In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Shelli Austin, President of InTek Freight and Logistics, Inc.

Join them as they explore:

Shelli Austin is the president of InTek Freight and Logistics, Inc., bringing over 25 years of experience in intermodal and drayage transportation. From her early days auditing freight bills to leading a top logistics company, Shelli has built her career on creativity, problem-solving, and a passion for the transportation industry. She is the Past Chairman and current board member of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) and actively mentors students and young professionals through the IU Kelley School of Business Transportation Board. Shelli’s leadership focuses on integrating sustainability and innovation in freight while fostering industry collaboration.

[00:03:08 - 00:14:07] Shelli shares her unexpected journey from studying theater technology to leading a successful logistics company. Her creative background gave her a unique problem-solving perspective that set her apart in the transportation industry. She discusses how her passion for building and creating new solutions became the foundation of her career in freight. Shelli's story emphasizes that innovation in logistics doesn't just come from technical expertise but also from the willingness to think outside the box and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.

[00:14:07 - 00:19:57] Shelli reveals the story behind founding InTek with her business partner, Rick Lagore. Despite initial skepticism, their complementary strengths, Rick's financial acumen, and Shelli's operational expertise created a strong foundation for growth. This section highlights the importance of trust, collaboration, and finding partners who fill the gaps in your skillset. Shelli also reflects on the early challenges they faced, the importance of mutual respect, and how their different strengths helped navigate the complexities of building a successful logistics company.

[00:23:52 - 00:28:56] Shelli dives into the complexities of intermodal transportation, explaining how integrating trucks, rail, and maritime shipping provides cost-effective, sustainable solutions. She emphasizes that intermodal isn’t just about moving freight—it’s about creating value for customers through expertise and tailored solutions. Shelli breaks down the critical factors that make intermodal shipping efficient, such as understanding the nuances of each transportation mode and optimizing the supply chain to deliver cost savings and environmental benefits.

[00:28:56 - 00:33:54] Shelli discusses the importance of mentorship in the logistics industry, drawing from her own experiences with influential mentors like David Ladd and Rick Lagore. Now, as a leader, she actively mentors young professionals through her work with IANA and the IU Kelley School of Business. Shelli highlights how fostering new talent not only helps individuals grow but also strengthens the entire industry by bringing in fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

[00:36:40 - 00:38:29] Shelli shares her optimistic outlook for the freight industry. She discusses how adaptability, innovation, and sustainability will be crucial for success in the evolving transportation landscape, urging professionals to embrace change and continuously seek new solutions. Shelli highlights emerging trends such as the increasing demand for sustainable logistics solutions and the role of technology in streamlining operations, offering valuable insights for businesses looking to stay ahead in the competitive freight industry.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.