Selling Power’s annual list includes 60 of the most deserving sales companies in the United States. The list comprises companies that have demonstrated the capability and resilience to navigate the complexities of today’s logistics marketplace, including rapidly changing regulations and technology. 

Spot, Inc. Co-Founder Andrew Elsener shared his excitement, stating, “This marks our seventh consecutive year, and it really highlights the fact that our sales team is at the heart of everything we do. Receiving this recognition from Selling Power again is incredibly validating and motivates us to push even harder for bigger and better achievements moving forward.”

Selling Power publisher and founder Gerhard Gschwandtner weighed in on this year’s list; “In the tumultuous business environment of 2025, the 60 Best Companies to Sell For have demonstrated remarkable success and growth by elevating their sales teams to new heights. These companies have invested in comprehensive training programs, cutting-edge tools, and supportive work environments that empower their sales professionals to excel. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, they have set a high standard in the competitive world of sales.”

Selling Power’s research team utilizes a comprehensive proprietary application process where they gather data across five key areas:

• Company Overview
• Compensation and Benefits
• Hiring, Sales Training & Sales Enablement
• Commitment to fostering Diversity and Inclusion
• AI incorporation into improving sales processes and supporting sales teams

More than 200 companies were analyzed in each of the categories above to determine the final list. The methodology is the product of years of research that Selling Power continues to revise and refine each year. The companies included are a mix of sizes ranging from small to enterprise.

You can view the full list of the 60 Best Companies to Sell For in 2025 here.

The post Spot Honored for Sales Excellence on Selling Power 60 Best Companies to Sell For List appeared first on Spot.

In this episode of ‘More Than a Broker’, we had the distinct pleasure of hosting Greg Enas, an individual whose professional journey is as unique as it is inspiring. His story begins in the tumultuous 1960s in Berkeley, California, a childhood shaped by social upheaval and a working-class neighborhood that fostered resilience. From these formative years, Greg embarked on a career path that took several unexpected, yet profoundly impactful, turns, ultimately leading him to a distinguished 30-year tenure at Eli Lilly and Company.

Throughout our conversation, Greg generously shared invaluable insights into the essence of leadership, the relentless pursuit of innovation, and the fascinating, ever-evolving world of pharmaceuticals. His narrative offers a rare glimpse into the strategic thinking and personal dedication required to navigate complex industries and build a lasting legacy.

About Greg Enas

Greg Enas is currently a Venture Catalyst as the founder of Innovatov LLC, where he assists leaders across both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors in creating better enterprises, communities, and environments, allowing the world to be part of something greater than itself.

Greg attended Biola University in California, where he earned a BS in Mathematical Sciences, and later headed to the opposite coast to attend the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Biostatistics.

From 1982 to 2011, Greg served at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, Indiana. He started as a senior statistician and was promoted into management in Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, Decision Sciences, and US Regulatory Affairs. He was responsible for external negotiation with governmental regulators and internal leadership for building capabilities and capacity for growth and impact.

Greg is also the co-founder of Citizen 7, a crowdsourcing organization that brings together men of various backgrounds to unite around different initiatives in the city to heal and grow the good in Indianapolis. Greg was also the founding Board Chair of The Oaks Academy from January 1998 to December 2006.

10 Reasons to Listen

• Inspiring Career Journey: Learn how an unexpected turn from an aspiring doctor to biostatistician led to a remarkable 30-year career at a pharmaceutical giant.
• Inside Look at Eli Lilly’s Evolution: Get a unique perspective on how a major pharmaceutical company transformed from punch cards to pioneering AI in drug development.
• Navigating Corporate Crises: Hear firsthand how Greg and his team tackled major challenges, including the early controversies surrounding Prozac, and helped save the company.
• The True Cost of Drug Development: Gain a deeper appreciation for the immense time, effort, and billions of dollars required to bring life-saving drugs to market.
• Insights into Pharmaceutical Regulation: Understand the complex process of getting drugs approved by health authorities like the FDA and the strategic work involved.
• Redefining Leadership: Discover Greg’s unconventional, yet highly effective, leadership philosophy, including his unique approach to flipping the organizational chart.
• Mentorship Matters: Learn about the profound impact key mentors had on Greg’s professional and personal life, from his math professor to his father.
• Developing Future Leaders: Hear practical advice on how to identify, develop, and empower young talent, even if it means sacrificing short-term gains for long-term success.
• Beyond the Bottom Line: Explore Greg’s perspective on measuring success in management, emphasizing ethics, humility, and a willingness to sacrifice for the collective good.
• Having a Career NorthStar: Be inspired by Greg’s dedication to making a difference, from his corporate career focused on human health to his current role as a community builder in Indianapolis.

Greg Enas’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, mentorship, and a commitment to ethical, servant leadership in driving both personal and organizational success.

More Than a Broker Podcast

The post PODCAST: Berkeley to Biostats: Greg Enas’s Journey of Leadership and Innovation appeared first on Spot.

For Biljana and Legison “Sean” Kidd, owners of BAK Express, LLC, the logistics industry and relationships aren’t just a business—it’s a way of life.

Biljana, whose family has been in trucking for generations in Serbia, shares, “I’ve been in the trucking industry my whole life… It’s kind of like in every single cell of my body.” Though she initially sought a different path, meeting Sean in the U.S. brought her back to her roots.

Sean, seeking a career that was both engaging and active, found his calling in logistics. In 2017, the couple combined their visions and launched BAK Express, LLC.

The “Make It Work” Mindset

Challenges are inevitable, but the Kidds tackle them head-on with an inspiring resolve. Biljana, who mentions she is known for her stubbornness, says, “I don’t see [challenges] because I don’t want to see them. Let’s make it work.” She believes that focusing on being a small company is just looking for excuses.

Sean reinforces this with his mantra, “You got to hustle.” It’s all about mindset.” He adds, “If you can’t walk through the door, you go over the wall… We’re going to figure out how to get in there.” This relentless pursuit of finding solutions defines their success.

Building a Community, Not Just a Company

A key differentiator for BAK Express, LLC is its commitment to people. Biljana prioritizes relationships over rapid growth, stating, “I don’t want to have my drivers just being a number… Everyone is a name and a person to me.”

This ethos is evident in the testimony of Zack Yussuf, a driver who shares how Biljana and Sean offered him a job and a sense of purpose when his previous company faced difficulties. It’s a testament to the supportive, family-like environment they’ve cultivated.

Trust and Transparency

Trust and transparency are non-negotiable for the Kidds. Biljana notes, “It’s very hard to build trust” in this industry, while Sean emphasizes, “we need transparency to make everything be efficient.” This open approach fosters strong, lasting partnerships.

Their philosophy extends to partners like Spot, who Sean credits with supporting them “when we really needed them.”

He believes “relationships are better than money,” as they provide the foundation for success and invaluable support when least expected. Biljana praises Spot for being “reliable” and there “100% [of the] time to answer and help resolve the problem.”

BAK Express, LLC is more than just logistics; it’s a testament to its enduring legacy, unwavering resolve, and profound commitment to human connection.

More Than A Broker

For Carriers

The post BAK Express, LLC: Driven by Relationships and Relentless Spirit appeared first on Spot.

At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry. Market Update.

Canadian Tariffs Surge: A Hidden Shock

While China has dominated the headlines, Canadian imports are bearing the brunt of new tariffs under the current administration:

•Average monthly tariffs in 2024: $34M
•March & April 2025 tariffs: $660M and $675M, a 19.5x increase
•June is expected to surge again due to 50% tariffs on steel/metal

Top affected categories

•Unwrought aluminum: $123.7M
•Auto parts: $67.5M
•Finished vehicles: $52.2M

Operating Costs: Inflation Without Pricing Power

• Stagflation Strains Margins: Carriers face the worst of both worlds, flat volumes and rates paired with rising costs. This stagflationary environment has forced many into cost-deferral decisions that may backfire long term (e.g., delayed maintenance, equipment replacement).

• Insurance a Top Pressure Point: Premiums are skyrocketing due to increased litigation and nuclear verdicts (claims >$10M). Carriers are also contending with cargo theft risks, including sophisticated scams like identity manipulation and double brokering.

Supply & Capacity: A Market in Contraction

• Carrier Exits Hit New High: In April 2025, 7,474 trucking companies exited the market, a 12-month peak and a 26% increase from March. Weekly revocation rates remain elevated, with more than 1,500 carriers losing authority each week.
  
• New Entrants Defy the Trend: Despite exits, new carrier authorities rose 48% month over month in April. Seasonal optimism and the lure of an eventual rate rebound keep new players entering the market, though many may be underestimating the financial headwinds.

Market Update.

spotinc.com

More Than a Broker

The post Logistics Market Update: June 2025 appeared first on Spot.

As mentioned in our previous edition of Chew on This, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) will soon roll out changes to its current classification system. The first docket release includes changes expected to impact approximately 2,000 commodity listings, and this will occur on July 19, 2025.

Its goal is to help simplify the classification system into a more density-based model, rather than a commodity-based one. The current system, known as the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), has been in place for decades and is often regarded as complicated and confusing within the transportation industry.

What factors go into how a commodity gets its freight class?

• Density – a measurement of the amount of space freight takes up and how well packaged it is relative to its size. Density is calculated using pounds per cubic foot.
• Handling – how easily the freight can be handled.
• Stowability – the ease of storing or moving the product in a trailer.
• Liability – measured by several factors such as the likelihood of damage occurring in transit, spoilage, or whether a product is hazardous.

These four items are put together to determine an item’s “transportability.”

What’s changing?

The NMFTA will be updating the density scale from its current 11-tier form to a 13-subdivision scale. The reason for this is that it will allow items to be more accurately rated based on their density. This includes adding classes 50 and 55 to the NMFC density scale, which could help lower rates on more compact and heavier shipments.

The updated scale is below:

• Sub 1 Less than 1 ……………………….. 400
• Sub 2 1 but less than 2 ………………… 300
• Sub 3 2 but less than 4 ………………… 250
• Sub 4 4 but less than 6 ………………… 175
• Sub 5 6 but less than 8 ………………… 125
• Sub 6 8 but less than 10 ………………. 100
• Sub 7 10 but less than 12 …………….. 92.5
• Sub 8 12 but less than 15 …………….. 85
• Sub 9 15 but less than 22.5…………… 70
• Sub 10 22.5 but less than 30…………. 65
• Sub 11 30 but less than 35 …………… 60
• Sub 12 35 but less than 50 …………… 55
• Sub 13 50 or greater ……………………. 50

The consolidation of the first docket release on July 19 will help reduce the number of NMFC items by combining similar commodities into single, more comprehensive items. This will make it easier to find the correct classifications.

There will be an additional docket release in August 2025, featuring additional items for review. Once the second docket is released, there will be time for feedback, review, and eventual implementation later this year.

The NMFTA is also updating its website, ClassIT+, which will offer more options and capabilities to shippers and 3PLs who utilize it for freight classifications. This includes API capabilities that enable integration with a TMS, ERP, or internal system. The new website will be available on July 15, 2025.

Where can I find out if my commodities will be affected?

The first docket listing is available on the NMFTA website, allowing shippers to view the changes being made here.

If you know your NMFC number, the NMFTA offers a free lookup tool where you can enter your NMFC number, and it will inform you whether the commodity is being changed, assigned a new class, or transitioning to the density-based classification. Registration only requires your name and email address. Once you enter your information, you will receive an email with a link that allows you to start checking your items. The free lookup tool can be found here.

What should shippers be doing now?

The best thing shippers can do is work with their service provider and be prepared when the changes roll out in July. Shippers will also want to communicate with their teams if any adjustments need to be made on how they currently classify their freight to prevent issues with reclassifications and unexpected charges. As several items are transitioning to a density-based model, accurately determining each shipment’s dimensions and weight will be crucial.

It’s worth noting this is only the first significant step in what will be a lengthy process in updating the NMFC system. The NMFTA is hosting webinars for the upcoming changes where shippers and 3PLs can ask questions on June 26 and July 10. There are also additional resources on its website, which can be found here.

If you require further information on the NMFC system changes or would like to discuss your shipping solutions, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

The post Chew On This: Upcoming NMFC Changes appeared first on Spot.

In this episode of ‘More Than a Broker’, Spot Co-Founder Andrew Elsener interviews Brian Schutt, an accidental entrepreneur who shares his journey from corporate America to starting a successful HVAC business, Homesense Heating and Cooling, and expanding to other business ventures.

The conversation explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of hiring the right people, and the lessons learned from building a business from scratch. Schutt emphasizes the significance of persistence and the realities of navigating a competitive market. The discussion also touches on the concept of working “on” versus “in” the business and the necessity of embracing constraints as a catalyst for creativity and growth.

The pair also discusses their journeys in building a brand centered on trust and integrity, the challenges of achieving a work-life balance as entrepreneurs, and the evolution of their business models. Elsener and Schutt share valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlight common pitfalls to avoid, and reflect on Schutt’s recent experiences navigating the sale process of his business.

About Brian Schutt

Brian is the Co-Founder of Homesense Heating and Cooling, a Co-Founder at Refinery 46, a Civic Renewal Fellow with the American Enterprise Institute, and a Board Member at Orr Fellowship and the StartedUP Foundation. Brian writes for the Indianapolis Business Journal and serves as the Innovation Advisor for the Wayfinders Impact Studio Cohort.

10 Reasons to Listen

• Elsener and Schutt recount the early days of their businesses, describing how the journey of entrepreneurship often starts unexpectedly.
• Building a business requires persistence and adaptability.
• Hear how hiring the right people is crucial for long-term success.
• Working on the business is as important as working in it.
• Navigating a competitive market requires a unique strategy
• As successful entrepreneurs, Elsener and Schutt explain how crucial the need to test ideas in the market is before going all in
• The importance of building a brand on the foundation of trust
• A brand’s first customer is its team with a focus on their well-being
• Schutt stresses the need for follow-through over time in order to retain employees
• The duo discusses how the sales process can be educational and should be approached with clarity

More Than a Broker Podcast

The post PODCAST: From Startup to Successful Exit: Brian Schutt’s Entrepreneurial Blueprint appeared first on Spot.

Today’s volatile supply chain, with fluctuating costs and complex partnerships, presents a constant struggle for efficiency and profitability. As Spot’s customer Vanguard Safety noted, keeping up with rapid changes in freight management is a significant challenge with direct consequences for your bottom line and customer commitments. TMS.

Watch the full video below to hear directly from Vanguard Safety’s Sr. Director of Operations, Matt Brady, about its journey and the positive impact MySpot has had on its operations.

Finding the Right Solution: A Must-Have in Today’s Landscape

Recognizing the critical need for an effective way to get products to its customers, Vanguard Safety knew it had to move beyond manual processes. The complexity of its operations made the decision to adopt a Transportation Management System (TMS) not just a preference, but a necessity.

Enter MySpot TMS: A Clear Win

Through a dedicated search for a TMS platform that fit its specific needs and budget, Vanguard discovered MySpot. As Brady explained,

“Through our research of the competitors in the landscape out there, MySpot came up as a clear win for us.”

The impact of implementing MySpot has been transformative, touching various aspects of Vanguard’s business:

• Streamlined Booking and Reduced Complexity: Experiencing a smoother booking process with fewer freight claims.
• Empowered Customer Service: With live GPS tracking now available for significantly more freight, customers have greater visibility, leading to fewer support calls and increased satisfaction. Sharing tracking links is now easier than ever.
• Increased Team Efficiency: The reduction in manual processes and customer inquiries has freed up valuable time for the customer service team to focus on other critical tasks.
• Improved Customer Retention and Employee Satisfaction: Providing better service and reducing team workload contributes to happier customers and more satisfied employees.
• Significant Freight Cost Savings: Optimized its transportation processes and gained better control over its shipping expenses.

Confidence Through Comprehensive Information

The power of having all crucial information in one centralized platform like MySpot cannot be overstated. With live API feeds, EDI updates, and GPS tracking readily accessible, our customer highlights the newfound confidence it brings:

“Having all of our information in MySpot and having live API fees and EDI updates and GPS tracking in one space, allows myself, when I’m getting questions, to feel confident in the answers that I’m providing to our customers and to my internal partners, and in turn, it allows my team to feel confident and trusted.”

This trust and confidence ripple outwards, elevating team competency, performance, and ultimately, the trust their customers have in their brand.

Ready to Elevate Your Supply Chain?

Request Demo >>

The post More Than Tracking at Vanguard Safety: See the MySpot TMS Difference appeared first on Spot.

At Spot, we understand the vital role that up-to-date information plays in navigating the dynamic logistics market. Each month, we bring you a comprehensive logistics market update. We dive into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the logistics sector. Join us as we empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in this fast-paced industry. Market Update.

Back-to-School Shipping May Provide Demand Boost

The market could see a short-term lift as retailers ramp up orders ahead of the back-to-school season. The 90-day pause in tariffs between the U.S. and China is encouraging importers, especially small to mid-sized retailers, to move quickly while trade conditions are favorable.

Bookings for U.S.-China freight are already up 50% week-over-week. Experts expect higher volumes to hit West Coast ports by late June, just as the produce season peaks. This will likely increase demand for trucks and trains to move goods inland, putting upward pressure on spot rates. While many carriers have lowered Q2 expectations, this import surge could lead to stronger-than-expected results.

Policy Wildcards

The English Language Proficiency (ELP) mandate could sideline thousands of drivers if strictly enforced, potentially cutting capacity and pushing rates up by 15%, per analysts.

Tariffs Amplify Equipment and Parts Inflation

•Equipment costs are expected to rise by low single-digit percentages, according to Werner, particularly if the 30% U.S. tariff on Chinese imports persists beyond the temporary rollback.

•OEM pricing is fluid, but used truck values remain strong, providing a partial hedge.

Market Update.

spotinc.com

More Than a Broker

The post Logistics Market Update: May 2025 appeared first on Spot.

Crack the Code: Predicting LTL Demand

The trucking industry experiences regular shifts in capacity, demand, and costs, which affect freight brokers, shippers, and carriers—especially when transitioning between Truckload and Less-than-Truckload (LTL) markets.

More Than a Broker

This white paper builds on industry research, providing actionable insights for shippers, including strategies to anticipate shifts in Less-than-truckload demand, optimize rate negotiations, enhance network planning, and improve overall operational efficiency. 

This guide breaks down predictive strategies, explains the impact of critical trucking metrics, and offers recommendations to make decision-making easier. Shippers can use these insights to stay ahead of market changes, cut risks, and save money. 

Read and download our latest white paper to discover best practices to optimize your LTL strategy

Issuu link

The post From Uncertainty to Insight: How Market Indicators Guide LTL Strategy appeared first on Spot.

In this conversation, Peter S. Goodman, the global economic correspondent for The New York Times, discusses his unexpected journey into writing about supply chains, the impact of globalization, and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He explores the concepts of just-in-time and lean inventory, the role of the World Trade Organization, and the future of manufacturing and consumer awareness in a changing global landscape. The discussion also touches on the effects of climate change on global trade, particularly through the lens of the Panama Canal.

Peter S. Goodman explains the complexities of global shipping, the impact of tariffs on American manufacturing, and the emerging role of India in the global supply chain. He highlights the challenges posed by current trade policies and the shift towards nearshoring and onshoring as companies seek to adapt to a changing economic landscape.

The discussion also touches on the interconnectedness of supply chains and the ripple effects of disruptions in one area affecting many others.

About Peter S. Goodman

Peter S. Goodman is the global economic correspondent for The New York Times, based in New York. He appears regularly on The Daily podcast and major broadcast outlets like CBS News, CNN, the BBC, and MSNBC.

He was previously the Executive Global News and Business Editor of the Huffington Post, where he oversaw award-winning investigative, international, business, and technology reporting.

Goodman began his career as a feature writer in Japan before freelancing from Southeast Asia, based first in Manila and then in Jakarta. His first full-time newsroom job was in Alaska as a reporter at the Anchorage Daily News. He has reported from over 40 countries, including stints in conflict zones such as Iraq, Cambodia, Sudan, and East Timor.

Goodman is the author of three books, most recently HOW THE WORLD RAN OUT OF EVERYTHING: Inside the Global Supply Chain (HarperCollins 2024).

10 Reasons to Listen:

• Go Beyond the Surface: Discover how a seasoned journalist jumped into the fascinating world of supply chains, offering a fresh perspective beyond the typical financial focus.
• Understand the COVID-19 Wake-Up Call: Learn critical lessons about the vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic and how they’re reshaping our world.
• Demystify Supply Chain Sectors: Learn more about global “just-in-time” and “lean inventory” and their real-world implications.
• Unravel the Role of the WTO: Gain a deeper understanding of the World Trade Organization’s influence on global commerce and its current challenges.
• Peer into the Future of Manufacturing: Explore potential shifts in manufacturing and how consumer awareness is evolving in response to global changes.
• Climate Change’s Hidden Impact: Understand the surprising ways climate change, illustrated by the Panama Canal, disrupts global trade routes.
• Navigate the Complexities of Global Shipping: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate web of international shipping and its vulnerabilities.
• Decode Tariff Troubles: Learn how tariffs impact American manufacturing and the broader global economic landscape.
• Witness India’s Emerging Power: Understand India’s growing significance and role in the evolving global supply chain.
• Gain Expert Insights from Reporting Done Around the World: Benefit from Peter S. Goodman’s extensive experience as a New York Times global economic correspondent and author, providing informed analysis on today’s critical trade issues.

More Than a Broker Podcast

The post PODCAST: Decoding Global Trade with New York Times Reporter Peter S. Goodman appeared first on Spot.