Wrapping up! Connections 2025 day three recap
Authored by SMC³ on July 10, 2025
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 freight environment
Kicking off the morning was a panel titled “Evolving Shipper Strategies for a Dynamic Landscape,” moderated by George Lauriat of the American Journal of Transportation. Panelists Jared Vogt of Panasonic and Payton Sands of Dollar General discussed how their organizations are adapting to a shifting freight environment—including the imminent NMFC (National Motor Freight Classification) reclassifications.
For Panasonic, preparation meant enhancing master data and investing in dimensionalizing technology. For Dollar General, the priority was aligning with vendors and carriers to forecast financial impacts and determine whether to shift freight modes. Both emphasized the importance of being proactive, with Vogt noting that collaboration with carriers can yield benefits such as lower shipping costs for optimized SKUs.
On the question of AI displacing traditional TMS’, both panelists leaned toward integration rather than replacement.
“To me, a TMS is a data warehouse cost that tenders,” Sands said. “And AI has the ability with predictive analytics to make you more proactive instead of reactive.”
Vogt added that Panasonic has already seen early wins with Microsoft Copilot, which helps teams triage large volumes of email and surface action items faster.
Still, both speakers emphasized that AI’s effectiveness depends on data quality and process clarity.
“We’re still in that testing phase to determine what type of AI we want to use that will provide us with operational efficiency and productivity,” said Sands.
Empowerment, not replacement
The mid-morning panel, “Unleashing the Future: Transformation, Resilience, Thrive”, looked at how logistics firms are preparing their people, not just their systems, for a rapidly changing world. Panelists included Mark Gordon of Jarrett Companies, Jameson Goforth of ITS Logistics, and Jonathan Drouin of Wex Group.
Much of the conversation centered on the need to frame AI as a tool for human empowerment, not labor replacement.
“I think one of the key things that we can do as leaders is to understand and frame the coming AI disruption properly,” said Gordon.
Goforth underscored that message with a reminder: “We’re not really looking for job displacement. We’re looking for AI that supercharges our teams. Our mission statement, our ‘why’, is empowering futures through the relentless pursuit of excellence. That’s not about empowering AI chatbot futures—that’s about our people.”
He highlighted examples where AI has the potential to resolve simple tasks—like resolving carrier onboarding contracts—that currently get delayed for lack of bandwidth.
Drouin emphasized the importance of transparency: “Open communication is key. It’s about being very open about what AI can do and what it can’t do, at least for today.”
Although much of the conference focused on the exponential pace of AI innovation, panelists also emphasized continuity. Asked whether new tech makes older platforms obsolete, panelists pushed back.
“We just want to supercharge those tools. We’re not looking to eliminate them,” said Goforth.
NMFC changes: a mixed bag
With major changes to the NMFC classification system going into effect, speakers addressed both the challenges and opportunities this shift presents. For longtime density-class shippers, the transition will likely be smooth. But for shippers moving product under static classifications—such as alcohol at class 125—the switch to a 13-tier density scale represents a seismic shift.
“The cost inputs for the carrier don’t change at all,” said Goforth. “It’s the exact same shipment going from the exact same place to the exact same place. But now we’re bringing in 40% less revenue.”
Final reflections and predictions
The conference concluded with a media panel offering reflections and predictions from across the week. Cathy Roberson of the Journal of Commerce noted that “transformation is happening fast—faster than people realize. If you’re not on that train, you may not be able to catch up.”
Victoria Kickham of DC Velocity echoed the centrality of AI to the conference’s themes, but also highlighted practical concerns like data security, accuracy, and ethical use.
George Lauriat emphasized preparation and flexibility: “Shippers were better prepared for this year’s disruption than I expected. They can’t predict what’s coming, but they’ve got playbooks ready.”
He also pointed to the continued complexity of sourcing and international trade.
“The China story isn’t going away,” he said. “There’s no clean decoupling.”