AG Logistics reflects on network design, EV transport, and smarter decision-making in finished vehicle logistics
The AG Logistics management team joined industry peers this April at Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2025 in California – a gathering focused not on maintaining the status quo, but on reshaping how vehicles move across the continent.
The event’s core message was clear: logistics teams need agility and more clarity – about costs, risks, delays, and trade-offs, across increasingly complex networks.
Rethinking the network: smarter, regionally-aligned decisions
One standout session featured Anu Galo, Director of Supply Chain at Volkswagen Group of America, who detailed how a North America wide approach helps the company navigate tariff pressures. For example, holding a shipment in Mexico might offer tariff advantages, but it creates downstream complications. Galo emphasized making inventory decisions based on what benefits the region, not just the country.
Nissan North America’s Todd Meyers and Glovis America’s Darren Acker expanded the conversation. They showcased how modeling total delivered costs – not just unit costs – can surface hidden inefficiencies. At AG Logistics, this confirmed the value of deeper data visibility across every load, route, and mile.
From damage control to damage prevention
Brian Watanabe (General Motors) and Ryan Kooistra (Rivian) brought focus to a stubborn issue: vehicle damage. They didn’t offer platitudes—they called for shared data, clearer communication, and a stronger hand in working with carriers, railroads, and partners. If hotspots exist in the journey, they need to be identified, not assumed.
At AG Logistics, we’ve started mapping out more collaborative damage reporting tools, including event-based tracking and real-time VIN visibility. This session reinforced our direction.
Electric vehicles: growth, complexity, and new constraints
EV logistics dominated much of day two. With GM reporting 60% EV growth in Q1 alone, the market isn’t slowing – yet the infrastructure lags behind. Tom Shannon of GM spoke plainly: rail ramps and delivery locations often lack charging stations. Waiting for infrastructure is not an option.
Instead, OEMs are building mobile charging units and adapting workflows. Tony Stinsa from International described the complications in transporting electric commercial trucks – vehicles that can’t be decked or piggybacked because of battery placement. This creates a ripple effect across carrier operations and demands changes in equipment design.
Data before decisions
In a candid closing conversation, Amy Pollson, Director of Logistics Strategy at GM, laid out the real stakes of pausing production or delaying shipments in response to tariffs. These are not just operational pivots – they carry weekslong recovery timelines and capacity risks. Pollson stressed: remove emotion, input better data, and calculate clearly before acting.
This message cut through the noise. For AG Logistics, it’s a reminder that behind every vehicle on a hauler is a chain of strategic choices – and every disruption demands accountability.
What’s next for AG Logistics?
The insights from FVLNA 2025 will guide our next steps as we upgrade our systems, expand EV capabilities, and strengthen our partnerships with OEMs. We left California not just better informed – but better aligned with where the finished vehicle logistics industry is heading.
AG Logistics.
We’re not just hauling vehicles.
We’re co-designing the route forward.
