Optym

That's a wrap for 2024 events. ?? Last week, the Optym team had an incredible experience at the FreightWaves F3: Future of Freight Festival in Chattanooga! From insightful conversations to networking with the brightest minds in logistics and transportation, we’re grateful to have been part of this amazing event. ??? Chris Torrence joined FreightWaves Now with Thomas Wasson and Grace Sharkey ?????? to discuss how AI-driven tools can transform truckload. ?? We connected with industry leaders and innovators at the iconic Venture 53 Trucker Party, where meaningful discussions highlighted the exciting road ahead for the industry. ?? We’re especially thankful for the friends—both new and old—who shared their insights, laughter, and vision for the future of freight It’s moments like these that remind us how valuable it is to not only connect with peers but also share ideas and opportunities that shape the future of freight. Here’s to collaboration, innovation, and an incredible community as we set our sights on 2025 and beyond! ??

I once heard, “Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.” I'd argue no VC firm encapsulates this notion more than Venture 53. Thank you Pat Martin, Daniel White, John G. Larkin, CFA, Amy Mack and Nancy Bojorquez for hosting a lovely dinner followed by another fun-filled Trucker Party during the annual FreightWaves F3 conference in Chattanooga earlier this week. So if you happen to be an investor/LP looking to make a solid bet, or perhaps an earlier stage freight tech startup founder seeking funding, I'd challenge you to find a more knowledgeable, experienced and well-connected VC firm within the logistics and transportation space. And if you still need further proof, just take a look at their portfolio companies, which include Highway, GenLogs, Optym, Navix, Qued and MyCarrier just to name a few.

It was really a pleasure to speak with Chris Torrence at Optym on the Semi-Related podcast about data in trucking

In this episode of Semi-Related, Swan Webb of The Results From Data Initiative dives into how trucking leaders can cut through the noise to focus on what really matters. From ROI-driven decisions to finding value in “unsexy” projects, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for fleets looking to do more with less. Learn how to: ?? Prioritize the right projects in a resource-strapped world. ?? Turn small changes—like fuel efficiency—into big wins. ?? Balance people, processes, and systems for sustainable growth. Tune in for actionable insights that could transform the way you think.

We were thrilled to attend and sponsor understand LTL Live III where Senior Director of Product Management, Kory Harb, shared insights on how data can drive smarter, more effective LTL operations. Big thanks to Curtis Garrett and the Understand LTL team for bringing together such a dynamic group of professionals dedicated to solving LTL’s biggest hurdles.

Optym’s own Chris Torrence and Shaman Ahuja will be on the ground in Freight Alley for FreightWaves F3: Future of Freight Festival. Here’s where you can catch up with them: REPOWR and Friends Event ??? November 18, Barrelhouse Ballroom F3: Future of Freight Festival ??? November 19-21, Chattanooga Convention Center FR8MVMT X Venture 53 Trucker Bar Party ??? November 20, The Boneyard Whether you’re there to talk shop or simply say hello, Chris and Shaman look forward to connecting with you at F3! Mark your calendars and meet us in Chattanooga!

This Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans for their unwavering commitment and service to our nation. Your courage, resilience, and dedication have helped shape our country and inspire us all. In the trucking industry, we’re especially honored to have so many veterans as part of our workforce—at least one in 10 truck drivers have served, which is twice the rate of the general workforce. This speaks to the invaluable skills and commitment that veterans bring to every mile they travel and every role they fulfill. To veterans everywhere and to the companies that honor their service by creating meaningful opportunities: thank you. Today, we proudly celebrate you. Happy #VeteransDay!

Unlike the home delivery model consumers are used to, B2B logistics presents unique challenges. In this episode, James N. breaks down balancing cost, efficiency, and high customer expectations and dives into what makes a real impact in last mile—exploring tech adoption, route planning for perishables, and the delicate balance between efficiency and service quality. ?? Tune into our latest episode of the Semi-Related Podcast to learn about: ?? Strategies for maintaining cold chain integrity across long distances ???? The role of technology and telematics in efficient last-mile delivery ?? Navigating customer demands, delivery windows, and route planning ?? Balancing sustainability initiatives with practical logistics needs Don’t miss James’s insights on optimizing complex logistics operations! Listen to the full episode here: https://hubs.ly/Q02XnTBl0

Optym's headed to the Women In Trucking Association Accelerate! Conference & Expo in our own backyard, Dallas, Texas! We're excited to be a part of over 2000 attendees joining together to support the #WomenInTrucking mission of encouraging the employment of women in the trucking industry, promoting their accomplishments, and minimizing the obstacles faced by women. Be on the lookout for our own Danny Zeenberg, Jacob Eischen, and Daniel Dorminy! #WIT2024

With 72% of companies reporting AI use within at least one job function and 40% pledging to increase their investment, the time to prepare for AI in trucking is now. But where does it begin? And what does it mean for fleets? Our own Danny Zeenberg shares how you can blend the best human elements with technology for a better driver and dispatcher experience to lower turnover and increase profitability.