66% of logistics pros say talent quality — not cost — is the #1 factor in choosing a nearshore partner. Rapido's integration model explains why that's the right question to be asking.
Plus, a carrier pleading guilty to mob money laundering while still FMCSA-active, Iran's first post-ceasefire attack and what it means for diesel surcharges, FedEx Freight's first earnings as a standalone company, and more in today's newsletter.
Freight brokers are measuring their inboxes wrong. Most inbound email is monitoring, not work. And the longtail categories that look like noise are costing real margin. Here's how to audit what's actually in your inbox, and why it matters in 2026's margin-first market.
On our latest episode of the FreightCaviar Podcast, we had the opportunity to sit down with Roman Velychko and Max Nikiforets, the Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Critical Brokerage Services (CBS), based in Vancouver, Washington.
On our latest episode of the FreightCaviar Podcast, we had the opportunity to sit down with Roman Velychko and Max Nikiforets, the Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Critical Brokerage Services (CBS), based in Vancouver, Washington. In our discussion, they shed light on Vancouver's role as a hub for the logistics community, emphasized the importance of transparency in their sector, and shared insights on what it takes to open and grow a successful freight brokerage.
Despite their young age, Roman and Max display the savvy of seasoned industry veterans. As children of first-generation immigrants, they view logistics as a prime avenue for success, saying that learning the industry, coupled with hard work, paves the way forward.
However, they also acknowledge the steep learning curve for newcomers, advising against starting as an owner-operator in transportation. They caution that financial loss can be as swift as gain in this business. Owning a business carries significant responsibility – a reality often obscured by social media, where a single poor decision can spell disaster.
A key focus for Roman and Max is the critical importance of transparency and cultivating a sense of safety in business operations. They believe honesty is paramount; any hint of deceit can harm individual and business success. Similarly, trust is equally essential in a business partnership.
Looking ahead, their five-year plan includes establishing their own office while prioritizing employee quality over quantity without compromising their exemplary service. Max points out a common pitfall: losing sight of one's original passion and goals due to being preoccupied with the numbers you see in your bank account.
Their ultimate ambition? To reach the zenith of their potential on their own. Given their current mindset, the success they've already achieved, and their mutual respect, they believe this goal is well within their grasp.
“When I say you’re going to require high levels of authenticity and authentication at the point of entry... that is no longer going to be enough to prevent access. You’re going to need multiple points that all need to match in order to unlock access- that’s where we’re going."
“Hold on, we've got something here where these guys are hungry to grow. We're hungry to grow." So, if we work together, we can help them grow their business."
Thomas Mella breaks down his thoughts on this week's FreightCaviar Podcast.
"We’ve gotten feedback that it saves them days of manual work, and they walk in prepared and being a good partner.”
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