Today I’m joined by Lynxis, a transportation solutions provider that is on a mission to drive transformation in landside logistics.
Lynxis provides leading-edge solutions that enable owners and operators of cargo terminals to transform infrastructure, equipment, technology, and labor workforce silos into one highly orchestrated model.
Today, Allen Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at Lynxis, joins me to talk all about the problems he’s seeing in the industry, and what Lynxis is building to help solve them. From AI to data analytics, he’ll be sharing his perspective on the biggest industry buzzwords right now, and where they fit into the intermodal and rail big picture. We’ll be reflecting on what we can expect from the intermodal sector in 2025. And Allen will be sharing all the hot takes and insider secrets he’s seen and heard, live from Manifest.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
[04.20] An introduction to Allen, and Lynxis.
[04.53] The biggest conversations on the show floor at Manifest.
“Agentic AI is the new buzzword – it’s the new blockchain! There’s a lot of hype, but there’s also a lot of hope.”
[06.29] The biggest problems in the intermodal industry right now.
“Visibility is still key, because there’s so much complexity when all of this data comes together. We’re not certain who’s right and who’s wrong, there’s no system of record as this cargo moves inland and then back through the flow.”
“A lot of the technology projects we’ve seen have been focused on an insular basis, intra-company process improvement versus: how do we make this entire supply chain more efficient and effective for the shippers and carriers that move it?… We’re trying to take costs out of our own internal operations, but we’re not looking at the big picture on what makes everything more seamless.”
[10.24] What Lynxis is building to help solve the industry’s biggest challenges.
“We’re a custodian of technology for our customers… And we add the infrastructure to support it.”
[11.59] AI and how it’s being talked about, and utilized, across the industry.
“Everybody wants to use the AI buzzword, when what they’re using isn’t actually AI.”
[16.11] Why process automation, not robotic automation, needs to be at the top of the priority list for landside logistics facilities.
“Most container operations we see really can leverage more of the process automation.”
[18.28] The importance of data and analytics in driving operational performance and competitive advantage.
“You either have to invest in-house, or have a good partner to help you mine the data that’s critical to your business operation. The thing that differentiates you, and enables your core competencies, is a firm grasp on data.”
[22.25] Why AI isn’t an easy fix for scheduling, and why organizations need to pay more attention to improved orchestration.
“It’s nothing that AI needs to solve, or even can solve right now, because there’s not even the connectivity between all the players.”
“When you say automation and scheduling, we hear ‘orchestration.’”
[24.46] How improved planning and orchestration can help shippers eliminate excess inventory and reduce costs.
[26.17] From talent shortages to managing infrastructure, the biggest obstacles standing in the way of improved intermodal efficiency.
[32.02] The importance of case studies and why Allen wants to talk about proven results, not just hype.
“What does success look like in one, two and five years? Because we want to be your long-term partner.”
“Yes, we love the big marine terminals and rail operators, but if we don’t have better integration of these landside depots and DC’s, we’re missing the point. Because it’s a chain, and the weakest link is going to determine how efficient that chain is.”
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:
Head over to Lynxis’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Lynxis and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Allen on LinkedIn.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Lynxis, tune into 424: Orchestrate and Optimize Your Terminal Operations, with Lynxis or 448: Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Technology, with Buckeye Mountain.
Check out our other podcasts HERE.
