Matthew Marshall Joins Redwood to Strengthen LTL Operations

Spring has brought no shortage of shifts across the Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) market. With classification rule changes rolling out and freight fraud on the rise, shippers are facing new questions about how to plan and manage LTL more effectively. 

With supply chains chronically changing due to global exposure and abrupt demand cycles, carriers are adjusting their pricing practices and networks. These changes are pushing more shippers to rethink their LTL strategies and seek out trusted logistics partners who bring clarity and control. 

That’s why we’re excited to welcome Matthew Marshall as Vice President of LTL Operations at Redwood Logistics. After nearly 30 years on the carrier side of freight, Matthew brings deep experience and a clear focus on helping customers make smarter, more confident decisions in LTL. 

Redwood's Chief Marketing Officer, Arlyn Knox, spoke with Matthew about his move to Redwood, his take on the LTL space, and what makes this moment such an important one for the freight industry. 

Arlyn Knox (AK): You’ve spent nearly three decades working on the carrier side. What made you choose Redwood for this next step? 

Matthew Marshall (MM): I had known about and done work with Redwood before joining, so I already respected the people and how they do business. As I went through the interview process, I realized Redwood wasn’t just handling LTL; they were actively growing it and treating it as a key part of their strategy. That stood out to me. Many companies view LTL as secondary or something they must deal with, but Redwood treats it as a priority. The people here care about what they’re doing, and there’s real momentum behind the way they serve customers. It was an easy decision. 

AK: What helped you make the transition from carrier to 3PL, and how does your background influence the way you approach this role? 

MM: I was ready for a new challenge. I’d spent a long time on the asset side and felt like I had done just about everything I could in that space. I didn’t want to keep repeating the same playbook. What excited me was the chance to bring that knowledge into a different environment and use it in new ways. I know what carriers expect, how they think, and how they measure success. That helps me support Redwood’s efforts to stand out, build stronger carrier relationships, and create better results for our clients. 

AK: A lot of shippers are concerned about the NMFC classification updates. How is Redwood helping clients stay ahead of that change? 

MM: These new rules are complicated, and they’re going to affect many shippers that move freight via LTL. What impressed me was how early Redwood got ahead of it. We’ve spent time explaining the changes, especially the shift to four key factors that will now determine classification: density, handling, liability, and how freight fits with other items in the trailer. That gives shippers a clearer picture of what is changing. From there, we’ve worked with clients to evaluate what this means for their specific freight. The final step is being ready for whatever surprises come next. With changes this large, there are always side effects you don’t see coming. Redwood is prepared to help clients adjust, and that gives them peace of mind. 

AK: Redwood is putting more resources into LTL. What’s driving that decision? 

MM: Early in my career, LTL was seen as a headache. It was messy, harder to manage, and most shippers preferred to avoid it if possible. That mindset has changed. Now, more companies are realizing that well-managed LTL can lead to lower costs and better service across their networks. And for Redwood, it provides more stability in a time when other freight markets, like truckload, are seeing big swings. We’re continuing to build tools and processes that make LTL easier to manage and more valuable for our clients. We’re in a good position to lead, and we’re going to keep building on that. 

AK: What role do you see Redwood playing in the future of LTL? 

MM: Our team puts a lot of effort into staying close to carriers. That’s been a major focus for Jeff Leppert, our EVP, and it’s something I’m especially excited about. LTL carriers face challenges every day: labor, equipment, facility space, insurance costs, legal risk. By staying close to those partners, we get a better sense of what’s changing and how to prepare for it. That allows us to give customers better guidance and avoid surprises. It also helps us support our carriers in a way that benefits everyone involved. 

AK: How has your experience been since joining Redwood? 

MM: It’s been great. I already knew some of the team, so I had a good sense of the culture going in. But even so, I’ve been blown away by how welcoming everyone has been. 

People here are engaged and ready to help. That matters a lot, especially when you’re learning a new system. I feel like I can bring my experience to the table without having to change who I am. That’s a big part of why I already feel at home here. 

AK: What’s most exciting to you about the road ahead? 

MM: LTL has always been fast-moving and unpredictable. That’s not changing. But I see that as positive. When conditions shift, there’s an opportunity to help shippers adjust, simplify, and find better ways forward. Redwood is a great place to do that. We’re a true Modern 4PL, which means we don’t just talk about strategy. We connect the systems, manage the freight, and see things through from start to finish. That combination is rare, and I think it’s going to matter more and more. 

I didn’t make this move lightly, especially after nearly three decades in my previous role. But I couldn’t be more confident in the decision and in where Redwood is headed. 

Interested in how Redwood’s LTL team can support your freight strategy? Let’s talk about how we can bring greater control, visibility, and value to your operations.