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?”

In the first session of SMC³’s LTL 204 Online Education Hybrid Series, “Outside the Washington Beltway,” industry veterans Randy Mullett and Mike Kelley dug into how laws and regulations actually land on the dock. Moderated by Joe Tillman, with co-moderator Karl B. Manrodt, Ph.D., CTL, the conversation remained practical- focusing on outcomes, local engagement, and […]

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, […]

If you’re new to the world of less-than-truckload (LTL), it can feel like pricing is a mysterious alchemy—half data science, half wizardry. I’ve been there. Early in my career, I knew my products and customers, but the rules behind what made freight cost what it did? That was a black box. To kickoff Summer LTL Hybrid series focused on SMC³’s LTL 203 Freight Pricing course, Kevin, Karl, and I broke that box open. Here are three insights that will help any early-career logistics professional gain confidence and clarity in navigating LTL pricing.

One-click orders and doorstep convenience have caused a new problem for logistics. It’s no longer only about getting things to consumers, but it’s also about getting them back.

In a policy climate defined by political whiplash, the trucking industry is carving a quieter, steadier path toward sustainability—often without credit, and increasingly without clear regulatory guidance.