Building Ethical Leaders in Freight: Inside TIA's Freight Leadership Lab

"If you don't figure out a way to treat your carriers ethically and help them make money, you're not going to have them." - Michael Riccio, former TIA Chairman and founder of More Than Miles Consulting

In this episode, Kelly Barner is joined by two leaders from the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA): Michael Riccio, former TIA Chairman and founder of More Than Miles Consulting, and David Abell, CEO of AM Transport Services and a TIA Board Member.

Together, they explore the newly launched Freight Leadership Lab, a program designed to elevate leadership, ethics, and professionalism across the freight brokerage industry. From personal career journeys to the realities of ethical decision-making under pressure, this conversation offers both practical insights and a compelling vision for the future of freight.

Listen in to hear Mike, David, and Kelly discuss:

• How the TIA's new Freight Leadership Lab is developing the next generation of freight brokerage leaders
• The importance of ethics in freight brokerage, including how leaders can navigate gray-area decisions under time pressure
• Practical insights into the role of culture, values, and "extreme ownership" in building stronger teams and better decision-making habits
• A broader perspective on the future of freight brokerage, including why investing in people and relationships is key to raising professional standards across the industry

This conversation goes beyond freight—it's about leadership under pressure, ethical decision-making, and building sustainable businesses. Whether you're in logistics, procurement, or any fast-moving industry, the lessons here are broadly applicable.

Links:

• Mike Riccio on LinkedIn
• David Abell on LinkedIn
• TIA's Freight Leadership Lab
• Kelly Barner on LinkedIn
• Art of Supply LinkedIn newsletter
• Art of Supply on AOP
• Subscribe to the Art of Procurement Newsletter