conferencepodcast
In this 10 Minute Takes episode, FTR COO Jami Sargent sat down with Shelli Austin, President and Co-Founder of InTek Logistics, during the FTR Conference in Indianapolis. Shelli brought both local pride and industry expertise to the conversation, sharing candid thoughts on the intermodal market and where opportunities lie despite ongoing challenges.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
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A cautious 2026 outlook: Shelli doesn’t expect a rebound early in 2026. After a strong July 2025 import push, freight activity has largely leveled out. The first half of 2026 may remain tough, with the year as a whole looking steady but unspectacular.
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Embracing new solutions: While traditional heavy freight is slow, Shelli sees growth in new intermodal routes, pairings, and cross-border opportunities, particularly around transloading.
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Finding positives in the grind: Even in a freight recession, Shelli stresses the importance of finding innovative ways to serve customers and create value.
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Conference contribution: Shelli participated in a panel with Brian Jonitis, offering both a 3PL and international perspective on intermodal trends.
As Shelli summed it up, uncertainty may be the “new normal,” but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for progress. By leaning into new solutions, the intermodal sector can keep moving forward—even when traditional markets slow.
💡 Watch the full episode to hear Shelli’s perspective on the intermodal market, emerging opportunities, and how InTek Logistics is preparing for the road ahead.
Thanks for watching! We’ve really enjoyed these conversations with industry leaders and attendees throughout the conference. To catch all of the 10 Minute Takes podcasts from the event, visit www.ftrintel.com/connection.
