Mary O'Connell

Former pricing analyst, supply chain planner, and broker/dispatcher turned creator of the newsletter and podcast Check Call. Which gives insights into the world around 3PLs and Freight brokers. She will talk your ear off about anything and everything if you let her. Expertise in operations, LTL pricing and procurement, flatbed operations, dry van, tracking and tracing, reality tv shows and how to turn a stranger into your new best friend.
Dec - 2024 -
23 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: To everything, there is a returns season

In this edition: Returns season is around the corner and the logistics of Christmas trees.

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20 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: The one with all the trees

In this edition: The logistics behind Christmas trees, changes to import inspections, and the frozen food competition heats up. 

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17 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Rating 2024 supply chain predictions

In this edition: Looking back at the 2023 predictions for 2024, and freight broker tries for the Supreme Court again.

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16 December
Mary O'Connell

Telematics on the rise in trucking insurance underwriting

Telematics is leading the way in efforts to gain control over trucking insurance premiums.

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13 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Getting into the AIM Act 

In this edition: Breaking down the components of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, and big mozzarella comes to the freezer section. 

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10 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The B2B marketing book review edition

In this edition: “The Revenue Engine” gets a once-over, and the East and Gulf Coast port worker strike may rise again.

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09 December
06 December
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Acquisitions and frozen ravioli desserts

In this edition: Two acquisitions hit the cold chain space, and a chocolate ravioli startup makes headway. 

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03 December
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: It’s time for the coolest tree in town to make a scene

In this edition: the logistics behind the Rockefeller Center tree lighting, and consumer predictions for peak season are locked in.

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Mary O'Connell

There’s no substitute for the right cross-border insurance

Insurance varies among countries, so knowing where a policy should be underwritten is key.

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Nov - 2024 -
26 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: A new set of rules for freight brokers

In this edition: breaking down the FMCSA’s proposed rule on broker transparency and changes again at Roadrunner.

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25 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: The Thanksgiving edition

In this edition: Taking a dive into the turkey supply chain, Port of Oakland sees some volumes and Tyson nuggets for Cowboys fans. 

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22 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Drones cozy up to cold warehousing 

In this edition: Gather AI makes big cold moves, Grip expands its footprint, and Nestle expands operations in the South. 

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19 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Q3 data promises more cargo theft issues in the future 

In this edition: Overhaul published Q3 cargo numbers, and layoffs come for the logistics sector.

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15 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Ultra-low temps become ultra-cool 

In this edition: A new ultra-low-temperature freezer drops, Maersk makes a big refrigerant swap, and Uncrustables set quite the future.

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12 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The end of a bad freight market era

In this edition: The end of the freight recession has come, and the U.S./Mexico border gets busier.

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08 November
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Reducing pharma waste with ‘coolers on steroids’

In this edition: A new solution to supply chain waste in pharma, Lineage’s first earnings post-IPO and the NFL’s favorite treat.

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06 November
Mary O'Connell

What is cargo insurance and why does it matter?

Cargo insurance is one of the top expenses for carriers, but what does it really do and why is it so important?

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05 November
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The election special

In this edition: Breaking down the biggest day every four years, and another strike has it feeling like Groundhog Day.

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