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.
May - 2024 -
17 May
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Perishable direct-to-consumer fulfillment gets a leg up

In this edition: Direct-to-consumer fulfillment gets a facelift, the Midwest grows in cold storage and vegan pizzas make a splash.

Read More »
14 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Inspections for all

In this edition: International Roadcheck is here, and Mexico comes out a winner again.

Read More »
10 May
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Mother’s Day flower rush

In this edition: The logistics behind the second-biggest day for flowers, new developments in sustainable packaging and the rise of demand for ultracold solutions.

Read More »
07 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Q1 earnings did most carriers no favors

In this edition: First-quarter earnings hit some harder than others, and Cargado had a successful seed round of funding.

Read More »
03 May
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Kansas City thrust into the spotlight again

In this edition: The evolution of the Midwest Mexico Express, Polar Leasing expansion and Walmart develops a new brand.

Read More »
01 May
Mary O'Connell

CVSA International Roadcheck just around the corner

International Roadcheck has two key areas of concern this year. Knowing how to prepare is crucial.

Read More »
Apr - 2024 -
30 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Hope for a ban on noncompetes heads to court

In this edition: The dream that may or may not come true under the FTC’s new rule, and TFI International wants heavier freight.

Read More »
Mary O'Connell

Reducing accidents through driver training

Building a strong driver training program pays dividends in the long run.

Read More »
26 April
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Pyramids and the pharmaceutical supply chain

In this edition: Tower Cold Chain introduces a pyramid, the Port of Savannah gets a new neighbor, and consumer spending negatively impacts Nestle.

Read More »
23 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The broker dry spell

In this edition: Large brokerages take sizable hits, and an unlikely partnership could redeem a fast-fashion company.

Read More »
22 April
19 April
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: A new refrigerant on the scene

In this edition: Honeywell introduces a new type of refrigerant, Arcadia Cold moves to Chicago and pharma stands to get an overhaul.

Read More »
16 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The hope of 2024 dashed

In this edition: 2024 might not end up being the white knight, and the Panama Canal opens up for additional volumes.

Read More »
12 April
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Cold chain solutions for pets

In this edition: Pet food gets a solution, Stord makes an acquisition and Conagra doubles down on frozen food.

Read More »
10 April
Mary O'Connell

Managing insurance costs for growing operations

In an environment where theft is a growing issue, knowing what’s covered is crucial.

Read More »
09 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Baltimore mounts a comeback

In this edition: The aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge destruction, and UPS and the U.S. Postal Service form a partnership.

Read More »
05 April
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: Breaking down cold chain improvements

In this edition: Breaking down warehouse turnover and the demands on cold storage

Read More »
Mar - 2024 -
22 March
Mary O'Connell

Running on Ice: New cold storage and fruit as a package

In this edition: FreezPak chooses a new warehouse location, DP World expands globally and fruit coating as packaging replacement.

Read More »
Loading Posts