Board Member Spotlight: Erica Brigance, ArcBest
For the next installment in our Board Member Spotlight series, we’re excited to introduce Erica Brigance of ArcBest, Vice President of Strategic Products and Analytics. This series shines a light on the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.’s® (NMFTA)® newest board members, showcasing the leaders helping shape the association’s future while offering a deeper look at their expertise, perspectives, and industry vision.
In this Q&A, Erica discusses her experience in the transportation and logistics space, her approach to innovation and data-driven strategy, and the impact she hopes to make during her tenure on the NMFTA board.
What is your background in the trucking industry? How did you get your start?
I’ve spent almost 22 years in the trucking and logistics industry, all with ArcBest. I found the trucking industry by accident. I began as a software developer right after college supporting our ABF City Operations. I was lucky enough to travel to our service centers in that role and quickly learned that technology allowed those operations to run efficiently and smoothly. Since in a leadership role, I’ve been able to utilize that knowledge of technology, business, and our operations to lead several of our large initiatives.
What is your favorite aspect of working in the supply chain industry?
The complexity.
It might seem simple that we pick up freight, move freight, and deliver freight, but that’s the beauty in complex systems. It all seems simple from the outside. When you work in this industry you realize every day is different. The challenges we work on change all the time. Putting the pieces together to solve those challenges for our customers and our business is what is exciting.
Where do you see artificial intelligence having the biggest impact in LTL operations over the next 3–5 years?
AI will have the biggest impact where it augments frontline decision-making. Our industry is so complex that every decision people make has an impact beyond that decision. Much of the knowledge is built through years of experience. If we can ensure everyone has the right information at the right time to make the best possible decision, the impacts are huge. AI can take not only the vast amounts of data about our shipments and operations but the unstructured data around policies and procedures and bring that together in new ways.
What does “community” mean to you within our association?
Community is a trusted group coming together to collaborate on shared goals. For me that is exactly how NMFTA operates. Our ability to bring this community together accelerates innovation, especially as our industry works through changes driven by technology and changing customer expectations.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work? Describe your ideal day.
I love to travel and see different parts of the country and the world. In my perfect day, my family and I would wake up in someplace new. I’m a planner so I usually have an itinerary that includes local restaurants, sightseeing, and shopping. We also love hiking and being outdoors when we travel.
What is a favorite book, podcast, or show you’re currently enjoying?
I am a big podcast person. They are usually playing in the car on my way to and from work as well as out running errands. I listen to ‘The Journal’ and ‘The Daily’ daily to keep up with daily news and topics, but after that it’s any true crime podcast.
