What is Ascent's competitive argument against larger freight forwarders?

According to Dayan, larger multinationals prioritize efficiency and cost reduction at the expense of customer service, while specialists like Ascent can maintain higher margins that fund deeper customer relationships and investment in technology. Ascent's PEAK platform delivers quotations within six minutes, contrasting with manual processes at larger competitors.

How does Ascent use aircraft ownership as a supply chain advantage?

Ascent owns aircraft through USA Jet airline subsidiary (six MD-80 series freighters plus two parked aircraft). This provides time-critical customers confidence that charter capacity will be available on-demand, primarily for North America operations. The fleet gives Ascent operational flexibility that competitors relying solely on partner airlines cannot match.

What technology investments is Ascent making to improve service?

Ascent is upgrading its proprietary PEAK marketplace to connect customers with expedited trucking, air charters, and courier providers. The company is also replacing legacy transportation management systems with Oracle TM to automate order intake, capacity sourcing, and quotation preparation, freeing staff to focus on customer solutions.

What challenges does Ascent face with its aging aircraft fleet?

USA Jet's MD-80 series aircraft average over 35 years old. While cheap to operate, they are fuel-inefficient (13% higher fuel burn than Boeing 737-400F equivalents) and spare parts are becoming harder to obtain. Ascent is evaluating next-generation aircraft options but linking investment to customer demand and partnerships rather than fleet expansion for its own sake.

Which verticals does Ascent target for expansion beyond automotive?

Ascent is targeting life sciences and high-value technology shipments, where service reliability and security protocols matter more than freight cost differences. The company sees opportunities in semiconductor and advanced electronics logistics where time-critical delivery and supply chain visibility are critical.

Technology & Innovation

Moderate

Ascent COO: Large Forwarders Failing Customers on Service

Oct 15, 2026

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The signal

Gal Dayan, who recently joined Ascent Global Logistics as COO, argues that large multinational freight forwarders are delivering subpar customer service despite marketing claims. Drawing on his tenure as head of logistics at Apple and 23 years at UPS, Dayan contends that consolidation and efficiency-driven strategies have eroded service quality.

He advocates for specialist operators, which have higher margins enabling greater investment in customer relationships. Ascent is responding by upgrading its PEAK marketplace technology platform, which can generate quotations within six minutes of inquiry, and replacing legacy transportation management systems with newer Oracle TM solutions.

The company also leverages owned aircraft through USA Jet airline subsidiary to guarantee capacity for time-critical shipments, particularly in automotive and high-value tech sectors. Dayan sees expansion opportunities in life sciences and semiconductor logistics, where service reliability outweighs cost considerations.

#freight-forwarding

#air-charter

#logistics-technology

#customer-service

#automation

#time-critical-logistics

#platform-strategy

#supply-chain-consolidation

#expedited-shipping

#aircraft-charter

Frequently Asked Questions

What This Means for Your Supply Chain

Simulation Suggestion

strategic

What if spare parts availability for aging MD-80 aircraft forces early retirement?

Ascent's USA Jet subsidiary operates six MD-80 series aircraft averaging 35+ years old. If spare parts availability deteriorates significantly, the airline may need to retire aircraft 2-3 years ahead of schedule, reducing North American air charter capacity by 30-40% and forcing shift to partner airlines for time-critical shipments.

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

this month

What if PEAK platform adoption accelerates quote-to-order conversion rates?

Ascent's PEAK marketplace delivers quotations within six minutes versus traditional manual processes. If adoption across customer base accelerates conversion rates by 25-30%, what is the corresponding increase in expedited trucking, air charter, and onboard courier service utilization and revenue concentration risk?

Run this scenario

Simulation Suggestion

strategic

What if consolidation trend accelerates and larger forwarders improve service quality?

Dayan argues that consolidation at major forwarders has degraded service, but what if competitive pressure from specialists like Ascent forces K+N, DHL, or Expeditors to reinvest in customer relationship management and reduce manual processes? How would Ascent's differentiation erode?

Run this scenario

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