing industries.
Gatesman shares his journey from aspiring to be a truck driver at a young age to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of creativity, adaptability, and building strong client relationships in a rapidly changing business landscape.
The conversation also explores the impact of technology and AI on marketing, the importance of hiring for culture, and the lessons each has learned throughout their entrepreneurial journeys.
About John Gatesman
Under John Gatesman’s leadership, Gatesman has grown to become one of the most successful independent agencies in the Northeast, having been named one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies for nine consecutive years. Gatesman has also been recognized as one of the top 100 independent agencies nationwide and as one of the Best Places to Work for eight straight years.
John identified and led the successful acquisitions of digital firm Quest Fore in 2014 and Nobel Communications in 2017, which expanded agency operations into Chicago and the Midwest. His passion and devotion to his clients, along with his relentless pursuit of their success, continue to be the driving force behind Gateman’s agency’s mantra, “Good Enough Sucks.”
John’s leadership has guided and cultivated teams across a diverse array of notable brands, such as UPMC, Northwell Health, Coen Children’s, Del Monte, PPG, Disney, and many more. He began his career with Ross Roy Group after being selected as one of only six people nationally for its Executive Management Training Program. He then moved on to management positions at Ogilvy, Doner, and Ketchum before joining BNY Mellon as Senior Marketing Director and later Brunner as VP of Client Services, ultimately founding Gatesman in 2006.
Reasons to Listen
- Creativity can come from anywhere in a business.
- Starting a business requires a leap of faith and self-belief.
- Anticipating change is crucial for business success.
- Hiring for culture is as important as hiring for skills.
- Entrepreneurship is about responsibility and accountability.
- Building lasting client relationships is key to success.
- The importance of execution in service delivery cannot be overstated.
- Reflecting on past mistakes can guide future decisions.
- The future of marketing lies in embracing technology and AI.
Combating Cargo Theft in Today’s Freight Market
Cargo theft is a growing concern across the supply chain, affecting shippers, carriers, and logistics providers alike. In 2024, reported incidents were up 27% compared to 2023.
In Q2 2025 alone, total estimated losses exceeded $61 million. Today’s thieves aren’t relying on brute force. They are exploiting gaps in processes, digital security, and verification protocols. From impersonation and identity-based deception to credential exploitation, the tactics are more sophisticated than ever. It’s more important than ever for organizations to stay informed and prepared.
In our white paper, From Blind Spots to Best Practices: Combatting Cargo Theft in Today’s Freight Market, we break down the latest theft trends, high-risk commodities, and stages of prevention shippers should adopt. We also share a step-by-step post-theft response plan to help shippers act fast.
If you move freight, you can’t afford to treat security as an afterthought. Learn the red flags, tighten your defenses, and protect your bottom line.
Read and download the latest white paper here
In this episode of ‘More Than a Broker’, we had the distinct pleasure of hosting Greg Enas, an individual whose professional journey is as unique as it is inspiring. His story begins in the tumultuous 1960s in Berkeley, California, a childhood shaped by social upheaval and a working-class neighborhood that fostered resilience. From these formative years, Greg embarked on a career path that took several unexpected, yet profoundly impactful, turns, ultimately leading him to a distinguished 30-year tenure at Eli Lilly and Company.
Throughout our conversation, Greg generously shared invaluable insights into the essence of leadership, the relentless pursuit of innovation, and the fascinating, ever-evolving world of pharmaceuticals. His narrative offers a rare glimpse into the strategic thinking and personal dedication required to navigate complex industries and build a lasting legacy.
About Greg Enas
Greg Enas is currently a Venture Catalyst as the founder of Innovatov LLC, where he assists leaders across both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors in creating better enterprises, communities, and environments, allowing the world to be part of something greater than itself.
Greg attended Biola University in California, where he earned a BS in Mathematical Sciences, and later headed to the opposite coast to attend the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Biostatistics.
From 1982 to 2011, Greg served at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, Indiana. He started as a senior statistician and was promoted into management in Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, Decision Sciences, and US Regulatory Affairs. He was responsible for external negotiation with governmental regulators and internal leadership for building capabilities and capacity for growth and impact.
Greg is also the co-founder of Citizen 7, a crowdsourcing organization that brings together men of various backgrounds to unite around different initiatives in the city to heal and grow the good in Indianapolis. Greg was also the founding Board Chair of The Oaks Academy from January 1998 to December 2006.
10 Reasons to Listen
- Inspiring Career Journey: Learn how an unexpected turn from an aspiring doctor to biostatistician led to a remarkable 30-year career at a pharmaceutical giant.
- Inside Look at Eli Lilly’s Evolution: Get a unique perspective on how a major pharmaceutical company transformed from punch cards to pioneering AI in drug development.
- Navigating Corporate Crises: Hear firsthand how Greg and his team tackled major challenges, including the early controversies surrounding Prozac, and helped save the company.
- The True Cost of Drug Development: Gain a deeper appreciation for the immense time, effort, and billions of dollars required to bring life-saving drugs to market.
- Insights into Pharmaceutical Regulation: Understand the complex process of getting drugs approved by health authorities like the FDA and the strategic work involved.
- Redefining Leadership: Discover Greg’s unconventional, yet highly effective, leadership philosophy, including his unique approach to flipping the organizational chart.
- Mentorship Matters: Learn about the profound impact key mentors had on Greg’s professional and personal life, from his math professor to his father.
- Developing Future Leaders: Hear practical advice on how to identify, develop, and empower young talent, even if it means sacrificing short-term gains for long-term success.
- Beyond the Bottom Line: Explore Greg’s perspective on measuring success in management, emphasizing ethics, humility, and a willingness to sacrifice for the collective good.
- Having a Career NorthStar: Be inspired by Greg’s dedication to making a difference, from his corporate career focused on human health to his current role as a community builder in Indianapolis.
Greg Enas’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, mentorship, and a commitment to ethical, servant leadership in driving both personal and organizational success.
Crack the Code: Predicting LTL Demand
The trucking industry experiences regular shifts in capacity, demand, and costs, which affect freight brokers, shippers, and carriers—especially when transitioning between Truckload and Less-than-Truckload (LTL) markets.
This white paper builds on industry research, providing actionable insights for shippers, including strategies to anticipate shifts in Less-than-truckload demand, optimize rate negotiations, enhance network planning, and improve overall operational efficiency.
This guide breaks down predictive strategies, explains the impact of critical trucking metrics, and offers recommendations to make decision-making easier. Shippers can use these insights to stay ahead of market changes, cut risks, and save money.
Read and download our latest white paper to discover best practices to optimize your LTL strategy
Why Automation is No Longer Optional
In today’s fast-paced logistics environment, shippers are under more pressure than ever to deliver faster, reduce costs, and maintain flexibility in the face of fluctuating demand.
The complexity of modern supply chains—with multiple
transportation modes, vast geographic reach, and increasing customer expectations—make traditional, manual processes unsustainable. Enter logistics automation, a transformative force that is reshaping the way shippers operate by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Automation technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), are becoming indispensable tools for shippers who aim to stay competitive. The key question is no longer if automation should be adopted, but how to strategically implement it to drive the most value.
This white paper provides a definitive toolkit for smarter logistics automation and the impact it can have on your shipping operations.