Our guest on this week's episode is Chris Hayes, assistant vice president, risk control, at insurer Travelers. There are a lot of things that distract drivers as they travel down our nation's roads. From cell phones to radios to things they may see along the way – just about anything could distract a driver at the wrong moment. Our guest shares the latest research from Travelers into the problems of distracted driving, how it can affect commercial and transportation fleets, and what can be done to limit distractions.
The Biden Administration this week unveiled a new round of tariffs directed at Chinese goods that the government feels gives Chinese companies an unfair competitive advantage. Some of the tariffs involve products used in our supply chains, and not every importer is happy to see these new tariffs. We look at what tariffs are being levied and explain why there is some opposition to them.
This week, two clean energy companies – renewable natural gas (or RNG) provider Clean Energy Fuels and RNG producer Maas Energy Works – announced plans to build nine bio-fuel RNG production facilities at dairy farms in seven states. Maas Energy will build the facilities, and the RNG produced will feed Clean Energy’s nationwide network of RNG stations, which provide fuel for heavy- and medium-duty trucks, buses, and other fleets of equipment. The project involves collecting manure from the dairy farms and capturing the methane emissions to produce RNG that involves “dairy digester” technology.
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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Travelers
- Trade groups criticize White House tariffs on Chinese goods
- Clean energy companies advance bio-fuel production for fleets
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Yale Lift Truck Technologies
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Our guest on this week's episode is John Lash, group vice president of product strategy at global supply chain platform, e2open. The EU has agreed to new environmental and social governance (ESG) rules within The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D). This requires companies to act if their supply chains cause environmental damages such as toxic air, packaging and packaging waste or violate forced labor laws. But what will this updated call to action mean for corporate accountability?
Everything seems to be getting more “high tech” these days. In our current issue, we take a look at how this trend is affecting sorters—which, of course, are keys to keeping warehouse and distribution center processes running smoothly and efficiently.
Both shippers and carriers throughout North America know all too well that the truckload industry has been in the low cycle of a freight recession for nearly two years. There are basically too many trucks and not enough cargo moving to fill them all. However, we’ve lately gotten some indication that things are finally getting ready to turn around.
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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- e2open
- Revved up and ready to sort
- Poll sentiment improves among owner-operators and small fleets
- ACT Research: trucking sector upturn likely within a couple of months
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Yale Lift Truck Technologies
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Our guest on this week's episode is Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the world’s largest trade group for robotics & automation companies. Robotics have impacted supply chains in ways few other technologies ever have. From filling orders in warehouses to loading and unloading trucks, robotics and automation are making our supply chains run more efficiently and accurately. And while the use of robotics has seen steady growth in the industry, what is the near-term outlook?
Supply chain leaders are bullish on generative AI, with most saying they expect to reap returns on their investments in the technology this year and that they plan to invest even more in the future. This is according to an Accenture survey of C-Suite executives worldwide, released this week
Walmart is famous for making its supply chain as efficient as possible. This week we learned about another way they squeeze cost out of the system. The company opened a high-tech consolidation center in Illinois. This is a 490,000-square foot facility that uses automation to flow three times more volume of goods through the building than a manual version. They have about 10 total of these consolidation centers, but most of those are manual; this is actually the third one of these high-tech ones they operate, following the first one which opened in California in 2019.
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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
- Supply chain AI investment applications are on the rise
- Walmart opens third consolidation center in its US network
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Yale Lift Truck Technologies
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is John Donigian, senior director of strategy - supply chain for risk assessment firm Moody’s. We have been reporting for more than a year on just what a difficult time the logistics industry has experienced. Costs remain high and lead times have increased. Our guest provides an overview of what is causing logistics to be stuck in the doldrums.
Scientists are looking at ways to make better batteries, but for some time now lithium ion has just been the best way to pack a lot of power into a small space. This week we heard about one way to move toward a safer way to transporting lithium ion batteries - and it has to do with blockchain.
Demand for forklifts, aisle trucks, container handlers, and similar equipment is on the rise, thanks to planned infrastructure development projects around the world. This is according to data from Chicago-based research firm MarketsandMarkets, released earlier this month. The researchers say demand for industrial vehicles for material handling and transportation is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 5% by 2030.
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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Moody's supplier risk management
- MSC improves lithium battery shipping safety through deal with GSBN
- New projects call for more forklifts
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Travero Logistics
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Our guest on this week's episode is David Correll, a research scientist with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Transportation and Logistics. This coming Monday, April 22, we celebrate Earth Day. Begun in 1970, this is a worldwide event designed to recognize the importance of preserving our environment. Due to their basic role of moving goods worldwide, our supply chains are among the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases. While we can’t totally eliminate our environmental footprints, there are things we can do to lessen their impacts on the environment. Each year, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics produce a State of Supply Chain Sustainability report. Correll is the project lead for this ambitious research. He shares about the progress being made for sustainability with in supply chains.
Members of the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Women in Motion (WIM) group met with federal government leaders in Washington this week to advocate for policies that support women drivers and that will encourage recruitment and retention of more women in the industry. We look at the specific legislation they are promoting to improve the lives of women truckers.
Freight company Yellow Corp. went out of business last year. It was one of the largest trucking companies to declare bankruptcy in history. Yellow blames its demise on contract negotiations with the Teamsters, while the union says the company spent more than it could afford to acquire other companies and expand. Regardless, the bankruptcy court has been selling off the company's remaining assets. We look at those assets and what other trucking firms have been buying them in order to expand their own operations at bargain prices.
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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Transportation & Logistics
- State of Supply Chain Sustainability Report (2023)
- Women truckers take their case to Washington
- Estes to open wave of new freight terminals acquired from bankrupt Yellow Corp.
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Travero Logistics
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is John Paxton, CEO of MHI. Supply chain professionals gathered just a few weeks ago in Atlanta for MODEX 2024. It is one of the most exciting stops on a professional’s calendar, as there were three large halls filled with the latest in supply chain technologies to explore. MHI is the industry trade group responsible for organizing and presenting MODEX. Paxton shares key takeaways from the show as well as discusses in detail some of the important findings from the MHI Annual Industry Report. Released during MODEX, this research gives a snapshot of the current state of the industry.
Transportation industry leaders have shifted their priorities in 2024, with cost concerns taking a back seat to climate issues that can cause major supply chain disruptions. This is according to the 2024 State of Transportation Report from transportation management technology provider Breakthrough. Respondents said extreme weather events—such as the months-long Panama Canal drought—are their number one transportation challenge this year. They also said such issues are pushing environmental sustainability initiatives to the top of their companies’ agendas.
The U.S. manufacturing sector has emerged from the pandemic on a strong growth trajectory, and continued growth is expected over the next 10 years. That’s according to a report from the National Association of Manufacturers and Deloitte, the consulting firm. The report says the sector is growing in response to three trends, as companies work to meet evolving customer demands, de-risk their supply chains, and leverage government incentives and policies
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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- MHI
- Manufacturers could see job shortage as growth accelerates
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Travero Logistics
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Stephen Dyke, principal solution advisor at FourKites. It has been more than a week since the cargo ship Dalia struck and brought down Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. Supply chain managers are working hard to adjust to limited operations at the Port of Baltimore, and shippers are shifting cargo to other ports and road networks. Our guest shares the latest from Baltimore and the current impacts to supply chains.
Economic activity in the logistics industry grew for the fourth straight month in March and marked a continued return to more “healthy and normal” growth levels. That’s according to the latest Logistics Managers’ Index (or LMI) report, which was released this week.
Ever since ChatGPT came out a little more than a year ago, people have been playing around with these chatbots that are powered by generative artificial intelligence, better known as GenAI. But while these tools can definitely do some impressive things in terms of holding natural language text conversations with humans and instantly researching the internet to provide unique answers, how that can actually help us get our work done better and faster is a harder question to answer . We got a little more information this week with the news that KPMG is expanding its relationship with Google Cloud, with the goal to apply GenAI in practical ways in business.
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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- FourKites
- The logistics economy expanded in March
- KPMG and Google Cloud expand efforts to roll out GenAI
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Travero Logistics
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Crystal Parrott, chief operating officer at Plus One Robotics. Retailers have always had to deal with seasonal peak periods. However, those fluctuating volumes make it difficult on distribution operations. But now, there are technologies that make it easier to smooth out the peaks. Our guest shares how those technologies can bring huge benefits for retail distribution.
The major story we’ve been covering this week has been the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore Harbor when it was struck by a container ship leaving Maryland on its way to Sri Lanka. Investigators and rescue workers are still trying to figure out how that tragedy happened, and it could take years to ultimately rebuild the bridge, which carried traffic on I-695. In the meantime, the closure of the Port of Baltimore has forced supply chains managers to adapt. We look at how ships and trucks are being rerouted to other ports and roads and what overall effects this disaster may add to supply chain disruptions and complexity.
We take a sneak peek at a story in the April issue of DC Velocity that looks at how drones are impacting middle-mile freight movement. There is a European company that is very close to making commercial delivery operations with larger drones a reality. Dronamics has developed a Cessna-sized aircraft called the Black Swan. It’s a middle-mile drone that can deliver 770 pounds of cargo up to about 1,500 miles.
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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Plus One Robotics
- Baltimore port closure could trigger freight rate hikes and delays
- Port of Baltimore closure could clog nearby ports as freight is diverted
- Cargo drones tackle the middle mile
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Aptean
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Anne-Marie Michel, a photographer based in London who has just completed a photographic book on female truckers. Women drivers make up a growing percentage of our nation’s truck operators. Michel captured the lives of these women and the special bond they share as "Sisters of the Road."
This week we heard that that warehouse construction boom that resulted from Covid supply chain delays and customer demand is finally cooling off. That comes from a report from Cushman & Wakefield, which found that construction starts in the industrial sector have slowed dramatically this year for two reasons: tenant demand has waned and hurdles to new construction activity have grown.
We all know that due to climate change we have to eventually wean off of fossil fuels to power the nation’s transportation fleets. But, a new report shows that there are lots of hurdles to jump and a huge cost to embracing our electrical future. We share the details and expected costs of the needed infrastructure that will be needed. It may require a more common-sense approach to electrification.
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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Sisters of the Road website
- Uber Freight
- Construction starts slow down dramatically for industrial real estate
- Report pegs cost of electrifying US commercial truck fleet at $1-trillion
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Aptean
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Breanna Herbert, senior product manager at Orbis Corp. One way that companies can meet their sustainability goals is to transform the way they package goods. That’s where reusable packaging can help to create greener supply chains. Our guest offers some insights and also shares about packaging products that are made from recycled materials gathered from shorelines of the world's oceans.
We have all seen those Amazon or UPS trucks pull right up outside our driveways and watch a delivery driver carry a single box to our doorstep to make a delivery. But that type of delivery is not practical in urban areas where the trucks cannot easily navigate. Instead, they often use e-bikes in cities, but that can also present some problems. We discuss some ways that New York City is utilizing technology to make bike-based deliveries more practical.
Shippers are turning to logistics services providers more and more in the wake of the pandemic economy to get a better handle on costs and improve their supply chain operations. One company that is working with a 4PL is Core Health & Fitness, which makes commercial fitness equipment and related digital solutions. We talk about the benefits they have gained with this logistics partnership.
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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Orbis, Corp.
- NYC launches battery swapping plan for e-biles used in last mile delivery
- Logistics service provider to the rescue
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Aptean
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Eric Fullerton, senior director of product marketing at project44. Transportation networks continue to be disrupted by the ongoing militia attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. To counter it, most ocean carriers are rerouting goods away from the Suez Canal and extending their ocean miles by sailing around the horn of Africa. We discuss the latest and what shippers can and should be doing to counteract the effects of these ongoing supply chain constraints.
New research into demand for same-day delivery shows that it’s not just hype – consumers still want fast service, and it can actually add up to higher revenue for companies that provide it. That’s according to a report published this week by crowdsourced delivery platform Roadie.
Retailers gathered in Dallas this past week for the Retail Industry Leaders Association annual meeting. We report on two large retailers, Nordstrom and Walmart, and what they are doing to enhance their customers' delivery experiences.
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 on Supply Chain Jobs of Tomorrow starts this week, as all eight episodes drop this Tuesday. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- project44
- Report: Retailers say same-day delivery drives higher revenue.
- Nordstrom juggles multiple goals to give shoppers an emotional experience
- Walmart highlights its multi-capability assets
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Aptean
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Peter Latta, chairman and CEO of A. Duie Pyle, a Northeast regional trucking and logistics company. This year marks the 100th anniversary of A. Duie Pyle. Latta discusses some of the challenges his company has overcome to hit the century mark as well as issues currently facing the trucking industry.
Finding workers for our nation’s warehouses has not been easy the past couple of years. But there is automation available that can help to close the warehouse labor gap. Looking for ways to maximize your workforce and improve throughput? Automated forklifts may be the answer.
The Covid pandemic caused all sorts of headaches for anyone trying to run a logistics business. One of the biggest challenges was the wild fluctuations of inventory levels in warehouses. We experienced huge demand for certain goods, then shortages, then over-compensation, then port congestion… basically it was a mess. But things may be finally improving. We discuss a report this week that said that U.S. retailers may have finally gotten their inventory levels to settle down again, or right-sized.
CSCMP's 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. Eight new episodes drop Tuesday on Supply Chain Jobs of Tomorrow. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe to Supply Chain in the Fast Lane and listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- A. Duie Pyle
- Retailers have finally right-sized inventory levels
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Aptean
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Steve Ardagh, the founder and CEO of Eagle Protect, a protective glove supplier. Our supply chains contain products sourced and manufactured all over the world. But sometimes, the origins of products may not be in line with our values. Products may be produced in sweatshops, or ignore child labor standards, or they may take advantage of minority groups or even enslaved people. How do we assure ethical sourcing of the products in our supply chains? Our guest has some thoughts on this topic.
Nearshoring, or moving manufacturing closer to our markets, is gaining in popularity. And we have seen a lot of recent activity in Mexico that is further evidence of this growing trend. How does nearshoring reduce risk and stabilize our supply chains?
Transportation of goods continues to be affected by world events, such as attacks on shipping within the Red Sea, the ongoing drought in Panama, and two major wars. Retailers are starting to feel these effects, as delays and higher freight costs pose earnings risk for U.S. and European companies importing from Asia.
CSCMP's 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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Eagle Protect
- BlueGrace opens first Mexican logistics center
- Arrive Logistics opens Guadalajara office as nearshoring boom continues
- Report: Retailers likely to take a hit from Suez and Panama disruptions
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Aptean
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Siddharth Priyesh, vice president and head of the Americas and Caribbean regions at CrimsonLogic. All businesses have been affected by increasing inflation and the high interest rates that have been set to curb that inflation. It has caused some sectors to suffer worse than others. Transportation has been one of the industries hit the hardest with higher costs. Will those impacts continue during the year, and what can businesses do to lessen the pain?
Transportation and logistics professionals in the United States and Europe say their companies are coming up short in three areas that get a lot of attention in business circles these days: artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and supply chain visibility. That’s according to a recent study from location data and technology firm Here Technologies, released this week. We share the details of the research and what it means to supply chain management.
One of the biggest buzzwords of the past couple years has been digitalization. But in the waves of new technology we see all the time, it to can be hard to keep track of exactly what that means. And are we there yet? Are we digitalized? This week, we saw two stories that give an idea of a progress report on that question, specifically in the area of transportation. We share the details.
CSCMP's 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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- CrimsonLogic
- Study finds lack of data analytics and AI utilization in logistics
- CH Robinson says appointment scheduling tech saves 74 hours per load
- Uber Freight rolls out pilot version of freight scheduling API
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Aptean
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Chris Jones, executive vice president of industry for Descartes. Unemployment rates in the United States continue to be under 4% - the latest report released today shows unemployment currently at 3.7%. The low unemployment further demonstrates the growing strength of the overall economy. However, one thing that may stifle additional growth is the difficulty of finding good workers with so few people looking for new jobs. Logistics technology company Descartes has just completed a study called How Bad Is the Supply Chain and Logistics Workforce Challenge? We talk about the results of the study and what it means for finding workers to run our supply chains.
It has been a year since that terrible railroad accident in East Palestine, Ohio. Since then, the railroad industry, Congress, and safety agencies have been haggling over how to make trains safer to prevent such future accidents. Railroads have proposed some voluntary measures to increase safety while at the same time stifling a bill in Congress that would mandate some safety procedures. We discuss where things stand now.
From warehouses to farms, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are helping boost productivity, save labor, and continuously improve operations. We look at the cover story for the February issue of DC Velocity that discusses how AMRs are reshaping the warehousing landscape and even influencing how work is done in other industries.
CSCMP's 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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Descartes
- A year after East Palestine accident, rail industry regulations are largely unchanged
- Rail unions cheer whistleblower protection deal with Norfolk Southern
- The incredible versatile AMR
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Aptean
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Melanie Nuce-Hilton, senior vice president, innovation and partnerships, at GS1 US. The world has long used barcodes for data tracking and transactions – we see them stamped on nearly every product we buy. However, new standards are being introduced to replace the humble bar code with more sophisticated codes that can contain much more data. We talk about the benefits and use cases for the newer 2D types of barcodes.
We’ve been hearing about the potential for autonomous self-driving trucks for a few years now. The technology could be applied in transportation and could ease driver shortages. There have been a number of pilot programs for testing autonomous vehicles, but we also see some opposition to their adoption over concerns of safety. Today we share some of the latest news concerning these autonomous technologies.
Speakers at this year's SMC3 JumpStart conference in Atlanta shared their views that the challenging conditions that have plagued freight markets for the past couple of years will continue in 2024 – but that the volatility will diminish as the year progresses. We share details on what they had to say.
CSCMP's 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. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- GS1 US
- Ryder and Kodiak open autonomous truck port in Houston
- Teamsters and police opposed South Dakota bill allowing autonomous vehicles
- Sluggish outlook prevails, freight leaders say
- Get episode transcripts
- 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: Aptean
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Dr. Greg Vecchi, director of training at SafeDefend LLC . Businesses are statistically among the most common places where active shootings occur, yet most businesses don’t have the security to prevent a motivated person from entering a facility and committing violent acts. Most just think it could never happen to them. However, there are actions that businesses can take to thwart or mitigate the harm caused by a would-be attacker. Vecchi is a retired FBI supervisory special agent and former chief of the FBI Behavioral Science Unit. He has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience including being a career FBI negotiator. Currently, he is the director of training at security company SafeDefend. We discussed the root causes of violence in facilities and how companies can better defend themselves against attacks.
With the growth of warehouse automation, we see more and more technology and devices come into what has traditionally been a completely manual space. But while the automation market is exploding in the US — for both suppliers and customers of that equipment — a report this week analyzed why most western vendors fail when they try to expand into the world’s fastest growing market, which is China.
A little friendly competition in the warehouse can help boost morale and motivate workers. That’s according to a study from warehouse technology company Lucas Systems, released this week. The study examined how workers feel about “game mechanics”-- these are things like workplace competitions, rewards, teamwork, and leaderboards that track performance. Nearly 84% of workers polled said they were more likely to stay with a company that develops such workplace competitions around their daily tasks.
CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- SafeDefend
- Interact Analysis says most western warehouse automation vendors fail in the Chinese Market
- Report: Game mechanics drive worker engagement in the warehouse
- Get episode transcripts
- Visit Supply Chain Xchange
- Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
- Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com
Podcast is sponsored by: Aptean
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Ian Arroyo, chief strategy officer at Freightos. Ships crossing the Red Sea are under constant threat of attacks by militant groups responding to the Israeli-Hamas conflict. The situation is constraining global trade and causing many shipping lines to bypass the Suez Canal and instead sail around Africa to reach Europe and North American destinations, resulting in huge increases in costs for shippers.
Trucker Path, a developer of mobile apps and services for the trucking industry, released their annual list of the Top 100 Truck Stops in the U.S. – a guide to the top places for drivers to stop and eat, rest, and fuel up as they travel the nation’s highways. See which truck stop tops the list.
Many trucking firms and logistics operations are not happy after the U.S. Labor Department has released new rules defining independent contractors that could affect how drivers and others are classified. The new rules may require many of these workers to be classified as employees. But the rules are not very clear in what tests companies should use to make the correct classifications. Courts may have to eventually settle the issue.
CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Freightos
- Trucking app names top U.S. truck stops
- Logistics groups criticize White House move to define more workers as employees, not contractors
- California court says trucking fleets must provide drivers with full employment benefits
- Get episode transcripts
- 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@dcvelocity.com
Podcast is sponsored by: Aptean
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Jason Schenker, president of Prestige Economics & chairman of The Futurist Institute. He is a well-known economist who regularly focuses on supply chains and creates forecasts and economic outlooks for the industry. 2023 was a rough year for most aspects of the supply chain economy. Schenker shares the economic issues that caused supply chain problems during the past year and what issues will affect supply chains in 2024.
We are now past the holiday peak season and we know what that means for retailers – we’ve now moved into the returns season. This year, retailers are figuring out how to differentiate between legitimate consumer returns and those who use returns to conduct fraud.
The new year often signals a new round of industry awards and accolades. This year is no different, as many trade associations prepare to recognize industry professionals for their many achievements. The Women in Trucking Association has been out front on this issue, announcing over the past couple of weeks plans to honor women truck drivers and logistics leaders with two separate awards this spring. We provide details on how you can nominate deserving supply chain professionals.
CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Prestige Economics
- Retailers chip away at online return rate, but fraud continues to grow
- Women In Trucking to honor drivers and logistics leaders
- Women In Trucking
- Get episode transcripts
- 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@dcvelocity.com
Podcast is sponsored by: Aptean
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Our guest on this week's episode is Col. Ted Silvester USMC (Ret.) and VP, marketing & development, for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Each year, the United States Marine Corps Reserve and its partners undertake one of the nation’s largest toy drives, Toys for Tots. The organization's goal is to assure that all children have toys for Christmas morning. It takes an army – or rather a Marine Corps - of volunteers and corporate partners to pull it off. Col. Silvester shares about the logistics behind the annual campaign.
As we close our 2023, it is natural to look ahead to 2024. While 2023 was a down year for logistics, there is some hope that conditions will improve in the coming year. A new report from Prologis offers some insights into prospects for the logistics sector and the major trends that will affect the industry in 2024.
Electric vehicles (EV) for last-mile delivery remain in demand around the world, according to a recent market report from research firm Global Market Estimates. The group says the EV market for last-mile delivery will grow at a nearly 16% compound
annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2023 and 2028, driven largely by demand for
more sustainable business practices in general, as well as government policies
and incentives to purchase EVs.
CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Toys for Tots
- Prologis says global freight recession will reverse in 2024
- Report shows EV market for last mile delivery set for growth
- Get episode transcripts
- Visit Supply Chain Quarterly
- Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
- Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com
Podcast is sponsored by: PERC
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Carson Krieg, director of global alliances at project44. With Christmas only 10 days away, we are just about to finish the busiest time of the year for the shipping industry. So, how are things going? Have we seen the snags of previous years, or is there too much capacity? Have shippers over-prepared for the season? Our guest has some insights.
New employees are most vulnerable to workplace accidents. New research from Travelers shows that a third of workplace injuries occur during an employee’s first year on the job, driven by strains from overexertion. We look at what types of injuries are most common and what can be done to reduce the risks of injuries among new employees.
How well do you know your suppliers and partners? New legislation as well as security concerns make it imperative that companies get to know their suppliers and other business partners better. For example, starting in the new year, many companies doing business in Canada will have to report on their efforts to make sure they’re not using forced labor or child labor. Companies should also make sure that their partners don't provide an entrance way into their own computer systems for hackers to exploit.
CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- project44
- Report shows that new employees are most vulnerable to workplace accidents
- Companies prepare for Canadian policy against forced and child labor
- Report reveals that hackers target third-party suppliers in automakers' supply chains
- Get episode transcripts
- Visit Supply Chain Quarterly
- Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
- Listen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcast
- Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com
Podcast is sponsored by: PERC
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Chirag Modi, corporate VP of industry strategy at Blue Yonder. Last week the Biden administration unveiled more plans to strengthen our domestic supply chains, with the goals of making them more resilient. Our guest shares some details on these initiatives and how they may impact our supply chains.
Economic activity in the logistics industry fell in November following three months of steady increases; that’s according to the latest Logistics Managers’ Index report (LMI), which was released this past Tuesday. We look behind the numbers at what they mean for the economy and the supply chain industry.
We keep hearing of the promise of self-driving truck and cars, but it has been a tough year for autonomous vehicle companies. A few have hit major speed bumps in developing their technologies. Yet, there are a few bright spots as these technologies are tested and advanced. We look at what it may take before we see deployment in large numbers of autonomous vehicles.
CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. The current series features Transportation Tech. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Blue Yonder
- Logistics economy contracted in November
- Torc to use data from Uber Freight to develop autonomous trucking network
- Get episode transcripts
- Visit Supply Chain Quarterly
- Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
- Listen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcast
- Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com
Podcast is sponsored by: PERC
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Matthew Hart, founder and CEO of Soter Analytics. This is the season of gift giving. And many of those gifts are online retail orders that have to be delivered by parcel carriers. Along with increasing volumes comes the risk of more injuries to delivery workers, especially among part-time or seasonal workers not used to increased physical activity. How can these potential injuries be prevented? Our guest offers some insight on protecting workers while keeping them even more productive.
From the warehouse to the road, logistics operations are ripe for technology solutions that make it easier for shippers and carriers to get orders where they need to go. New entrants to the market are answering the call. In a December article, Victoria Kickham takes a close look at three companies are providing specific solutions for transportation, warehousing, and labor-related challenges.
There is a new king of last-mile deliveries. Ben Ames discusses how one major retailer has surpassed both UPS and FedEx in the number of parcels it delivers and what it means to the industry.
CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. The current series features Transportation Tech. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- Soter Analytics
- Rising tech firms target logistics challenges
- Amazon's parcel delivery growth puts pressure on retailers, Veho says
- Get episode transcripts
- Visit Supply Chain Quarterly
- Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
- Listen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcast
- Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com
Podcast is sponsored by: PERC
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Liz Richards, the soon-to-be retiring CEO of MHEDA, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association - an organization that helps distributors and their customers in finding the right material handling solutions for meeting today’s distribution challenges. She has led MHEDA for nearly 29 years and will retire at the end of the year. We talk about the changes she has seen in the industry and what the future may hold for MHEDA.
It has been a challenging year for both shippers and their logistics providers, but these two groups working in transporting goods should not have relationships that are in opposition to each other nor have competing goals. We discuss a new report from McKinsey that talks about both can find a win-win if they coordinate and complement each other’s capabilities.
We discuss the DHL's new Americas Region Hub in Atlanta. The facility is being considered a model of high-tech material handling systems and green energy solutions—and it’s pushing the company closer to net zero. What makes this facility stand out as the model for the future?
CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. The current series features Transportation Tech. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- MHEDA
- McKinsey: Shippers and logistics providers share common pain points
- Automation meets sustainability in Atlanta
- Get episode transcripts
- Visit Supply Chain Quarterly
- Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
- Listen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcast
- Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com
Podcast is sponsored by: Hyster
Other links
Our guest on this week's episode is Duane Duhamel, Director of Health, Safety and Environment at ISN, a provider of contractor and supplier management solutions. OSHA recently released its list of top 10 safety violations. Of course, the violations mean that some things are not being done safely in the workplace – and many of the most common violations occur in transportation and warehouses. We look at what those violations are, why they happen, and what can be done to better assure safety within supply chain operations.
One hangover from the pandemic that has really caused problems is a lingering shortage of computer chips. This is a problem because those chips are a crucial part of so many products in our connected world. The shortage affects production of electronics, but also things like trucks and other vehicles. This week we learned about how some engineering companies are coping with that problem.
There seems to be no shortage of industry products and projects designed to create more environmentally friendly supply chains, and we heard about a new one this week. This is a partnership between industry and academia, specifically Lucas Systems and Carnegie Mellon University. It is designed to address the problem of excess packaging in distribution centers. We share details on the project and how it will be implemented.
CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. The current series features Transportation Tech. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
- ISN
- A new survey of engineers shows IT component shortages have eased since 2022
- A partnership between Lucas Systems and Carnegie Mellon University tackles sustainable logistics
- Get episode transcripts
- Visit Supply Chain Quarterly
- Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
- Listen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcast
- Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com
Podcast is sponsored by: Hyster
Other links
Guest: Chris Hayes of Travelers on risks of distracted driving; New tariffs on Chinese imports; Cows fuel fleets
16:24
Guest: John Lash of e2open on new European ESG regulations; Sortation that is revved up and ready; Is the freight recession about to shift into reverse?
20:45
Guest: Jeff Burnstein of A3 on the state of the robotics market; A rise in supply chain AI investments; Walmart squeezes more costs from its distribution operations
15:55
Guest: John Donigian of Moody's on supply chain risks; A safer way to ship lithium batteries; The rising demand for industrial trucks
20:15
Guest: David Correll of MIT on supply chain sustainability; Women truckers head to Washington; What happened to Yellow Corp.?
27:32
Guest: John Paxton of MHI on MODEX 2024 and the MHI's Annual Industry Report; The shifting priorities of transportation; A forecast for growth in manufacturing
19:54
Guest: Stephen Dyke of FourKites on how shippers are adjusting after the Key Bridge collapse; New stats show the health of logistics; Applying Gen AI to business practices
19:48
Guest: Crystal Parrott of Plus One Robotics on how automation can help retailers handle peaks; Supply chain impacts of the Baltimore bridge disaster; Drones show potential for middle-mile deliveries
20:21
Guest: Photographer Anne-Marie Michel on life on the road for women truckers; The warehouse building boom has ended; The costs of truck electrification
20:51
Guest: Breanna Herbert of Orbis on reusable packaging; Final-mile deliveries in urban areas; The advantages of using a 4PL
20:55
Guest: Eric Fullerton updating Red Sea shipping attacks; Same-day delivery drives higher revenues; How consumers feel about retail experiences
20:48
Guest: Peter Latta of A. Duie Pyle on the challenges of running a successful trucking and logistics provider for 100 years; Closing the warehouse labor gap; Inventories begin to stabilize
21:10
Guest: Steve Ardagh of Eagle Protect on ethical sourcing; Reshoring picks up momentum; Ongoing world events continue to impact our supply chains
17:12
Guest: Siddharth Priyesh of CrimsonLogic on battling supply chain inflation and high interest rates; New research shows a lack of AI use in logistics; The progress of digitalization throughout transportation
17:47
Guest: Chris Jones of Descartes on labor shortages; Rail safety one year out from East Palestine derailment; Versatile AMRs
17:49
Guest: Melanie Nuce-Hilton of GS1 US on 2D barcode benefits; The latest on autonomous trucks; Freight markets remain sluggish
25:23
Guest: Greg Vecchi of SafeDefend on protecting facilities from active shooters; Automation companies struggle in China; Gamification comes to the warehouse
28:40
Guest: Ian Arroyo of Freightos on Red Sea shipping attacks; The best truck stops; New independent contractor rules
18:38
Guest: Jason Schenker of Prestige Economics with predictions for supply chains in 2024; 'Tis the season of retail returns; Honoring women working in supply chains
24:31
Guest: Col. Ted Silvester on the logistics behind Toys for Tots; Industry predictions for 2024; The growth of the electric vehicle market
21:10
Guest: Carson Krieg of project44 on holiday shipping; New workers are most at risk for injuries; The need to know partners and suppliers better
20:32
Guest: Chirag Modi of Blue Yonder on White House initiatives to strengthen domestic supply chains; The logistics economy dipped down last month; What will it take to see autonomous trucks at scale?
17:27
Guest: Matthew Hart of Soter Analytics on preventing peak season injuries; Tech companies answer the call; A new last-mile delivery king is crowned
18:25
Guest: Liz Richards of MHEDA reflecting on her time in the industry; Shippers and carriers share pain points; A model for distribution
20:43
Guest: Duane Duhamel of ISN on top OSHA safety violations; Dealing with computer chip shortages; A unique partnership
19:30