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Beyond Transactions: Why 3PL Partnerships Are Critical to Supply Chain Transformation Today
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Logistics doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in the automotive world. Yet a wealth of knowledge is sitting inside 3PLs; companies that don’t just move parts but keep the entire system running.
That’s why she brings in Jeff Kosloski, Vice President of Supply Chain Operations for Automotive, Aerospace, and Industrial at Ryder, to talk about what a modern 3PL really does.
Jeff explains that Ryder handles everything from transportation and warehousing to sequencing, line-side delivery, and industrial engineering support. It’s not just outsourcing; it’s about helping manufacturers design better, leaner supply chains.
He describes how Ryder has invested more than $1.7 billion in automation and AI over the past several years, exploring robotics, data tools, and new tech through its venture fund, Ryder Ventures, to keep up with the rising cost and complexity of manufacturing.
But behind those investments is a simple truth: change is constant. Short-term uncertainty keeps logistics teams on their toes, while automation and AI are the biggest long-term disruptors, Jeff says.
The challenge in automotive is standardization: every part, container, and process looks different, so implementing automation requires more creativity. Ryder’s engineering teams constantly test new robotics and warehouse systems to meet that challenge.
Jim asks how Ryder manages efficiency when the environment keeps shifting. Jeff says flexibility is key. They move with customers as priorities change while focusing on improvement across the supply chain.
That leads to the heart of the episode: collaboration. Jeff says the best partnerships are built on trust and open communication. His ideal scenario? A meeting where you can’t tell who the customer is and who the 3PL is, and everyone is rowing in the same direction.
On the subject of AI, Jeff is clear: it’s no longer hype. Ryder uses it to forecast problems, improve routing, and make faster decisions. But people remain central to the work. That’s why Ryder focuses on growing new talent through leadership programs that expose young professionals to every side of logistics while building their technical and people skills.
When asked what skills matter most for the future, Jeff doesn’t hesitate: digital fluency and critical thinking. Leaders need to understand AI tools firsthand and learn how to apply them in real operations. He admits he’s learning it himself because ignoring it isn’t an option anymore.
When asked what advice he’d give to supply chain leaders facing constant disruption, Jeff says the speed of change has never been faster, so don’t chase every new idea or wait for perfection.
Surround yourself with smart people, embrace the unknown, and give your team the freedom to innovate. Mistakes will happen, but staying still is worse.
Themes discussed in this episode:
- The evolving role of 3PLs as strategic partners driving efficiency in automotive supply chains
- How Ryder integrates automation and AI to enhance logistics performance and reduce operational costs
- The challenges of applying automation in automotive logistics where parts and packaging lack standardization
- The power of collaboration and trust between OEMs and 3PLs in achieving long-term supply chain success
- How shared goals and transparent communication strengthen partnerships between manufacturers and logistics providers
- The growing impact of AI and predictive analytics on real-time logistics planning and decision-making
- How Ryder’s leadership development programs prepare the next generation of logistics professionals through hands-on experience
- Why embracing change, learning new technology, and empowering teams are key to staying competitive in a fast-moving supply chain industry
Featured on this episode
Name: Jeff Kosloski
Title: Vice President, Supply Chain Operations - Automotive & Industrial at Ryder Supply Chain Solutions
About: Jeff is the Vice President of Supply Chain Operations at Ryder Supply Chain Solutions, where he oversees North American logistics operations across the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors. With more than 30 years of experience at Ryder, Jeff has built deep expertise in global logistics planning, industrial engineering, procurement, and transportation management. His career includes leading complex customer implementations, standardizing business processes across regions, and developing tailored solutions for automotive supply chains.
Connect: LinkedIn
Mentioned in this episode:
Episode Highlights:
[04:07] Beyond Trucks and Warehouses: Jeff breaks down what a 3PL really does, revealing how Ryder’s work goes far beyond moving freight — from managing transportation networks to supporting manufacturing and improving supply chain efficiency.
[05:21] Automation in Motion: Jeff shares how automation and AI are transforming logistics, explaining how Ryder is investing over $1.7 billion in robotics and technology to meet customer demands and stay ahead of rising industry complexity.
[08:17] Flexibility Is the Strategy: In a world of constant change, Ryder keeps supply chains moving by staying agile, adjusting plans as customer needs shift, and finding new ways to drive improvement even when the market is unpredictable.
[09:30] Riding the Tariff Waves: When tariffs trigger sudden demand spikes, Ryder tackles them with creative solutions using shared warehouse space, cross-border facilities, and strong partnerships to keep customers ahead of disruption.
[10:43] Collaboration Over Transactions: True partnerships, Jeff says, aren’t built on price tags or contracts but on trust, open communication, and shared goals where both sides challenge each other, solve problems together, and move as one unified team.
[16:47] AI Takes the Wheel: AI isn’t hype anymore; Jeff explains how Ryder uses both generative and predictive AI to forecast problems, streamline work, and give logistics teams the tools to make faster, smarter decisions.
[19:18] Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Ryder invests in the next generation through hands-on leadership programs and a culture that helps young professionals grow, stay inspired, and build lasting careers in supply chain.
[23:03] Digital Fluency First: Today’s must-have is digital fluency with strong critical thinking, built by learning generative AI hands-on—from prompt basics to applying it in real operations.
[25:41] Embrace the Unknown: Change in the supply chain is accelerating, and Jeff’s advice is clear: stop chasing shiny tools, stay curious, surround yourself with smart people, and give your team the freedom to learn and innovate.
Top Quotes:
[07:04] Jeff: “ It's more challenging to develop solutions, but the reality is we'd better figure out how to do it, because like I said, our customers are asking.I think there's an increasing application of automation needed if companies wanna provide more efficient and competitive solutions for our customers. With electrification and increased technologies in vehicles, their costs are increasing. So, manufacturers really need, you know, 3PLs to come in with a lower cost solution to offset those.”
[12:48] Jeff: “I think all strong partnerships, whether it be a business relationship or a personal relationship. Every now and then, you need a little spirited debate to get to the best solution. So, you know, I think that has to happen. And one of the barometers for me is when I participate in quarterly business reviews or strategic business reviews, the customer is me walking into the room and not being able to tell who's wearing what Jersey. Is it the customer that's talking? Is it someone on my team talking? And that's, I think, that's true collaboration.”
[18:29] Jeff: “AIs in logistics are no longer just the hype. I think it's more of a strategic imperative or strategic initiative, maybe in any company that's serious in supply chain, about driving efficiency, building resilience, and providing customer satisfaction. You gotta get on the AI train, 'cause it's leaving the station for sure.”
[26:57] Jeff: “Don’t be afraid to fail because of what you don't know. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. Get uncomfortable, embrace change, and leverage your team to drive the innovation. Kind of give your team that freedom to dream. Provide a framework to help control risks because I mean, there are some risks with new technologies, whether it be data risks or operational risks, that type of thing. But really engage and embrace that change.”
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