F3 chat: Solving supply chain challenges through data solutions

Loadsmart focused on easing market disruption

Blythe Brumleve, host of FreightWaves’ Cyberly, discusses supply chain optimization with Loadsmart’s Ben Buchanan. (Photo: FreightWaves)

This fireside chat recap is from Day 2 of FreightWaves’ F3 Virtual Experience. F3 runs continues through Thursday and includes keynote speakers, fireside chats, live interviews, product demos and award presentations.

FIRESIDE CHAT TOPIC: Managing risk in an unprecedented market.

DETAILS: Fragmentation in the industry can lead to lack of real-time data, creating headaches like port delays and capacity constraints. Loadsmart is a digital platform integrating shippers and carriers, aiming to create a sustainable supply chain.

SPEAKERS: Ben Buchanan, vice president of account management at Loadsmart, talks with Blythe Brumleve, founder of Digital Dispatch and host of FreightWaves’ Cyberly podcast.

BIO: At Loadsmart, Buchanan leads a team focused on growing relationships with small and midsize shippers. Chicago-based Loadsmart is a digital freight brokerage using data to solve inefficiencies in the freight industry. 

KEY QUOTES FROM BUCHANAN:

“What we’re bringing to the table right now is its rate transparency through our dynamic pricing algorithm.” 

“The biggest thing that we’re focused on is just asking why there’s a lot of disruption happening right now in the industry and in the market. We want to come to the table and think outside the box.”

On solutions to fix global supply chain issues: “Being more open with one another — across the entire industry, from shippers, carriers, other brokers and folks that help us from the data side — just have open and honest conversations.”

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Noi Mahoney

Noi Mahoney is a Texas-based journalist who covers cross-border trade, logistics and supply chains for FreightWaves. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English in 1998. Mahoney has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working for newspapers in Maryland and Texas. Contact nmahoney@freightwaves.com