CarrierDirect works with many transportation and logistics companies to develop business strategies. President Joel Clum shares his bullish outlook on the U.S. domestic freight market and on the companies that he thinks are best positioned to take advantage of an improving market.

After spending a decade working with lean processes at Menlo Worldwide Logistics, Jeff Rivera is now leading the lean implementation at Con-way Freight, a major LTL company. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of Con-way's lean journey.

James Welch, CEO of YRC Worldwide, one of the largest LTL carriers, discusses his views on technology, pricing and other issues and challenges facing the industry.

XPO Logistics has grown dramatically, both organically and through acquisitions, including most recently those of Pacer and NLM. CEO Brad Jacobs talks about the integration of these companies and XPO's overall growth strategies.

Tim Voulopos grew up around transportation, majored in logistics and then worked his way up to an executive position at Cardinal Logistics Management. Today there is more technology and fewer drivers, which presents a real challenge, but the basics of trucking really haven't changed, he says.

Finding logistics workers with the right skills is a growing challenge for all companies. One approach that promises to help is a national certification program funded by the Department of Labor and being developed by two universities and nine community colleges.

BNSF will spend $5bn on infrastructure this year, topping its record $4bn investment last year, says Steve Bobb, chief marketing officer. In addition to maintaining and improving service and capacity, BNSF will invest in logistics hubs and other future-focused infrastructure.