Kev Talks - REAL World Global Logistics – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins welcome David W. Kearney, President of The Kearney Companies, a New Orleans–based logistics provider with a legacy stretching back generations. With over 30 years in global logistics, David shares both professional insights and personal stories that highlight the blend of tradition, adaptability, and vision that define his career.

The conversation traces David’s journey from early career influences to leading a family-founded logistics business through acquisition, all while maintaining its brand identity and customer-centric approach. He emphasizes the importance of relationships and trust, noting that the strongest client partnerships go far beyond systems and emails—they’re built on problem-solving and human connection.

David also reflects on the future of logistics, from the untapped potential of barge transportation to the role of the next generation, including his own children, who grew up with the Mississippi River and global shipping as part of their daily lives.

Listeners will also enjoy lighter moments, from stories of winning a shotgun at a skeet shoot to recommendations for where to eat in New Orleans, as well as a book recommendation: The Fish That Swallowed the Whale, a story about the rise of the banana trade with lessons that mirror today’s logistics challenges.

Key Takeaways:

1. Legacy and Identity Matter – Even after acquisition, maintaining a company’s brand and culture is vital for long-term trust.

2. Relationships Drive Resilience – The ability to navigate challenges often comes down to personal connections and clear communication.

3. Barge as an Underrated Mode – Environmentally efficient and capable of moving massive volumes, barge transport has untapped potential in supply chains.

4. The Next Generation is Watching – Involving young people early—whether through exposure at conferences or everyday experiences—helps cultivate future leaders in logistics.

5. Culture and Community Count – Food, stories, and shared experiences in places like New Orleans enrich both business and life in the industry.

This conversation highlights why David and The Kearney Companies have become trusted names in logistics—balancing tradition with innovation, and people with process.

The episode is sponsored by The Port of New Orleans. To learn more visit www.portnola.com

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Hans Stig Moller, a seasoned logistics executive with over 30 years of experience leading major transformations in the industry. Hans shares his journey from a trainee at a Danish logistics company to leading Odyssey Logistics, providing valuable lessons in leadership, operational excellence, and strategic growth.

The conversation covers:

·        Leadership Philosophy: Hans emphasizes leading by example, valuing every role within an organization, and cultivating a culture of transparency and accountability. He shares insights on nurturing high-performing teams, developing talent, and fostering curiosity, can-do attitudes, and strong listening skills among leaders.

·        Operational Excellence and Sustainability: Hans discusses how Odyssey Logistics balances efficiency with sustainability, leveraging multimodal transportation solutions and significant IT investments to optimize supply chains while reducing carbon emissions.

·        Technology and Innovation: Hans highlights the critical role of technology in modern logistics, from predictive analytics to AI-driven route optimization. He stresses that companies not investing in IT risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving industry.

·        Acquisitions and Integration: Drawing from Odyssey’s experience acquiring 17 companies over 24 years, Hans offers practical advice on rapid integration, maintaining culture, and aligning teams with corporate values post-acquisition.

·        Sales Operations and Customer Relationships: The episode explores how structured sales operations, proactive customer engagement, and strategic event planning drive results and strengthen long-term relationships with key clients.

·        Advice for Emerging Professionals: Hans encourages young logistics professionals to gain broad exposure across the industry, pursue continuous learning, and actively engage in mentorship programs.

Hans also shares his perspective on the future of logistics, emphasizing that disruption is the new normal and that flexibility, visibility, and technology adoption will define competitive advantage in the coming years.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in logistics, supply chain, or operations looking for practical insights on leadership, transformation, and innovation from a proven industry leader.

Connect with Hans Stig Moller:

·        LinkedIn: Hans Stig Moller

Plan a Sh*t Day by Cath Earl

USA https://www.believe-achieve.org/Get-Book-US

Canada https://www.believe-achieve.org/Get-Book-CA

UK https://www.believe-achieve.org/Get-Book-UK

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Ken Uriu, SVP of Business Development for the Pacific Region at IMC Logistics, to unpack the real-world friction points shaping export logistics, port operations, and drayage strategy in 2025.

With a career spanning NYK Line, the Port of Long Beach, and now IMC, Ken offers a rare 360-degree view of the global supply chain—from rural Idaho accounts to macro-level policy decisions.

🔍 Key Topics:

• Export Friction, Explained:
  Why U.S. exporters struggle with equipment shortages, early return date (ERD) shifts, and a lack of contingency planning.
• Street Turns – Theory vs. Reality:
  The promise of container reuse sounds simple—but terminal tech, chassis fragmentation, and monetized platforms make it maddeningly complex.
• Chassis Control = Service Control:
  Ken outlines the case for private chassis use, especially for specialized moves (like reefers), and calls for less ocean carrier interference.
• Rates vs. Reality:
  The team discusses how outdated pricing structures are crushing drayage providers operating under today’s regulatory and cost pressures.
• Port Politics & Public Engagement:
  Ports are public agencies. Ken explains why logistics professionals need to build relationships with port authorities—before the next disruption hits.
• Tech Isn’t a Silver Bullet:
  Point solutions and walled-off platforms won’t solve systemic issues. Ken calls for collaboration and interoperability, not just more apps.

🧠 Leadership Insights:

• “No job is too small” – why young professionals should get their hands dirty and take regional roles, even in unlikely places.
• “You either win or learn” – the mindset shift required to thrive in an unpredictable industry.

🚛 Competitive Edge:

Ken also shares how IMC Logistics uses its import scale and private chassis control to deliver agile, scalable export solutions, especially in challenged inland markets like California’s Central Valley.

🔥 Final Takeaway:

Export logistics success hinges on flexibility, relationships, and local knowledge. Whether it's a misaligned terminal appointment or a stalled chassis swap, the details matter—and fixing them is what separates vendors from true partners.

🎧 Listen to Episode 40 of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics—available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your logistics fix.

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Barbara Melvin, President and CEO of South Carolina Ports and the first woman to lead a top 10 operating U.S. container port. From harbor deepening to chassis pools, inland rail to cultural change, Barbara offers a powerful, practical look at what it really takes to run a modern, customer-focused port.

 Big Ships, Big Vision

Barbara explains how Charleston became home to the deepest harbor on the East Coast, capable of handling today’s ultra-large container vessels. But it’s not just about water depth, it’s about having the right people, the right infrastructure, and a mindset that balances operational performance with long-term sustainability.

 Expanding Inland, Extending Impact

The episode dives into the success of inland ports in Greer and Dillon, which have redefined how the port connects with customers 200+ miles away. Greer now handles more than 200,000 annual rail lifts, 4x the industry standard of success, while Dillon services key export markets in forest products and agriculture.

These facilities expand reach, relieve port congestion, and create new opportunities for businesses across the Southeast.

 Growth with a Conscience

When asked how SC Ports balances rapid growth with environmental responsibility, Barbara doesn't hesitate: it’s about transparency, community engagement, and collaboration with environmental groups. She points out that ports must be both economic engines and stewards of place.

"A port that operates invisibly in its community is winning. But a port that earns its community’s pride- that’s leading."

 Leadership Lessons from a Trailblazer

Barbara closes the episode with candid and inspiring advice for the next generation of logistics leaders:

1. “Get at the big table”-especially for women in the industry

2. Look beyond your own walls and understand the entire supply chain

3. Learn to take bad news well - otherwise people will stop telling you the truth

4. You either win or you learn - and both outcomes move you forward

"If you become an isolated leader, you're not a leader at all- you’re just filling a desk."

A Container’s Story

In a memorable moment, Barbara shares a real-world example of teamwork and purpose:

During a hurricane recovery effort, one container full of urgently needed goods made it off a vessel, through the terminal, and out the gate just in time to restore power for a family in North Carolina. That kind of compassionate, coordinated effort, across pilots, stevedores, motor carriers, and the port team, is what sets South Carolina Ports apart.

"If you're a container coming through our port, you're not just a box- you're a good that belongs to someone. And we treat it that way."

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Ports are more than infrastructure - they’re culture, strategy, and community.

2. South Carolina Ports leads with clarity, creativity, and commitment.

3. Real leadership looks like empathy, honest communication, and a relentless drive to solve problems.

 Listen now to Episode 39 of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics – available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your logistics fix.

📌 Quote to remember:

“The future of logistics isn’t just about containers and cranes- it’s about courage and creativity.”

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with David Keefauver, a seasoned leader who recently took on the role of Executive Vice President of People for J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

David offers honest insights into transitioning from 30 years in operations to HR, the role empathy plays in leadership, and how humility and a learning mindset helped him navigate a new role at one of the country’s largest logistics providers.

Listeners will appreciate David’s candor about his first few months in the new role and his gratitude for a supportive team. He also reflects on what energizes him most, building cultures where people are valued, appreciated, and empowered to do their best work.

Toward the end of the episode, the conversation turns local as David shares why he and his wife plan to eventually retire in Northwest Arkansas. From world-class mountain biking and SEC sports to surprise archery adventures, David talks about how the region offers a lifestyle that's hard to beat and why it's become a place they’re proud to call home.

On this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Tyler Sellers, founder and CEO of Qualle and DrayRates.ai, to talk about real-world inefficiencies in drayage—and how smart tech and bold execution are finally solving them.

From his early days as an actor (including a cameo with Kevin Costner in McFarland, USA) to leading two of the most forward-thinking logistics platforms in North America, Tyler shares what it takes to turn friction into opportunity in one of the supply chain’s messiest sectors.

 Qualle: A Smarter Way to Reuse Containers

Street turns—reusing an import container for an export load, save time, money, and miles. But they’ve historically been too manual, too messy, and too rare.

Qualle solves that. Launched in 2022, the platform:

1. Connects truckers, carriers, exporters, and importers in one ecosystem

2. Automates container reuse approvals via API with ocean carriers like Maersk and COSCO

3. Helps reduce congestion, improve margins, and streamline asset management

4. Now partners with over 2,000 carriers and integrates with major TMS, YMS, and WMS systems

“The process is complex, but we’re making it simpler, one integration at a time.” - Tyler Sellers

 DrayRates.ai: Real-Time Pricing for an Unpredictable Market

In 2025, Tyler launched DrayRates.ai, a dynamic pricing tool that replaces guesswork with AI-driven clarity.

DrayRates:

1. Delivers instant spot and contract quotes

2. Helps brokers avoid rate farming and preserve trucker goodwill

3. Tracks rate volatility by stitching together live data from ports, terminals, vessel schedules, and more

4. Allows users to see why a rate is changing—not just that it is

“We want to build a real spot market for drayage—something the industry’s never had.” - Tyler Sellers

 Why Drayage is Broken and Worth Fixing

Drayage is full of problems most shippers avoid thinking about:

1. Terminal congestion

2. Chassis pool mismatches

3. Manual quotes that waste time and strain relationships

4. Outdated, static pricing in a volatile market

Tyler breaks down how these inefficiencies hurt productivity and why his platforms are built to address them at scale, with real results.

“If GPA’s turn times go from 41 minutes to 62, your rate should reflect that. We’re giving people the data to justify it.” - Tyler Sellers

 Startup Wisdom from the Trenches

Tyler doesn’t sugarcoat the startup life:

1. Hardest lesson? Patience. Logistics and enterprise software don’t move fast.

2. Most useful mindset? Ride the highs and lows—don’t get stuck in either.

3. Best advice? Just send it. Don’t wait for perfect. Launch, learn, iterate.

“Every failure is a rocket launch. Fire it, learn something, adjust. Just like Elon.” - Tyler Sellers

 The Future: Tech That Plays Nice

Tyler sees an opportunity to open up a historically siloed drayage tech environment. His goal? Make DrayRates accessible anywhere:

1. Inside your TMS? ✅

2. Embedded in your CRM? ✅

3. On your quoting tools or website? ✅

Unlike the truckload space, where tech integrations are common, drayage platforms tend to operate in isolation. Tyler wants to change that.

“We’re ready to partner. Wherever you need DrayRates to live-we’ll meet you there.” - Tyler Sellers

 Connect with Tyler Sellers

Want to learn more about smart drayage solutions?

1. 🌐 Street turns & container reuse: Qualle.co

2. 🌐 Real-time drayage pricing: DrayRates.ai

3. 💬 LinkedIn: DM Tyler- he’s online “30 hours a day” and will respond

 Essential listening for:

BCOs, brokers, truckers, freight forwarders, and anyone ready to modernize the most complex and overlooked part of the intermodal supply chain

In this timely episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Heather Rush, a seasoned customs broker and compliance expert and VP Sales & Marketing from Harry F. Long Inc., to break down the constantly shifting landscape of U.S. tariffs and trade deals.

Recorded on July 9 and released July 10, this conversation focuses on the latest executive order extending key Section 301 tariffs until August 1—a date the White House insists will not move again. Heather shares her expert insight on what this means for importers, exporters, and BCOs trying to navigate classification changes, tariff stacking, and the increased complexity of landed cost calculations.

Topics Covered:

• Which trade deals have been finalized (Vietnam, UK, China) and what’s still in flux

• The real-world impact of tariff stacking, with examples like steel bolts and solar generator kits

• How the expansion from 8 to 16 HTS codes per line item signals deeper complexity

• What BCOs should immediately be doing ahead of the August 1 deadline

• The difference in tariff application between bonded warehouses and Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs)

• Why a strong relationship with your customs broker matters now more than ever

• Practical guidance on filing protests and how to avoid costly missteps in classification

Key Quote from Heather:
“Compliance isn’t just red tape—it’s insurance. And if you think Customs got it wrong, you still have to pay what they assess and go through the proper channels to get it back.”

Connect with Heather:
📧 heather.r@longcustomsbroker.com
📱 LinkedIn: Heather Rush
📍 Harry F. Long Inc.

In this special Independence Day episode, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins welcome veteran Max Moore to discuss the significance of freedom and independence. Max shares his early exposure to serving our country and his history of service, experiences in the Army, and reflections on what Independence Day means to him.

The conversation digs into the differences between freedom and independence, the importance of remembering those who sacrificed for the country, and how these themes resonate in everyday life. The episode concludes with a celebration of the American spirit and the role of logistics in connecting the world.

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins talk with Graham Gibbs, whose career spans from freight operations at J.B. Hunt and Transplace to leading faith-based nonprofit work.

Graham shares how a mission trip to Burundi with Samaritan’s Feet shifted his focus from success to significance, eventually leading him to launch Five Talents Faithful, a nonprofit consultancy helping mission-driven organizations improve operations and expand their impact through better stewardship.

Since 2020, Five Talents Faithful has saved partners $3.2 million and impacted 1.7 million lives.

He also spotlights a major initiative: repurposing overrun and off-spec shoes for global distribution. With a goal of delivering 400,000 pairs in 2025, Graham invites listeners to support the effort by sponsoring a truckload at fivetalentsfaithful.org (look for the “2025 Fundraising Campaign”).

In this special Father’s Day bonus episode of Kev Talks, Kevin Parkerson and co-host Kevin Higgins pause the logistics talk to focus on something even more foundational-fatherhood. Joined by returning guest Aron Kolosik (featured in Episode #20), the trio reflects on how being a dad has shaped their leadership styles, taught them patience, and influenced how they show up, both at work and at home.

Aron shares heartfelt stories about raising two sons and the importance of consistency, intentionality, and simply showing up. He also offers practical advice for younger dads navigating career growth and family life, drawing from his current work with the Unstuck Master Plan, a coaching program helping people lead more meaningful, balanced lives.

If this conversation resonates with you, be sure to check out Episode #20 for more of Aron's story and the work he’s doing to help others get “unstuck.”

Whether you’re managing freight or family schedules, this episode is a reminder that leadership starts at home.

 Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics.