How eCom Shippers Can Leverage Regional Carriers for Superior and Affordable Delivery with Ben Emmrich

Episode Description

For this episode of the eCom Logistics Podcast, we welcome Ben Emmrich, Co-Founder and CEO of Tusk Logistics. Today, he talks about how delivery providers can provide the most value not only for their own service but also for their shippers.

Ben shares his experiences and insights in the small parcel industry and the philosophy behind Tusk. He discusses the importance of carrier diversification and the strategic roles that regional and national carriers have been playing for the last 10 or so years. 

ABOUT BEN

Co-Founder and CEO of Tusk. Ben has spent his career at the overlap of small parcel shipping and ecommerce and led operations and strategic partnerships at Google Shopping and Shippo before building Tusk. 

Having seen the small parcel industry from many angles — as an operator, software provider and start-up — Ben is a firm believer that any small parcel delivery provider’s sole focus should be on making a meaningful, honest impact for its shippers and that volume follows value.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 01:36 Accidental business? The funny story behind Ben’s Dry Ice
• 07:12 How Tusk came about
• 09:49 Are regional carriers transitioning to a different model?
• 13:50 How UPS nailed the strategy of utilizing Amazon
• 20:40 Carrier diversification is the correct way
• 25:58 Addressing fears of not having enough volume as a brand
• 30:32 The strategic roles of national carriers

QUOTES

20:59 Carrier diversification is important but there needs to be adjustments – Ben: “We are too much of a professorial industry. Where experts tell an operator what they should do. Like, ‘hey, you should diversify’, you should-you should, you could-you could, it’s very advice-based.”

27:19 Regional carriers make incredible partners – Ben: “They do right by their shippers and I would encourage every shipper out there to call a regional. The reason being is, because their op is smaller their operation is often more flexible. For example, if you have 25 pieces bound for a regional’s footprint, they might give you a discounted pick-up fee or waive your pick-up fee because they already have trucks on your block. So, why not?”

Find out more about Ben in the links below:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benemmrich/
• Website: https://www.tusklogistics.com/
• Email: ben@tusklogistics.com