Executives talk tech, port drayage and capacity on FreightWaves Today
Port infrastructure and drayage optimization The drayage sector is experiencing a significant shift as coastal ports undergo major infrastructure expansions . Bo Bates, CEO of the Evans Network of Companies, said that optimizing chassis pools and accelerating gate-turn times are critical to maintaining fluid East Coast supply chains. During Monday’s live show of FreightWaves Today , Bates said carriers must leverage predictive container-tracking metrics to prevent costly port demurrage fees before cargo ever hits the terminal floor. Midwest logistics innovations Ari Silkey, chief operating officer at Transportation Equipment Network, discussed how midwestern shippers are restructuring their regional distribution networks. Silkey explained that modern logistics platforms must prioritize real-time asset visibility to combat unpredictable weather patterns and shifting rail schedules. By integrating high-velocity data points directly into route-planning software, carriers can optimize cross-docking operations and maintain reliable service levels throughout the region. Integrating domestic tech Steam Logistics CEO Jason Provonsha highlighted the pressing need for seamless technology integrations between domestic freight brokers and independent owner-operators. He pointed out that manual booking processes are rapidly being replaced by automated, API-driven tendering pipelines. This technological transition not only drives down administrative costs but also allows smaller trucking fleets to instantly access high-quality spot market freight. Collaborative capacity sourcing Fura CEO Jeff D’Angelo outlined the advantages of collaborative capacity networks for mid-sized shippers. D’Angelo said that co-loading and shared freight lane strategies are essential tools for combating the industry’s persistent, volatile margin pressures. By pooling shipment volume across non-competing businesses, shippers can secure reliable contract rates and build stronger, long-term carrier partnerships. Keep up with the latest news on FreightWaves Today FreightWaves Today livestreams weekdays at noon ET at http://tv.freightwaves.com/ . Upcoming FreightWaves Events AI Supply Chain AI Symposium Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain. July 15, 2026 The Old Post • Chicago, IL Register Now FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals. October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026 The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now AI Supply Chain AI Symposium Jul 15 • The Old Post • Chicago, IL Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain. The Old Post • Chicago, IL Register Now FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals. The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now