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.
Jun - 2023 -
20 June
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: It has been decided

In this edition: The FMCSA has issued final guidance on the broker and agent divide and there are big doings in the West Coast labor talks.

Read More »
13 June
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Get the league minimum   

In this edition: Comparing freight broker commission rates; Stopping corn at the border; and some C-suite shuffling. 

Read More »
06 June
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: This is fine, everything is fine  

In this edition: West Coast labor union talks get ramped up a notch; Canada goes head-to-head with Mexico; and C.H. Robinson finds a new CEO. 

Read More »
May - 2023 -
30 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Stop! It’s Brake Safety Day recap time

In this edition: Brake Safety Day results released; noncompetes return to the limelight; and Nikola has to get creative.

Read More »
23 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Influencers save the Stanley tumbler

In this edition: How influencers need a 3PL; noncompetes come for the C-suite; and the first installment of double broker red flags.

Read More »
16 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: That lemonade stand looks rough

In this edition: Earnings season highlights, the rise in flatbed demand and Roadcheck starts Wednesday.

Read More »
09 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Don’t catch a violation

In this edition: International Roadcheck is around the corner — prepare now; quiet quitting won’t die; and Alaska is the new frontier.

Read More »
02 May
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: The youths are taking over 

Inside this edition: Gen Zers enter the workforce knowing their worth and not settling for less, Mexico continues to boom, and California comes up with another rule about trucks.

Read More »
Apr - 2023 -
25 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: All in favor of the broker

Inside this edition: Appeals court rules in favor of Landstar

Read More »
18 April
Mary O'Connell

Check Call: Gearing up for Earth Day 

Inside this edition: It’s never too late to adopt sustainable choices; head on to the blue markets; and the battle rages on for TravelCenters of America.

Read More »
Loading Posts