Shipping & Freight News

Long-term success in logistics requires a blend of experience, innovation, and adaptability. Jeff Potts, Chief Revenue Officer at AutoScheduler.AI, embodies these traits, with a career spanning decades and a wealth of insights into the evolution of the industry. In a recent episode of the Stay In Your Lane Podcast recorded at the 2024 Food Shippers of America Conference, Jeff shared his journey from the early days of logistics to his current role, offering valuable advice for those navigating the complex terrain of supply chains and transportation.

Jeff’s Career Journey

Jeff’s career began at Michigan State University, where he earned his degree in logistics. His first job catapulted him into the world of third-party logistics (3PL), working for a small family-owned company that later transformed into Total Logistic Control (TLC). Starting out in warehouse management, Jeff witnessed the industry’s shift towards broader logistical solutions, spurred by the emergence of new technologies and methodologies.

As the landscape evolved, Jeff ventured into the realm of technology-driven logistics, co-founding Lean Logistics in 1999. Specializing in innovative Transportation Management System (TMS) solutions, Lean Logistics paved the way for a new era of efficiency and collaboration in freight management. Over the years, Jeff’s career took him through various acquisitions and mergers, ultimately leading him to AutoScheduler.AI in 2022 in his current role as Chief Revenue Officer.

Hear Jeff Pott’s advice for long-term success in the logistics field in the latest episode of the Stay In Your Lane Podcast.

Lessons Learned: Jeff’s Keys to Success

Throughout his career, Jeff has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and insights. Here are some key points of advice he graciously shared with our podcast audience and anyone aspiring to succeed in logistics:

Embrace Change: The logistics industry is in a constant state of flux, driven by technological advancements, market dynamics, and consumer demands. To thrive in this environment, one must embrace change and remain adaptable to evolving trends and challenges.

 Focus on Value: In today’s fast-paced supply chains, efficiency and optimization are paramount. Whether it’s streamlining operations or leveraging technology to drive value, success in logistics often hinges on delivering tangible benefits to customers and stakeholders.

Prioritize Safety and Compliance: With increased scrutiny on food safety and regulatory compliance, logistics professionals must prioritize safety measures and traceability protocols.

“Food safety is paramount for organizations today,” Jeff explains. “Being able to track your lot codes all the way down through the channel to the end consumer is very critical.”

From farm to table, maintaining the integrity of the supply chain is crucial for building trust and mitigating risks

Harness Technology: The transformative power of technology cannot be overstated in modern logistics. Whether it’s advanced TMS solutions or innovative warehouse orchestration platforms like AutoScheduler.AI, leveraging technology can unlock new levels of efficiency, visibility, and collaboration across the supply chain.

“The supply chain has changed a lot over the last 20 years. There’s a lot more complexity today,” says Jeff. “The old way of trying to fake it ‘til you make it just doesn’t work very well in today’s environment. You really need to leverage tools that can solve difficult problems.”

Build Relationships: At its core, logistics is a people-centric industry built on relationships and partnerships. Cultivating strong connections with customers, carriers, and industry peers can open doors to new opportunities and foster long-term success.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Logistics

As Jeff reflects on his journey and the evolution of logistics, he remains optimistic about the future of the industry. With advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, logistics professionals have unprecedented tools at their disposal to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation.

“It kind of gets in your blood. Logistics and supply chains are a challenging area for those who are in it day in and day out,” he says. “But if you enjoy it, you can get a lot of satisfaction out of it as well.”

For companies like AutoScheduler.AI, the focus remains on delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower organizations to optimize their supply chains and unlock hidden efficiencies. By staying agile, innovative, and customer-centric, the path to success for this rising company is paved with endless possibilities.

Jeff Potts’ success in logistics is defined by resilience, adaptability, and innovation. As aspiring professionals navigate this dynamic landscape, they can draw inspiration from Jeff’s example and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead in shaping the future of the supply chain. Stay tuned for more insights from Jeff and other leading industry figures as our coverage from FSA ‘24 continues.