Ryan Daube, Founder of AFN Logistics, Passes Away at 47

Ryan Daube, founder of AFN Logistics, passed away on May 14, 2025, after a battle with Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. He was 47. Daube is remembered not only for his leadership but also for the deep personal and professional impact he had on colleagues across the transportation and logistics industry.

A Logistics Leader and Innovator

Daube launched AFN Logistics in 2003 and grew it into a major truckload-focused 3PL known for its strong service culture, innovative in-house technology, and close carrier relationships. AFN’s proprietary platform, AFngine, helped the company stand out among mid-sized brokerages, providing real-time visibility and data-driven insights to customers and partners alike.

In 2018, AFN was acquired by GlobalTranz in a move that expanded GlobalTranz’s truckload portfolio and capacity solutions. Industry leaders at the time praised AFN’s ability to secure semi-dedicated capacity on major lanes for clients like Coca-Cola and Nestlé, as well as its high-touch service model. GlobalTranz CEO Bob Farrell credited AFN with elevating both customer service and carrier engagement standards.

A Community Remembers

News of Daube’s passing has prompted widespread remembrance from across the freight world. A longtime supporter of teamwork and culture, Daube’s legacy is deeply tied to his leadership style. A post he shared on LinkedIn six months ago captured the spirit of his career: celebrating end-of-quarter Fridays with his team, rolling out the beer cart, and building lifelong relationships within the four walls of a brokerage floor.

That same post also revealed the devastating news of his diagnosis. Daube, a lifelong non-smoker, had recently been diagnosed with advanced-stage lung cancer. Despite the prognosis, he remained focused on building 240 Logistics, a new venture aimed at optimizing auto-replenishment in the cannabis supply chain sector.

“I miss the teamwork and collaboration,” he wrote. “When you are at the office today, make sure you throw at least five high fives for me to your teammates—and when you go home, hug and kiss your family, because these celebrations are numbered and nothing is guaranteed.”

A Memorial and Final Goodbye

Daube is survived by his wife of 23 years, Andrea, and their four sons, Jayden, Tyson, Oakley, and Decklyn. He is also survived by his father, Jeff; his sister, Dani Zepeda; his in-laws; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorrie.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim in Deerfield, Illinois, followed by a shiva at Northmoor Country Club in Highland Park. The family has requested that attendees carpool due to expected high turnout, and valet service will be provided to manage overflow parking.

Legacy of Leadership

In a sector often defined by volume and margins, Daube stood out for his commitment to people—his customers, carriers, employees, and family. The sale of AFN may have been a milestone, but to those who knew him, it was the culture he created that left the lasting mark.

May his memory be a blessing.

Source: DignityMemorial | Ryan Daube\LinkedIn | Freight Waves