![]() |
The Logistics of LogisticsAuthor: Joe Lynch: Transportation, Logistics Podcaster
The Logistics of Logistics is a podcast hosted by industry expert Joe Lynch. Joe interviews founders, executives, and innovators who are shaping the future of logistics and supply chain. Topics include transportation, logistics, warehousing, technology, supply chain, and ecommerce. The Logistics of Logistics audience expects an inside perspective of what's next in logistics and supply chain delivered via podcasts, videos, and articles. Topics include: Transportation Topics Small package, Small parcel, Air Cargo, Ocean Shipping, Ocean freight, Bulk carriers, Cargo ships, Container ships, Tankers (ocean tankers), Refrigerated ships (reefers), Roll-on/roll-off ships, Multi-purpose ship, General cargo ship, Break bulk cargo, General cargo, Less Than Truckload, LTL, Tractor, Trailers, Tractor-trailers, 48-foot trailer, 53-foot trailer, Truck lift-gate, Truck terminals, Truckload (TL), Full Truckload (FTL), Freight, Palleted freight, Pallets, Fleet acquisition, Equipment, Drivers, Truck Drivers, Driver leasing, Driver training, Driver safety, Hours of Service (HOS), Electronic Logging Device (ELD), Driver outsourcing, Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC) Carrier contract, Spot rates, Contract rates, Pickup and delivery, Carrier Instructions, Freight characteristics, Dock management, Intermodal, Containerization, Containers, Final mile, Last mile, Rail transportation Warehousing Topics Warehouse storage, manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, transport businesses, customs, Pick and Pack, Sub-assembly, Site Location, Distribution Center Management, Inbound shipping, Outbound shipping, Receiving, Putaway, Put-away, Order processing, Replenishment, Pulling, Restocking, Picking, Validation, Sorting, Distribution Center Management System (DCMS), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), Supply, Demand, Inventory, Inventory Management, Cross-docking, Cross-dock, Ecommerce fulfillment, Fulfillment, Packaging Logistics Topics 3rd party logistics, 3PL, 4th party logistics, 4PL, Just- Language: en Genres: Business News, News, Tech News Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Techis Transforming Trucking with Rishi Mehra
Thursday, 8 January, 2026
In "Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking", Joe Lynch and Rishi Mehra, VP, Product and Engineering at Trimble, discuss how integrated mapping technology optimizes routes, ensures driver safety, and drives profitability through a connected data ecosystem. Rishi Mehra As VP, Product and Engineering, Rishi Mehra is primarily responsible for overseeing the company's technology, products and engineering in North America. Mehra has been with Trimble since 2014, and previously served as a senior product manager and director of web products for ALK Technologies (now a part of the Trimble family). In that role, he led the product management and go-to-market activity for all web solutions globally and helped establish the commercial transportation-focused web digital platform within the organization. About Trimble Transportation Trimble Transportation provides fleets with solutions to create a fully integrated supply chain. With an intelligent ecosystem of products and services, Trimble Transportation enables customers to embrace the rapid technological evolution of the industry and connect all aspects of transportation and logistics — trucks, drivers, back office, freight and assets. Trimble Transportation delivers an open, scalable platform to help customers make more informed decisions and maximize performance, visibility and safety. Key Takeaways: Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking In "Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking", Joe Lynch and Rishi Mehra, VP, Product and Engineering at Trimble, discuss how integrated mapping technology optimizes routes, ensures driver safety, and drives profitability through a connected data ecosystem. The Power of a Connected Ecosystem: Trimble is more than a mapping company; it is a platform that connects shippers, brokers, carriers, and drivers. Rishi emphasizes that they don't have to provide every single solution themselves. Instead, they prioritize an open, scalable platform that allows partners (even competitors) to integrate, ensuring the customer has a seamless flow of data across their entire tech stack. Mapping as a Profitability Tool: Mapping technology is now a primary driver of ROI. By using tools like PC*Miler, carriers can plan the most cost-effective routes by factoring in state-specific fuel prices, tolls, and equipment-specific restrictions. Rishi notes that in a tight economy with low operating ratios, these "small" routing efficiencies are often the difference between a carrier being profitable or losing money. Preventing "Nuclear Verdicts" Through Safety Tech: Safety isn't just about avoiding accidents; it's about protecting the company from existential legal threats. Trimble's CoPilot Navigation prevents bridge hits (a major source of liability) by using precise commercial vehicle data. By investing a few dollars a month in truck-safe routing, fleets avoid the "nuclear verdicts" that have historically bankrupt multi-generational trucking companies. Hyper-Local Weather and Traffic Intelligence: General weather alerts are often too broad to be useful. Through a partnership with Weather Optics, Trimble provides a risk index score for specific road segments. This alerts drivers to hydroplaning risks, high winds that could tip empty trailers, and snow accumulation in real-time. This data also flows to dispatchers, allowing them to proactively reroute freight before a driver gets stuck. Solving the "Driver Utilization" Problem: The industry is shifting its focus from a "driver shortage" to a "driver utilization" problem. Trimble uses data analytics to track dwell times and detention at shipper facilities. By providing drivers and dispatchers with predictability regarding how long a stop will take, fleets can better manage Hours of Service (HOS) and ensure drivers aren't wasting their legal driving windows sitting at a dock. Combatting Sophisticated Cargo Theft and Fraud: Cargo theft is becoming increasingly high-tech, involving "spoofing" and "double-brokering." Rishi explains how Trimble uses connectivity to protect assets—for example, disabling fuel cards if the truck's GPS shows it isn't actually at a fuel bay. This level of integration between telematics and financial tools provides a layer of security that manual processes cannot match. The New "Three-Letter" Revolution: AI: The interview marks a transition in the industry's technological evolution. After the eras of GPS, TMS, and ELD, the next major frontier is AI. Trimble is integrating AI into its new TMS to automate mundane tasks, power "autonomous workflows," and provide predictive insights that help the industry move goods "safer, greener, and faster." Learn More About Smart Routes, Safer Stops: How Mapping Tech is Transforming Trucking Rishi Mehra | Linkedin Trimble Transportation | Linkedin Trimble Transportation Trimble's Perspective: The Future of Freight is Connected with Rob Painter The Road Ahead: What Trimble Innovations Mean for Transportation with Jonah McIntire The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube











