Roadway – The Podcast

In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith is joined by Michael Ostroumov, CEO of Value Chain Lab, to discuss how technology, collaboration and better data visibility are reshaping the logistics sector.
The conversation explores the operational and commercial pressures facing logistics businesses, including rising costs, tight margins, empty running and the need to improve vehicle utilisation while continuing to meet growing customer expectations.
Richard and Michael discuss how greater collaboration across operators and supply chains can help businesses make better use of available capacity, reduce inefficiencies and build more resilient logistics operations.
The episode looks at the growing importance of data visibility and how better access to operational information can support decision making, improve service performance, identify inefficiencies and strengthen relationships between customers, operators and suppliers.
The discussion also focuses on the role of AI and emerging logistics technology, including how smarter planning, automation and optimisation can support tendering, procurement, exception management and day-to-day operational decisions.
Richard and Michael also explore the commercial challenges facing operators in a highly competitive market, including the pressure on margins, the risk of a race to the bottom on pricing and how businesses can demonstrate value beyond cost alone.
Looking to the future, Richard and Michael discuss how logistics platforms and increasing digitalisation could change the way the industry operates over the next five to ten years and what businesses can do now to prepare.
This episode provides insight into how technology, data and greater collaboration can help create a more efficient, resilient and commercially sustainable future for road transport and logistics.
Key Themes
• Collaboration and operational efficiency• Reducing empty running and improving vehicle utilisation• Data visibility and better decision making• AI and technology in logistics• Planning, optimisation and automation• Managing margin and pricing pressures• Commercial sustainability• The future of logistics platforms and digitalisation
Road Haulage Association (RHA)
Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith is joined by Moreton Cullimore, Tim Wray and Andrew Howard to explore the history and evolution of the RHA Board and its role in shaping the Association.
Bringing together the perspectives of the current Chair, Vice Chair and Past Chair, the conversation looks at how the Board has evolved over time and why strong leadership, governance and member representation remain central to the RHA.
Richard, Moreton, Tim and Andrew discuss the role of the Board in setting the strategic direction of the Association, representing members and ensuring the views of operators remain at the heart of the RHA’s work.
The episode looks at how the Board’s priorities have changed alongside the road transport industry, including how it has responded to major challenges, changing member expectations and an increasingly complex policy and business environment.
The discussion also reflects on the relationship between the Board, the RHA executive and the wider membership, and what makes an effective Board within a modern trade association.
Looking to the future, Richard, Moreton, Tim and Andrew discuss the lessons that can be taken from previous Chairs and Boards, how the Board can continue to evolve and the importance of supporting the next generation of industry leaders.
This episode provides insight into the people and leadership behind the RHA, highlighting the important role the Board has played in the Association’s history and how it continues to help shape the RHA’s future.
Key Themes
• The history and evolution of the RHA Board• Leadership and governance• Member representation and operator voice• Setting the RHA’s strategic direction• How the Board has changed over time• The role of the Chair, Vice Chair and Past Chair• Supporting the next generation of leaders• The future of the RHA Board
Road Haulage Association (RHA)
Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net