At first, it seemed like a massive winter storm might derail SMC3’s Jump Start 2026. But, undeterred, hundreds of attendees, navigating flight delays and cancellations, arrived January 26 at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly hotel, ready to talk LTL. 

If you’ve been in supply chain for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed how many people have an alphabet soup of letters after their names: CLTL, CSCP, CPIM, CLTD, CSSBB, and more. Certifications are everywhere. But here’s the thing: not all of them make a real difference.
There are over a million credentials out there in the U.S. alone, yet research shows only about 12%* lead to meaningful pay increases. That means most professionals are spending time and money on credentials that don’t move the needle. The real question isn’t “Should I get certified?” it’s “Which certification is actually worth it?”

We recently spoke with Gina Gregory, the Director of Data Services at SMC³. With a keen eye for innovation and a deep understanding of data management, Gina oversees some of the crucial processes that power our products and services with precision and integrity! With their managing of complex datasets ensuring the accuracy of information across our platforms, the Data Services department plays a vital role in driving our organization’s success. Join us as we delve into an insightful conversation, exploring the strategies, challenges, and future visions that help define our data-driven approach.

Recently, I had the privilege to chat with SMC³’s graphic/UI designer Rachel Turpin, to talk about all things Rachel – her role, her inspiration and the importance of her design work that our customers see every day!

In the first of four new SMC3 LTL Hybrid Sessions, industry veterans revealed how they charted a path to career success in the less-than-truckload (LTL) market. Joe Kniple, senior vice president of revenue and pricing at Worldwide Express, and Erica Brigance, vice president of data science at ArcBest Technology, provided best practices for others looking to break into the LTL industry and/or advance through the ranks.

The sheer amount of industry knowledge being passed around at Jump Start 2024 has been astounding to behold. From evergreen tips on leadership to concrete strategies for managing volatility, our attendees are leaving with a fuller picture of where the logistics industry stands. On the third and final day, it’s natural to ask: What’s next?