Issue link: https://resources.echo.com/i/1536197
16 Doug Waggoner, Chief Executive Officer at Echo, had this to say: We've all had to carefully manage the freight recession that has continued to beleaguer our industry. While shippers reap the benefits of lowered freight prices, we've also seen some carriers and brokers go out of business. Although freight naturally goes through cycles, we hope to avoid a market that tilts too far out of balance for too long. Despite the current market, those who invest in technology and AI now will see a significant difference in enabling operational efficiencies and cost savings as we come out of the current cycle. Strategic Initiatives Industry participants are prioritizing resilience- building strategies to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions and carbon reduction efforts. Business expansion initiatives, particularly in cross-border trade with Mexico, reflect a shift toward diversified market opportunities. Sustainability efforts are gaining traction, with 25.1% of shippers identifying carbon reduction as a key priority. Companies are increasingly exploring alternative fuel sources, electric fleets, and carbon offset programs to align with environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals. Providers like Echo can help shippers with their sustainability efforts by leveraging leading technology, data, and strategic partnerships. Echo is a proud member of the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership, which helps companies measure, benchmark, and improve transportation efficiency. Echo encourages its carriers to register with SmartWay and leverages data to help shippers reduce CO2 emissions, reinforcing shared efforts to reduce transportation-related emissions and mitigate climate risk. Through these initiatives, Echo helps businesses take actionable steps toward achieving their sustainability goals, while achieving positive business impact in the process. SHIPPER RESPONSE Is carbon reduction a key initiative for your organization in 2025? " " Yes 25.1% No 74.9% 0% 40% 60% 80% 20%