Podcast Episode

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Chris Steiner of Dematic on installing automation in brownfield facilities; Keeping our highways safe; The rise of humanoid robots

Aug 22, 2025 Season 6 Episode 33

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Chris Steiner, senior vice president of product management at Dematic. In the past, automation was often viewed as nice to have. But in these days of customer expectations for speed and shortages of available workers, automation is now a "must have." We often think of automation just being placed into shiny new facilities, but a lot can be done to automate existing legacy facilities. Our guests shares about the benefits of implementations in existing "brownfield" facilities and suggests tips for making them successful.

The trucking industry is asking the federal government to accelerate recent efforts to ensure safety on the nation’s highways; this is in reaction to a Florida crash involving a freight truck making an illegal U-turn on an interstate. The crash left three people dead. Trucking organizations are asking to suspend states’ authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs (commercial driving licenses), which some states provide to non-U.S. citizens or out-of-state applicants under certain circumstances. The driver involved in the deadly crash had this type of CDL.

Robotics technology has been developing really quickly in recent years, and it’s been finding new applications in logistics. One of the newest areas where this is happening is in humanoid robots, which move around walking on two legs instead of rolling on wheels, and use two arms to grab totes and boxes. This week we saw some news about one of the latest advancements in the area, which is using artificial intelligence to allow them to learn new skills or movements from demonstrations by humans, instead of by following software code.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Join the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Joel Wayment of Cardinal Health on securing temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals; Cargo theft plagues shippers; Our changing food supply chains

Aug 15, 2025 Season 6 Episode 32

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Joel Wayment, VP/GM at Cardinal Health Third Party Logistics and Packaging Solutions. We are definitely in the dog days of summer and in just about every part of the country we are really feeling the heat. While many people like to soak up the sun’s rays, high temperatures are not so welcome for the pharmaceuticals we rely on to stay healthy every day. A lot of drugs have to be kept at strict temperatures to remain effective. But how challenging is it to assure proper conditions as drugs move through our supply chains? Our guest offers his expertise on how to assure the safety of important drugs while transiting summer heat.

Incidents of cargo theft are on the rise. One of the most recent pieces of evidence is a report from supply chain visibility and risk analysis firm Overhaul. The company’s United States Q2-2025 Cargo Theft Report found that cargo theft rose 33% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2025. That continues a steady climb in such incidents over the past few years. And they expect thefts to increase in the coming months of peak season.

According to the management consulting firm Kearney, the global food system is breaking away from traditional operating models as companies are struggling to protect their operating margins. Rising costs of food production are having major impacts on the food supply chain. We discuss the problems and possible solutions.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Join the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: James Shefelbine of PraxiChain on Union Pacific's proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern; Freight markets stuck in low gear; The health of the logistics industry

Aug 08, 2025 Season 6 Episode 31

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is James Shefelbine, principal at PraxiChain Consulting. Last week it was announced that Union Pacific Railroad has entered into an agreement to acquire Norfolk Southern. Aside from creating a true transcontinental railroad, it greatly would expand the reach of this historic rail company. But not everyone is onboard with the merger. Who is in favor and who is opposed? What’s the likelihood the deal is approved and how might it affect shippers? Our guest offers his expert insights.

For the past three years or so, the U.S. truckload industry has been stuck in a freight recession, with demand weakening quarter after quarter. Now, there’s debate over whether that freight recession may be over, but even if it is, the sector faces a long uphill climb to get back to where it once was. We report on some new statistics and analysis.

Economic activity expanded across the logistics industry in July, driven by strong activity among middle-mile firms that are bearing the brunt of efforts to stay ahead of trade-related uncertainties. That’s according to the latest Logistics Managers’ Index (LMI) report, which was released this week. Will the expansion continue or was this activity due mostly to a surge of imports trying to beat tariff deadlines?

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Join the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Lisa Anderson of LMA Consulting on how the One Big Beautiful Bill may help manufacturers; A new transcontinental railroad; Preparing for weather extremes

Aug 01, 2025 Season 6 Episode 30

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Lisa Anderson, founder and president of LMA Consulting Group. The One Big Beautiful Bill is now the law of the land. Among the provisions in this expansive legislation are incentives to encourage business investment. But, how will the bill affect our supply chains and will it provide support to grow domestic manufacturing? Our guest offers some insights.

Two of the nation’s major railroads are attempting to create the country’s first coast-to-coast freight railway. On Tuesday, Union Pacific said it had made an offer to acquire Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion cash and stock deal. The acquisition would connect more than 50,000 route miles across 43 states, linking about 100 ports and reaching nearly every corner of North America. Will such a deal be approved, as many industry groups are speaking out against the proposed merger.

Chief procurement officers have a lot to worry about these days with all of the trade turmoil around the world, but now add another worry to their plates - the risk of extreme weather events. There have always been hurricanes and typhoons, but in recent years the severity of some of those events has gotten worse, with examples in the US of violent floods and fast spreading wildfires. The consulting firm Proxima has issued a report that identifies the five nations that are most vulnerable to extreme weather and climate sourcing risks. We share the list.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series has just started on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Join the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Manish Kapoor of Growth Catalyst Group on how supply chains are handling back-to-school season; Where Girl Scouts and supply chains intersect: Encouraging robots to get along

Jul 25, 2025 Season 6 Episode 29

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Manish Kapoor, founder and CEO of Growth Catalyst Group. Since we have passed the mid-summer mark of 2025, retailers are now focused on the next dates on the retail calendar – and that’s back to school season. This is traditionally the second busiest season of the retail year. But like everything in supply chains in 2025, this year has not been normal. Our guest helps us find out how retail supply chains are coping and what we can expect over the coming weeks.

A new industry-sponsored program is designed to inspire next generation of supply chain leaders. Girl Scouts of the USA and contract logistics provider DHL Supply Chain have launched the "Solutions Superstar" program to advance critical thinking and problem-solving skills for K-12 girls and to introduce them to supply chain careers.

A modern distribution center or fulfillment center is often full of automation at many different levels. It might have robots like AMRs and AGVs, dense storage like an AS/RS, and software platforms like an ERP or WMS system. But often, each of those units operates by itself, or it takes orders from just one source, like the WMS software. And that can make it hard for them all to work together as a team. But lately, we’ve been seeing progress in the industry toward fixing that situation.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series has just started on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

Other links

Join the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Zac Rogers of Colorado State University on the uncertain summer for supply chains; The latest on cargo theft; CEOs still think sustainability is good for business

Jul 18, 2025 Season 6 Episode 28

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Zac Rogers, associate professor of Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University and the lead author of the monthly Logistics Managers' Index report. This past week a number of economic numbers came out. On Tuesday, The Consumer Price Index showed some rise in inflation, a few major banks also reported solid earnings, and we saw some evidence of strong consumer spending during Prime Days. Yet all of these reports came in the midst of the ongoing tariff and trade uncertainty. Where are supply chains at and where are they going as we begin the second half of 2025? Our guest offers some expert insights.

One topic we've heard a lot about lately is cargo theft. So it’s not surprise that this trend is continuing, but a report that came out this week shared some new details on exactly what thieves are stealing and how they’re doing it.

A new study shows that companies are still focused on sustainability despite a scaling back of ESG oversight since the change of administration in Washington this year. This is a survey from sustainability ratings provider EcoVadis. The key takeaway is that 87% of companies surveyed say they have maintained or increased their investment in business sustainability efforts this year, with many saying they are doing so “behind the scenes” amid growing regulatory debate and uncertainty over the role of those corporate ESG-related programs.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series has just started on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

Other links

Join the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Jimmy Roussel of IDScan.net on preventing warehouse identity fraud; Awards for innovation; The cobot market is set for a growth spurt

Jul 11, 2025 Season 6 Episode 27

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Jimmy Roussel, CEO of IDScan.net. Among the problems that supply chains have had to deal with lately is an increasing rise of identity fraud at warehouses and fulfillment centers nationwide. Counterfeit identification is often used by those committing the fraud to get inside the warehouse gate. Thefts of entire trucks often follow. Our guest discusses the scope of the problem, how it happens, and ways to counteract fraud and theft.

Winners of the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Award were announced this past week. The IFOY recognizes the most innovative technologies of 2025. This year’s technology competition included 49 products on the initial application list, 21 of which made it final round. The entries were then subjected to strict engineering testing and evaluation to determine winners. We reveal who won and the innovative technologies that were honored.

There have been conflicting reports lately about the health of the warehouse automation market, but there is good news for those making and selling collaborative robots—those are bots that work alongside humans, often referred to as “cobots.” The market for that technology is set to rebound this year following a trough in 2024, according to the latest market outlook report from research firm Interact Analysis.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Suppy Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

Other links

Join the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Mark Baxa of CSCMP on the legacy of FedEx founder Fred Smith; The continuing debate on autonomous vehicles; Supply chains grapple with geopolitical uncertainty

Jun 27, 2025 Season 6 Episode 26

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Mark Baxa, president & CEO of The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, also known as CSCMP. Earlier this week the supply chain industry lost an icon. Fred Smith was the founder of FedEx – a company that has literally revolutionized the delivery business. Our guest discusses how Fred Smith’s vision and business savvy has left lasting impacts on the supply chain industry.

Autonomous vehicles continue to see wider adoption while fostering more debates on their safety. Most uses are for robotaxis, with some limited applications for hauling freight. However, this week we saw a rally by Teamsters Union members who lobbied legislators in Massachusetts to pass a state law to require human drivers inside these vehicles. That was a reaction to plans by Waymo — the self-driving car company that is a unit of Google’s parent company Alphabet — to start deploying its cars in Massachusetts.

Senior Editor Victoria Kickham was in Salt Lake City this week at the SMC3 Connections conference. That’s a trucking and supply chain event that takes place each year and draws a crowd of about 500. The conference covered a range of issues, but she says two things really stood out - tariffs/trade and AI. She dives into these two topics in her report.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

Other links

Join the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen of the Nearshore Company on USMCA's future; Ensuring safety in the skies; Integrating technologies at our ports

Jun 20, 2025 Season 6 Episode 25

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen, co-CEO of The Nearshore Company. It’s now been five years since the USMCA trade agreement was negotiated between the Mexico, Canada, and the United States, replacing NAFTA. In this current time of trade friction, including new tariffs on both Mexico and Canada, what’s still working with USMCA and what’s next for the trade alliance? Our guest offers some insights.

There is an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers in our nation. Recently a new study was delivered to Congress that showed the FAA hired only two-thirds of the air traffic controllers called for by its staffing models. By fiscal year 2024, nearly a third of air traffic control facilities had fallen 10% below model standards and about 22% had fallen 15% below. We discuss why there is a lack of air traffic controllers and what can be done to assure safety in the skies.

Despite widespread adoption of digital tools and automation technologies, marine terminals around the world face persistent challenges with issues such as data connectivity, system integration, and real-time visibility. New research shows that there are lots of opportunities for real-time, automated data connectivity across terminals. It seems that many terminals have made big technology investments, and the next step is to ensure that their systems connect and all work together.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Brett Wood of ITA and Toyota on National Forklift Safety Day; When it comes to hiring drivers - act fast!; Manufacturing with AI and automation

Jun 13, 2025 Season 6 Episode 24

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Brett Wood, Chair this year of the Industrial Truck Association (better known as the ITA). In his daytime job, Brett is the President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America. This past Tuesday, the material handling industry recognized the 12th annual National Forklift Safety Day. Sponsored by ITA, the highlight of the day was a series of presentations on safety held at the National Press Club in Washington DC. Wood speaks about the event held this week and the importance and impacts of safety programs.

Carriers looking to fill driver positions need to act faster when they identify candidates and ensure that their hiring process is efficient, according to a new report from truck driving technology platform Tenstreet. They found that carriers in their network that responded to driver applications within five minutes see a 6.2% hiring rate, which is nearly double the platform average of 3.7%.—so that speaks to the need for fast action.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has launched a new program called the Initiative for New Manufacturing (INM). The goal is to help transform the nation’s industrial base by advancing the future of “new manufacturing,” alongside ideas in workforce training, advanced technologies, and industry collaboration. The initiative includes a group of six founding industry consortium members, who are Amgen, Flex, GE Vernova, PTC, Sanofi, and Siemens.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Michael Needham of Efficio on restoring pharmaceutical manufacturing to the U.S.; The latest LMI measure on the health of the industry; How safety programs are lowering injuries but seeing higher costs

Jun 06, 2025 Season 6 Episode 23

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Michael Needham, principal procurement & supply chain at Efficio Consulting. Among the flurry of executive orders issued recently by the White House is one aimed at restoring pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities here in the U.S. Currently most drugs and ingredients are manufactured in China and India. How will such a move affect supply chains? Our guest offers his views on what can be manufactured here easily and what could be more difficult.

Measuring the health of our supply chains, the Logistics Manager’s Index came out on Tuesday, showing an expansion in logistics activity in May. Logistics expanded for the second straight month, marked by a mix of slowing inventory levels and rising costs across the board, researchers said. We look at the specific numbers and what they mean.

This week we saw a study on workplace injuries. This report came from the Travelers Companies. It found that the number of workplace injuries overall continues to decline, although the costs associated with them are climbing. We dive into some of the details of the report and how emphasizing safety can affect the workplace.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Officio
May 2025 Logistics Managers' Index
Workplace injury rate drops, but costs rise
Visit Supply Chain Xchange
Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Ian Williams of Orkin on how to think like a mouse; Global exporters chime in on tariffs; New rules for forklifts in California

May 30, 2025 Season 6 Episode 22

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Ian Williams, Technical Services Manager at Orkin. He helps us to understand a subject that few people want to talk about – the pests that often overrun facilities. We are talking mice, rats, bugs, and other critters that get in and destroy products, contaminate areas, and just cause a general nuisance. Williams has some great ideas on how to keep them out of our buildings – and if they get in – to deal with them for good. Often it involves thinking like a mouse.

Globally, nearly 60% of companies expect a negative impact from the Trump administration’s “Liberation Day” tariff rollout, which happened back on April 2. That’s according to a survey of 4,500 companies from around the world, including the United States, conducted in March and April by international credit insurer Allianz Trade.

We got some clarity this week about one important aspect of logistics, which is forklifts. This ended a long debate about whether propane-fueled forklifts could operate in warehouses in the state of California, and it had been caught up in a lawsuit. To cut to the chase, propane forklifts will be allowed. We share the details of the new agreement and what it means for California's attempts to have zero-emission vehicles operating in many parts of our supply chains.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: John Lash of e2open on Chinese tariff pause; How shippers are planning their next 90 days; Remote job opportunities in logistics

May 23, 2025 Season 6 Episode 21

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is John Lash, group vice president of strategy at e2open. We now have a pause in tariffs with China – or at least a sizable reduction in the amount of those tariffs compared to what was in place two weeks ago in the ongoing tariff wars. How are supply chains reacting and where do we go from here? Will we see another surge in imports during the 90 day pause and how do companies prepare for back-to-school and holiday seasons? Our guest share his insights.

Shippers and importers need to be able to plan their shipments over the busy summer months, but there is little certainty to help them plan. We look at how companies are making adjustments during the Chinese tariff pause and how that may affect their planning for the rest of the year.

Today, many workers in general are facing “return to office” mandates, but frontline workers in some industries, including logistics, are seeing an increase in opportunities to work from home. This information comes from a survey by resume-building platform Resume Now and frontline workforce hiring company Talroo. We look at what jobs in logistics are seeing increases in remote work opportunities.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Kardex

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Hamilton Galloway of Oxford Economics on the economic impacts of the forklift industry; How AI is helping logistics employees; Supply chain optimization see higher adoption rates

May 16, 2025 Season 6 Episode 20

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Hamilton Galloway, head of U.S. consultancy at Oxford Economics. Many of our listeners use forklifts in their supply chain operations every day. They really are the workhorses for moving products within facilities. But you might be surprised at the impact that the forklift industry makes on the overall U.S. economy. Recently the Industrial Truck Association, the industry organization that represents the forklift industry, partnered with Oxford Economics to evaluate those economic impacts. We share the remarkable numbers of the industry's contributions to GDP, jobs, taxes, and more.

Logistics companies are taking a hard look at how artificial intelligence can help their operations. This week you saw how AI is having an effect on overworked logistics employees. Are those effects good or bad?

A new survey of more than 300 supply chain decision makers found that companies are prioritizing technology investments, compliance, and outsourced services to optimize their supply chains and adapt to changing regulations—specifically as they navigate today’s evolving trade and tariffs landscape. We share some of the interesting findings.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Kardex

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Keith Peterson of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association on new freight classifications; The downsides of stockpiling inventories; Small businesses are bucking the odds

May 09, 2025 Season 6 Episode 19

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Keith Peterson, director of operations at The National Motor Freight Traffic Association. For many years, less-than-truckload motor freight has been classified by a complex and rather outdated system. That is about to change – starting in July the industry will begin listing freight commodities in a system that is more condensed and modernized. But, what will this new freight classification system mean for both carriers and shippers? Our guest explains.

Many companies have been stockpiling extra inventory ahead of the implementation of new tariffs, but a new report this week shows that there can be possible downsides to that strategy. We share what they are and who is affected.

Despite the economic uncertainty, a new report from DHL Express shows that small and mid-sized companies seem to be beating the odds. DHL Express surveyed more than 400 customers—all small or mid-sized businesses in the United States—and found that despite the prevailing economic turmoil, most are confident in their business outlook.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Kardex

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Ram Ben Tzion of Publican on the end to the De Mimimus exemption; Freight fraud is on the rise; New requirements for truckers

May 02, 2025 Season 6 Episode 18

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Ram Ben Tzion, the founder and CEO of Publican. Today marks the end of the De Minimus tax exemption for many imported goods. If you are not familiar with that exemption, it was designed to reduce the import paper work and tax duty collecting for low-value goods. But as a result, there were claims of abuse, unfair competition, and that the exemption allowed drug traffickers to easily import illegal drugs. So, starting today, there are new rules. Our guest shares the details and how supply chains will be affected.

This week, the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) released a report showing that freight brokers nationwide are facing some pretty staggering losses due to cargo theft and what they say are “increasingly complex fraud schemes.” We examine the most common scheme and what can be done to reduce fraud and cargo theft.

This week the administration ordered that all truck drivers be proficient in understanding the English language in order to drive a truck in the United States. The new order rescinds the previous guidance issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which back in 2016 had relaxed the enforcement of existing English proficiency standards. Drivers found not to be in compliance will automatically declared "out of service." Exactly how it will be enforced and what the specifics are remain to be seen.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Kardex

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Matthew Haber of Cofactr on how tariffs will affect manufacturers; The case for being resilient; New charges to be imposed on Chinese vessels

Apr 25, 2025 Season 6 Episode 17

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Matthew Haber, the CEO and co-founder of Cofactr. Recent surveys show that both consumers and business leaders don’t think tariffs are a good thing. In both cases they feel this economic policy is leading us to higher prices and a recession. Manufacturers in particular are trying to figure out what to do next. And our guest today looks at the impacts of the changing U.S. trade policies on manufacturing.

A study out this week confirms that some of the actions supply chain professionals have taken in recent years to build up their companies’ resilience have worked – most companies say they are confident in their ability to manage disruptions these days. However, a good portion of those supply chain pros also point to some lingering problems – particularly when it comes to supply chain visibility.

This week we heard about another type of fee being applied by the Trump Administration on global trade, which is a new set of fees starting in October that will affect cargo vessels and container ships that are built, owned, or operated by Chinese companies. The White House says this has to do with unfair foreign practices affecting U.S. commerce. We dig into what the supply chain industry says about these new fees. Will they help or hurt U.S. businesses?

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: ID Label

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Ken Ramoutar of Lucas Systems on how technology can help with warehouse challenges; How tariffs affect consumer spending; Pay bumps in logistics

Apr 18, 2025 Season 6 Episode 16

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Ken Ramoutar, Chief Marketing Officer at Lucas Systems. As supply chains adjust to changing conditions, they will continue to need tools to increase flexibility, speed, and productivity. That’s where technology can come to the rescue. Our guest offers insights into how new technologies can help operators address the many challenges they face today.

Most economists are predicting that an uncertain market like this one means individual shoppers will cut back on discretionary spending - things like luxury goods and travel. Instead, they’ll save up their money because most models predict the tariffs will cause higher prices on goods. And that may already be happening, but this week we saw two measures that showed that many consumers are actually buying more goods in certain sectors. We explain why.

Despite the economic uncertainty we’ve been experiencing, wages for truck drivers and warehouse staff surged in the first quarter amid strong demand for frontline workers nationwide. This is according to a report from two employment industry companies – resume-building platform Resume Now and talent-matching platform Talroo.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: ID Label

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Will Eadie on the state of the manufacturing workforce; Safety first in the warehouse; A different approach to AI

Apr 11, 2025 Season 6 Episode 15

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Will Eadie, chief strategy officer at WorkJam. As the United States works to ramp up its manufacturing base, one area remains a problem – and that is finding good workers to provide the needed manufacturing labor. What are the challenges in hiring for manufacturing and how do companies retain good workers? Our guest offers his insight and potential strategies.

Warehouses can often be dangerous places to work. People and machines are constantly moving around. Products are being lifted overhead in an environment where speed it essential. Sadly, all of this movement can occasionally lead to accidents. We share some new research into what causes accidents in warehouses and how good training and awareness are needed to prevent them.

We write a lot in DC Velocity about how artificial intelligence is making slow but steady inroads in supply chains. Most of the focus has been on the technology itself and not so much the people working with it. However, CMA CGM, the big French ocean container carrier and logistics provider, is taking a different approach to AI implementation.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: ID Label

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Dr. Robert Sroufe of Chatham University on the future of sustainable supply chains; The industry reacts to the new tariffs; the latest Logitics Managers' Index

Apr 04, 2025 Season 6 Episode 14

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Dr. Robert Sroufe, professor of sustainability at the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. Supply chains are among the largest users of our world’s energy. Yet our industry is one of the most advanced in advocating for sustainability. But as political winds shift dramatically in Washington, many environmental policies may be on the chopping block. Where do our industry’s efforts lie going forward? Our guest has some insights and suggestions to better our supply chains while reducing their negative impacts on the environment.

The White House termed Wednesday as Liberation Day – the day the administration announced all of the new tariffs. But it seems that supply chain leaders are feeling more shackled than liberated by the tariffs. We report on what leading supply chain groups, researchers, and economists are saying about how the tariffs will affect supply chain operations and world trade.

This week the March Logistics Managers’ Index report emphasized all the volatility we’ve been observing in the economy. Economic activity in logistics expanded in March, but at a much slower rate compared to the first two months of the year. We look at the numbers and what trends they may reveal about the health of our supply chain industry.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: ID Label

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Danny Ramon of Overhaul on the rise of cargo theft; The growing use of in-cab video; Prioritizing supply chain resilience

Mar 28, 2025 Season 6 Episode 13

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Danny Ramon, director of intelligence and response at Overhaul Risk Advisory Services. Cargo theft continues to be a problem for transportation companies. Sophisticated organized thieves target goods in transit – from high valued electronics to even a recent shipment of eggs. How can shipping companies prevent and discourage theft of their goods? Our guest discusses the growing incidents of cargo theft and what can be done to prevent them.

We’ve seen increasing use of technology inside truck cabs in recent years, with the rise of tools like electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS locators, and lots of smartphone apps. But one of the technologies that’s been more challenging to adapt has been dash-cams. Laws vary from state to state on what is permissible to capture and record on camera devices. However, there are now some new technologies that can help to overcome the patchwork of state laws and still provide valuable information that these dash cameras can provide.

A report from supply chain software company Cleo found that supply chain resilience is rising in stature among business leaders, ranking right up there with cybersecurity concerns. The company’s 2025 Global Supply Chain Executive Report shows that 83% of executives surveyed said that supply chain resilience is as critical to their companies as cybersecurity is, with many saying they are turning to technology to boost resilience.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Andrei Quinn-Barabanov of Moody’s on supply chains five years after Covid hit us; Integrating diverse automation; New battery charging and energy solutions

Mar 21, 2025 Season 6 Episode 12

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Andrei Quinn-Barabanov, Supply Chain Industry Practice Lead and Senior Director with Moody’s. It was five years ago this month that our world was rocked with the Covid-19 virus. That is when businesses and schools closed and we were all stuck at home waiting for things to get better. All the while, supply chains kept us fed and happy at home, for the most part. Our supply chains had to adjust and they are still feeling the effects of the pandemic five years later. Our guest reflects on how supply chains reacted then and how they now will never be the same.

Most of our editorial staff was at ProMat 2025 this past week in Chicago – a huge supply chain show and the largest material handling exhibition in North America. And everywhere we looked, there were robotics and automation systems to be seen. Most distribution facilities and factories will eventually end up with a number of different types of automation and robotics within their facilities. So, the big challenge is to integrate all of these disparate systems to play nice with one another. We look at a couple of "orchestration" solutions on display at ProMat.

All of the automation solutions exhibited at ProMat take power. In this episode, we look at some innovative energy solutions that keep those automation systems operating at peak performance. We also discuss an energy management solution that can potentially lower the utility bills of facilities.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Erin Mittlestaedt, CEO of the FruitGuys, discusses the impact of tariffs on America's farmers; Global trade growth expected to slow; Chief supply chain officers are not prepared for tariff impacts

Mar 14, 2025 Season 6 Episode 11

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Erin Mittlestaedt, the CEO of the FruitGuys. The world continues to react to the trade disruptions caused by the Trump administration’s new tariffs. Of course, tariffs don’t only mean that we pay more for imports, it also affects exports because of the retaliatory tariffs imposed by other countries that we trade with. Farmers will be among those hit the hardest by retaliatory tariffs. They may limit export markets and if other farmers are not exporting as much also that means the market will flood with more domestic products, reducing the income. Our guest shares what the new trade policies will mean for these farmers.

Despite anticipating geopolitical shifts, Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs) remain largely unprepared for their impact. That’s according to a recent report from British management consulting firm Egon Zehnder. The company’s latest CSCO report surveying supply chain business leaders found that their jobs have many competing priorities demanding their attention. As a result, just 15% of CSCOs surveyed reported feeling prepared for the impact of trade policy changes such as tariffs.

Increasing tariffs essentially means adding a tax on U.S. companies that import goods. As a result, these companies either source less of their products internationally or consumers will buy less of them because of higher prices on the shelves. Either way, freight carriers won’t be happy because they’ll be hauling less cargo. A new report shows the possible impacts of the tariff war on the carrier community and it also speaks of the probability that growth in international trade will slow this year.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Rosemary Coates of the Reshoring Institute on whether trade wars will lead to reshoring manufacturing; a week of roller coaster tariffs; The health of the supply chain industry

Mar 07, 2025 Season 6 Episode 10

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Rosemary Coates, executive director of the Reshoring Institute. We’ve seen a roller coaster week involving tariffs. First they are on, then exceptions, then some reprieve. It makes one dizzy. But one of the stated aims of the new administration for establishing all of these tariffs is to force more manufacturing to return to domestic shores. Is that a workable strategy? Our guest offers some insights into reshoring initiatives and what industries are best suited to returning their manufacturing to America.

Adding to the theme of this week's episode, we look back at the tariff directives this week for international trade. What actually happened and how did the week end? We also discuss how this appears to be more of a negotiating strategy based on the president's past history of negotiating deals. Yet in the middle of all of it, how can supply chain managers properly plan and not add the costs often associated with uncertainty?

Despite the chaos, supply chains seem to be holding their own, as reflected in the monthly numbers reported this week in the Logistics Managers' Index. Rising inventory levels boosted activity across the transportation and warehousing industries. This occurred because companies were replenishing inventory following the holiday peak season, but also because they were rushing to import products ahead of tariffs. We break down the numbers and what they may predict for future supply chain health.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more. All ten episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Brian Lynch of EY Americas on what the ports labor settlement means for shippers; Automation moves from hype to center stage; Jobs with the highest risks of injuries

Feb 28, 2025 Season 6 Episode 9

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Brian Lynch, EY Americas Transportation Sector Leader and an Executive Director in the Transaction Strategy and Execution practice at EY-Parthenon. With the ratification earlier this week of the new 6-year agreement between dock workers and ports on the East and Gulf Coasts, it seems like we will have some labor peace that will last a while. Our guest discusses what that bit of certainty means to both shippers and carriers.

Mobile robots in the warehouse—such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), goods-to-person systems, and automated storage and retrieval systems—have now been accepted as mature technologies. Susan Lacefield, executive editor of Supply Chain Xchange, joins us to talk about the industry acceptance of these technologies and to preview the latest issue of SCX that focuses on robotics and automation.

Supply chains are among those industries where workers face a higher level of risk of injury, according to new research released by manufacturer Kuru. The study analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify where supply chain jobs rank among jobs from other industries for the potential for on-the-job injuries.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more. All ten episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

Other links