Trade, NMFC and AI experts joined Jarrett’s Ask the Experts Lunch & Learn series during October to offer strategies and practical takeaways to help transportation leaders improve supply chain optimization.
Rennie Alston, CEO of The Alston Group and American River Group of Companies, opened the series with an in-depth look at global trade. He explained how shifting trade agreements and tariffs—often announced late Fridays and enacted by Monday—requires weekly monitoring and cross-department coordination.
Key takeaways include:
Alston also cautioned against “tariff stacking,” where overlapping duties can drive up import costs. He advised importers to strengthen compliance through accurate classifications, transparency between teams and tools like duty deferral programs and bonded warehouses.
“Your careers, your work and professional experiences have prepared you for this moment,” Alston said, encouraging organizations to stay proactive and meet regularly to manage risk amid ongoing tariff changes.
Keith Peterson, Vice President of Operations and Adam Mercer, Classification Development Manager from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association shared updates to the freight classification system, including the launch of Class IT Plus—an improved online tool with API connectivity, enhanced search and custom notifications.
Peterson described the rollout of the 2025-1 docket as “just the starting point” of a multi-year reimagination, emphasizing continued collaboration between carriers and shippers. Future updates will be smaller and more targeted, helping users stay current and maintain operational efficiency.
JP Wiggins, CEO of 1LogTech, discussed AI’s influence on reshaping logistics. “Every software company that’s written an if-then-else statement is calling it AI,” he said, underscoring the need to separate true innovation from marketing buzz.
Wiggins highlighted how AI is improving efficiency, forecasting and decision-making and shared his perspective on the future of autonomous trucks, predicting they will eventually surpass human drivers for long-haul freight.
From evolving trade policies to modernized freight systems and AI-driven innovation, the Ask the Experts series underscored one central theme: staying proactive, informed and adaptable is key to building stronger, more resilient supply chains.
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