Leadership Views: Steve Rhode, Schneider
More than 40 industry leaders serve on DTI's Board. Following on our successful Transportation Talks webinar series, we feature brief thoughts from a member each month.
Name: Steve Rhode
Position: VP/General Manager, Schneider Finance Inc.
Years with DTI: 15 - Currently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors
DTI Alumnus: Graduated 2012, Cohort 9
Steve has had a busy year leading the Board during the anomaly that was 2020. However, his support has not waivered. "The Transportation Institute at the University of Denver provides tremendous value to the transportation industry," he said. "With strong support from sponsor companies, board members and alumni, the Institute is always looking for ways to enhance that value for our stakeholders."
TWO QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
What is the key market development that will influence Schneider and others like it in 2021?
"This past year has taught consumers and shippers in North America how essential truck drivers and efficient supply chains are. We need to continue to find ways to improve the driver experience and to keep them safe. Mass change is taking place as consumers' buying habits change and evolve. Continued investments in technology to improve efficiency and productivity will be key for winners in the logistics category."
What technology advances are you embracing at Schneider?
"Schneider is constantly investing in new ways to operate more safely and provide shippers with more capacity. In 2020, we launched Schneider FreightPower. This digital marketplace gives shippers access to an expanded, highly flexible capacity network, leveraging the strength of our huge trailer pool and 34,000 carrier relationships. By leveraging the power of the platform, carriers have unprecedented access to the vast network of Schneider's blue-chip shippers through both an online portal and mobile app. The platform uses smart technology to provide carriers load recommendations based on available trucks, lanes posted and pending inbound shipments."
Bonus question: What are your thoughts on driverless trucks and their future in this industry?
"Schneider has always been - and will be - in the lead at understanding the potential of new technology that can change or impact our industry. We are working with other leaders in the development of autonomous technology for the long-haul trucking industry. There will always be a need for well trained and safe professional drivers, but it's important that we play a key role in safely developing and testing this technology to be the most prepared."