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?”

For shippers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs), effective communication is central to orchestrating complex supply chains and ensuring reliable shipment lifecycle management. In today’s fast-paced logistics environment, every connection matters: whether you’re managing thousands of shipments or coordinating with a diverse network of carriers and partners, aligning different systems and protocols is essential for success. Whether it’s Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or Application Programming Interface (API) messaging, the goal remains the same: seamless, secure and efficient data exchange.

In the second session of SMC³’s LTL 204 Hybrid Series, “Navigating Change in LTL,” industry analyst Adrian Gonzalez (president of Adelante SCM and founder and host of Talking Logistics) joined moderator Joe Tillman and co-moderator Dr. Karl Manrodt to explore how uncertainty, risk and rapid change are reshaping LTL.

The final day of SMC³’s Connections 2025 conference wrapped up three days’ worth of conversations around LTL, AI, and the evolving pressures reshaping global logistics. From evolving shipper strategies to the ethical use of AI and the implications of NMFC reclassifications, Day 3 offered attendees a mix of boots-on-the-ground insight and forward-thinking predictions. A shifting […]

After a packed opening day of SMC³ Connections, day two grabbed the baton and kept the momentum going with standout leadership talks and expert panels covering everything from supply chain resilience to AI innovation and the evolving dynamics of global trade. As LTL and logistics professionals gathered for another round of revealing discussion and fresh […]

Every year, SMC3 Connections provides an opportunity for LTL and logistics professionals to gather, connect, and share insights that will, inevitably, define the future of the industry. This year is shaping up to be no different. The first day of this year’s conference featured an address from our keynote speaker, Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton, […]