At Loop, "respect the domain and accelerate progress" is one of our core values and a blueprint for success when building with AI. Today, we're thrilled to announce a significant expansion of our parcel intelligence capabilities that embodies this philosophy: the addition of two industry veterans who bring decades of combined expertise from both sides of the shipping equation: Matt Sumowski and Paul Yaussy.
"Matt and Paul represent the perfect combination of carrier insider knowledge and real-world shipper operational experience," says Matt McKinney, CEO & Co-founder of Loop. "Their addition provides us the strategic expertise to further transform our contract intelligence product and service offerings."
Deep industry experience meets cutting-edge technology
Matt Sumowski brings deep parcel industry experience, including 4 years at UPS where he specialized in sales, working directly with key accounts. Since transitioning into parcel consulting, Matt has developed unique insights into both carrier strategies and shipper challenges.
"Having managed relationships with large accounts for years, I understand how carriers really think about pricing and negotiations," says Sumowski. "Shippers often don't realize that their 'three-year contract' language is actually a fear trap. Carriers implement dozens of price increases per year, and each one opens the door for renegotiation."
"Matt brings insider knowledge from his years at UPS on how carriers structure deals, while I contribute the shipper's perspective from managing parcel spend at a large retailer. Together we cover both sides of the table," - Paul Yaussy
Paul Yaussy complements Matt's carrier-side expertise with deep operational experience as a shipper. Paul spent 18 years at JOANN Stores, managing domestic transportation responsibilities for spending up to $85 million, depending on the year. His leadership extended beyond his own organization when he was selected as chairperson to negotiate parcel contracts for all 35 shippers under their private equity firm's portfolio.
Before joining Loop, Paul spent four and a half years at one of the leading parcel consultancies, where he honed his expertise in contract optimization and rate analysis.
"The difference between Paul and me creates the perfect combination," explains Sumowski. "Matt brings insider knowledge from his years at UPS on how carriers structure deals, while I contribute the shipper's perspective from managing parcel spend at a large retailer. Together we cover both sides of the table," agrees Paul.
Building the future of parcel intelligence
What makes this combination truly powerful is how Matt and Paul's expertise will enhance Loop's AI-driven platform.
"We're integrating human expertise with AI to create something neither could achieve alone" - Matt McKinney, CEO & Co-founder of Loop
Together, we're building:
- AI models enhanced with deep domain knowledge: Contract intelligence that actually understands the nuances carriers use. Matt and Paul's insights are directly informing how our models interpret contract language, identify opportunities, and flag risks.
- Best-in-class contract performance dashboards: Powered by Loop's data foundation and their strategic insights, giving shippers unprecedented visibility into their true parcel spend exposure.
- Data-backed strategic services: Led by Matt and Paul to help customers navigate GRIs, contracts, and optimization opportunities with the confidence that comes from having experts who've sat on both sides of the negotiation table.
- Industry thought leadership: Webinars, user groups, research, and tools to help ALL shippers navigate the complex parcel landscape.
"We're integrating human expertise with AI to create something neither could achieve alone," explains McKinney. "Our platform provides the continuous monitoring and data foundation, while Matt and Paul bring the strategic intelligence that turns data into action. It's the combination that makes this so powerful."
What sets Loop apart is the seamless integration of human expertise with AI-powered contract intelligence offering. While Matt and Paul provide the strategic analysis and negotiation guidance, Loop's technology delivers ongoing insights and monitoring.
"The combination is powerful," notes Sumowski. "We can provide the deep analysis and strategic direction, while Loop's platform gives shippers the tools to maintain that intelligence going forward. It's about knowledge transfer, not just one-time consulting."
Addressing the GRI impact challenge
The timing of expanding our contract intelligence capabilities coincides with the first announcement around General Rate Increases (GRIs) for next year, with FedEx leading the charge again. For most shippers, understanding the true impact of these increases remains a significant challenge. Matt and Paul have alread hit the ground sprinting, and recently broke down five key highlights from FedEx's GRI announcement that all shippers need to understand.
"A 5.9% announced GRI rarely translates to 5.9% increased costs for any specific shipper," explains Yaussy. "Your negotiated discounts, service commitments, and shipping patterns create a complex web of variables. We typically see actual impacts of 8% to 10%, or higher, when you include surcharge increases, but it varies dramatically by shipper."
Just launched: GRI deep dive webinar and user group
To help shippers navigate these complexities, Matt and Paul are hosting a comprehensive webinar, "Beyond the Headlines: The Real Financial Impact of 2025 GRIs," on October 30th at 11am ET. The session will dive deep into what's really changing, where the biggest cost pressures will hit, and practical strategies to mitigate the impact before 2026 budgets lock in.
You can register for the webinar here.
Additionally, existing Loop customers will have exclusive access to a private user group led by Matt and Paul, where they'll receive strategic guidance and insights. Information about this customer-only community will be provided directly to current Loop users.
Immediate availability for free contract analysis
Matt and Paul are immediately available for free contract analysis sessions. Interested shippers can provide basic shipping data and receive comprehensive analysis typically within one week.
"We want shippers to understand their true exposure and opportunities. Whether they work with us afterward or handle optimization internally, they deserve to know where they stand” says Yaussy.
"Shippers often don't realize that their 'three-year contract' language is actually a fear trap. Carriers implement dozens of price increases per year, and each one opens the door for renegotiation."
The free analysis includes:
- Detailed breakdown of GRI impact specific to the shipper's network
- Assessment of shipper’s specific parcel spend
- Rank scoring of your parcel agreement and pricing
"With 2025 GRIs just announced, now is the perfect time for shippers to understand their exposure and options," concludes Sumowski. "We're here to provide that clarity with no strings attached."
The free analysis represents Loop's commitment to transparency in an industry often characterized by complexity and information asymmetry. By making expert-level insights accessible to all shippers, Matt and Paul are working to level the playing field between shippers and carriers.
Schedule a session with Matt and Paul today.
