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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Pawan Joshi of E2open on shippers reclaiming the skies; Freight unloading robots are coming; Celebrating technicians in trucking

Sep 29, 2023 Season 4 Episode 37

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Pawan Joshi, executive vice president, product management & strategy at E2open. With the rebound in air travel, there are more flights available now to shippers, including cargo-only flights and belly space on passenger planes. How can shippers take advantage of that extra capacity and the lower rates now available ?

We’ve seen a lot of advances in robots that move inventory around the warehouse in recent years. But one problem that has remained really hard to solve has been getting boxes into and out of truck trailers or shipping containers. But now we are seeing new technologies to address truck loading and unloading with some significant investments and pilot programs making progress on this difficult labor-heavy aspect of distribution.

More women are joining the trucking industry as technicians. A new survey shows a year-over-year increase in the number of female equipment technicians. This news comes as the trucking industry celebrates National Technician Appreciation Week.

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:

Podcast is sponsored by: nVision Global

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Guest: Spencer Shute of Proxima on the UAW strike; Supply chain companies invest in artificial intelligence; A look at the tasks that AI is automating

Sep 22, 2023 Season 4 Episode 36

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Spencer Shute, principal consultant at Proxima, a company that provides procurement services. While negotiations are ongoing, the strike by the United Auto Workers against the big three automakers is entering its second week and may expand to other plants. Of course, the longer this goes on, the more it affects supply chains. Shute discusses the current state of the labor dispute, what may happen next, and how supply chains may be impacted.

Artificial intelligence continues to see wide adoption within supply chains. What tasks are being made more efficient with artificial intelligence, and are we seeing the quality results expected? Also, are there adequate company policies in place to govern how employees use AI?

Sticking to the theme of artificial intelligence, we also look new research into who is investing in artificial intelligence and the differences between generative AI and regenerative AI.

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:

Podcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research Council

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Guest: Mike Kotecki on engineers advancing into managment; Warehouse yards go digital; A possible bumpy road for EV adoption

Sep 15, 2023 Season 4 Episode 35

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is retired materials handling executive Mike Kotecki. He has just written a new book - Leadership for Engineers: How to Turn Perfectly Good STEM Professionals into Management . Kotecki was formerly an executive with HK Systems and Dematic. He discusses his personal journey into management and how STEM professionals have many of the tools needed to become good industry leaders. He also shares tips for helping them to fill gaps they may have in their backgrounds and training in order for them to progress in management and be noticed when promotions roll around.

Digital technologies have been transforming our distribution centers and warehouses over the past few years. Now, similar technology is moving from inside the four walls to outside the facility and into the yard. We look at how these technologies along with artificial intelligence are beginning to impact yard and trailer management.

Hardly a day goes by when we don’t hear talk about the potential of electric cars and trucks. But, rapid adoption of electric vehicles may face some hurdles, including a lack of infrastructure and the need to keep current vehicles that run on fossil fuels operating through their useful lifecycles. We discuss some of the roadblocks to fast adoption of 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. 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:

Podcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research Council

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Guest: Don Hicks of Optilogic on nearshoring; Signs of optimism in freight markets; A new battery plant

Sep 08, 2023 Season 4 Episode 34

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Don Hicks, CEO of Optilogic. As manufacturing is declining in China, many companies are turning to Mexico and other Latin American countries to assure a steady supply of goods while also shortening their supply chains. But will nearshoring actually resolve many of the problems supply chains have faced in the past few years? We discuss the benefits and pitfalls of nearshoring designs.

Freight brokers are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel – and there is new data to back up that better conditions may be returning. We discuss freight markets and what might soon be a return to more normal conditions following this year's declining market.

The transportation industry is gradually introducing more electric-powered vehicles while moving away from diesel engines to power trucks. Such a change, though, requires a lot more batteries than are currently available. This week we heard of plans from several truck companies to join together to build a new factory for domestic battery manufacturing. This will assure more battery supply for the trucks they hope to build.

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:

Podcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research Council

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Guest: Patrick Soleymani of George Mason University on depressed freight markets; Cargo theft is on the rise; Workers required to return to offices

Sep 01, 2023 Season 4 Episode 33

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Patrick Soleymani, associate professor within the management area in the School of Business at George Mason University. By any measure, 2023 has been a difficult year for the trucking industry. Just how bad are market conditions and when will trucking see a return to better times? Our guest offers some insights as to what has caused the freight recession and how long it may last.

Cargo theft is on the rise, both from warehouses and directly from trucks while freight is in transport. What is causing more of these crimes to occur, and what can be done to prevent them?

During the pandemic, many employees began working from home for the first time -- but now companies are requiring that most of them return to the office. New research this week reveals some recent trends affecting where people work and what is motivating companies to desire that their employees return to the office.

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:

Podcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research Council

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Kathy Fulton of the American Logistics Aid Network on recovery efforts for Maui; Drought in Panama limits canal shipping; Wireless charging tech for material handling

Aug 25, 2023 Season 4 Episode 32

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Kathy Fulton, executive director of ALAN, the American Logistics Aid Network. Just within the past two weeks, our nation has been rocked by two weather-related catastrophes: the wildfire tragedy in Maui and also Tropical Storm Hilary, which has brought unprecedented rain and flooding to western states. We talk about these disasters and how our logistics industry is responding to provide connections between transportation providers and the agencies on the ground coordinating relief efforts.

Some of the same drought conditions that contributed to the tragic fires in Maui are also causing problems for the movement of goods through the Panama Canal. This week more restrictions were imposed on the number and weight of ships that can traverse the canal. We discuss the latest news from the canal.

New technologies are emerging all the time for warehouses and transportation operations. One new intriguing tech is wireless charging for autonomous mobile robot systems and automated guided vehicles. We share what is spurring on the adoption of this technology.

Podcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research Council

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Guest: Anne Reinke of TIA on preventing freight fraud; Prepping docks for winter weather; The effects of innovation and emerging tech on supply chains

Aug 18, 2023 Season 4 Episode 31

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Anne Reinke, president and CEO of TIA, The Transportation Intermediaries Association. Cargo theft and transportation fraud are on the rise. Criminal groups and bad actors often pose as legitimate freight brokers and carriers with the aim of taking payments for services they will never fulfill. What can carriers and shippers do to be sure they are staying away from fraudsters and selecting legitimate transportation providers? Our guest has some suggestions.

It may seem early, but now is the time to start evaluating your loading docks to see if they are prepped and ready for winter weather – at least for those companies operating in Northern climates, where snow and ice can cause safety and productivity challenges, as well as dampen the effects of those energy-saving measures so many warehouses are focused on these days.

We preview an upcoming article in DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly that discusses a number of high-level concepts that can guide or jumpstart how companies think about innovation and incorporating emerging technologies.

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:

Podcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research Council

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Guest: Dr. Thomas Evans of Honeywell on meeting automation goals; Skills gaps in finding new workers; How do we tell when we are at the bottom of the transportation trough?

Aug 11, 2023 Season 4 Episode 30

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Dr. Thomas Evans, robotics chief technology officer for Honeywell. Supply chains have been roughed up quite a bit this year, with transportation in a recession and many warehouse projects on hold throughout the industry. Yet, even with the current economic climate, buyers are still making investments in warehouse robotics, but possibly smaller investments than they would like. In this environment, what can logistics companies do to hit their long-term goals for automation? Our guest shares some insights.

It’s getting harder to find the right talent in the supply chain, especially when it comes to filling leadership roles and developing the next generation of corporate supply chain managers. That’s according to a recent survey by Alcott Global, a Singapore-based supply chain and logistics recruitment and talent management firm. Half of those surveyed listed the lack of talent as a key problem. On top of that, the survey showed that the talent that is available lacks the right skill set needed to succeed in supply chain management.

Freight markets have been down quite a bit this summer and it makes managers wonder if we have seen the bottom of the cyclical trough. A new report from U.S. Bank offers some data points that may shed some light on how long the freight recession will last.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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:

Podcast is sponsored by:PERC - The Propane Education and Research Council

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Guest: Caroline Chumakov on Gartner's Women in Supply Chain Survey; Yellow Freight shuts down; A rocky road for logistics in July

Aug 04, 2023 Season 4 Episode 29

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Caroline Chumakov, director analyst, talent and sustainability team at Gartner. Women continue to make inroads and impacts within supply chains as they are filling more executive and leadership positions in the industry. Our guest shares about the findings of new Gartner research, 2023 Women in Supply Chain Survey.

Probably the biggest story in logistics over the past week was the shutdown of Yellow Corp. They were the nation’s third-largest less-than-truckload freight company, with about 30,000 employees and 60,000 tractors and trailers. We discuss what happened this week and what it may mean for shippers without Yellow as a carrier.

We continued to see slowing conditions across logistics and supply chain in July, part of a trend that began earlier this year. This week, researchers released the monthly Logistics Managers' Index report for July. It showed that economic conditions in the industry contracted for a third straight month.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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:

Podcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research Council

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Guest: Tom Nightingale of AFS Logistics on the UPS labor settlement; Prospects look good for 2024 warehouse projects; Extending the life of robots

Jul 28, 2023 Season 4 Episode 28

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Tom Nightingale, CEO of AFS Logistics. UPS and the Teamsters Union that represents 340,000 UPS drivers and warehouse workers reached a tentative agreement this week on a new labor deal. What will this mean for shippers? Will rates see a rise? And how will other carriers respond? Our guest has some insights on how this and other recent labor negotiations will impact transportation providers and the supply chains they serve.

We saw a slowdown in warehouse construction over the past year following that post-Covid boom when accelerating e-commerce and unprecedented demand for logistics services in general caused a surge in the need for warehousing space. The recent slowdown is due to declining e-commerce activity and rising interest rates over the past year, but it looks like we may hit bottom and see growth heading into 2024, in both warehouse construction and related warehouse automation projects.

Robotics have certainly impacted distribution in recent years, with tens of thousands of units now roaming the world's warehouses. Many of these are provided under a Robots-as-a-Service model, or RaaS, where the manufacturer owns the robots and simply leases them based on run time or products moved. Therefore, it is an advantage to keep the robots in top-notch condition to assure uptime and profitability. We discuss how one company, Locus Robotics, is building a new facility and capability to support that model.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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:

Podcast is sponsored by:Travero Logistics

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Guest: Greg Tuthill of SeaCube Containers on food waste during transit; The latest on the potential Teamsters strike at UPS; A need for office etiquette

Jul 21, 2023 Season 4 Episode 27

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Greg Tuthill, chief commercial officer at SeaCube Containers. It is estimated that 1.3 billion tons of food are lost or wasted annually worldwide — that adds up to about 30% of all food grown and more than a trillion dollars' worth annually. Much of the waste comes from food that spoils during shipping. The problem is only expected to get worse as people in many parts of our planet face food insecurity. How can we better protect foods from spoiling while they are in transit? Our guest discusses the problems faced in shipping foods and some possible solutions to avoid spoilage.

There are a number of labor issues affecting supply chains — labor disruptions at ports in both the U.S. and Canada and a current strike at Yellow Freight to name a few. But nothing looms as large as the potential Teamsters strike at UPS. We share the latest of what is happening with negotiations at the parcel carrier giant.

A changing work environment and declining interpersonal skills are combining to create headaches in the workplace — and many companies are responding with training programs designed to create a more professional, respectful office culture. This is according to a recent ResumeBuilder.com survey, released earlier this month. We discuss highlights from the report.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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 eight-part series on Transportation Tech has launched. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by:Travero Logistics

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Guest: Darcy MacClaren of SAP on Prime Day and AI in supply chains; The State of Logistics; Women in the driver's seat

Jul 14, 2023 Season 4 Episode 26

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Darcy MacClaren, global chief revenue officer for digital supply chain at SAP. We keep hearing of AI everywhere these days and how it might revolutionize our supply chains. On top of that, consumers this week experienced the annual Amazon Prime Day. How are both of these affecting the supply chain industry?

It has been a rocky year in transportation, as the market resets from the pandemic-infused highs of the past couple of years. Recently CSCMP released its annual State of Logistics report detailing how supply chains have been operating over the past year. In addition, next month CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly will release its special State of Logistics issue that takes a deep dive into the various sectors of supply chain. We preview the issue and the organizations participating in this annual review.

According to Women in Trucking, the number of women drivers has been growing in recent years, in line with overall industry demand to recruit more drivers to the field. And that’s not all that’s growing; they also said the number of women in related roles is increasing. We look at the progress that women are making in supply chain roles.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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 eight-part series on Transportation Tech has launched. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by:Travero Logistics

Other links

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Guest: Bart De Muynck of project44 on the drying Panama Canal; Does the freight recession foretell a wider economic recession? Finding workers gets harder

Jun 30, 2023 Season 4 Episode 25

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Bart De Muynck, chief industry officer at project44. The world continues to see the effects of climate change, and now it is affecting our transportation networks. Ongoing drought conditions in Central America have caused lower water levels in the Panama Canal, restricting the number of vessels and the amount of containers they can carry as they make the canal journey. How long will the restrictions possibly last and what will be the effects on ocean shipping as we approach peak season? Our guest shares his insights.

The slow period in trucking is expected to continue, according to industry experts gathered at the SMC3 Connections supply chain conference this week in Orlando. They expect the sluggish freight conditions will hang around for a while and that a broader economic recession is likely to follow.

One of the biggest challenges for any company in logistics right now is labor. With low unemployment rates, skills shortages, boomer retirements, and having to compete with gig work jobs, it can be hard for many transportation and warehousing companies to stay fully staffed. This week we learned about another complication in that area, which is the rising rate of positive drug tests as more states legalize the private use of marijuana. That trend makes it even harder to find good workers.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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 eight-part series on Transportation Tech has launched. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by:Travero Logistics

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Guest: Jason Haith of OEC Group on evolving freight markets; Railroads sue California over new locomotive regulations; and changing warehouse workforce dynamics

Jun 23, 2023 Season 4 Episode 24

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Jason Haith, branch manager of OEC Group's Louisville office. Anyone who has followed freight markets over the past year is well aware that they have undergone drastic changes. These changes make it harder for both shippers and carriers to decide what is fair pricing as they move to sign new contracts and to find carriage on the spot markets. As a seasoned analyst of logistics markets, Haith provides insights on what to expect for the remainder of the year and what early next year may look like in freight offerings.

The State of California has created a rule that would require switch, industrial, and passenger locomotives built in 2030 or after to operate in zero-emissions mode while in California, and in 2035 or after for freight line haul. It would also set a 30-minute idling limit for locomotives in the state and would require railroads to set aside funds to upgrade to cleaner locomotive technologies. Railroad groups are suing the state over these new regulations, saying the technology that California requires isn't really even available yet. We discuss the requirements and their implications for the rail industry.

With low unemployment rates continuing, operators of warehouses and distribution centers are finding it harder than ever to find good workers. New research is showing what it may take to attract new workers while retaining current staff.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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 eight-part series on Transportation Tech has launched. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: PERC: The Propane Research Council

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Guest: Dr. Stefan Heck of Nauto on how AI is providing driver safety; How manufacturers feel about current conditions; A focus on ESG initiatives

Jun 16, 2023 Season 4 Episode 23

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Dr. Stefan Heck, CEO and founder of Nauto, a technology company that improves safety for fleet drivers. June is National Safety Month. Drivers on our nation’s roads have less than two seconds to react to most situations that can result in an accident, injury, or even death. But there are technologies available that incorporate artificial intelligence to help assure safety on our roadways. Our guest shares how these new technologies alert commercial drivers to unsafe conditions before they happen.

We have seen the rise of manufacturing here in the U.S. as many companies are bringing their production back from Asia to North America. New research this week reveals how manufacturers are feeling about the current conditions for reshoring.

The newest DC Measures study is out. Produced by WERC in conjunction with DC Velocity, the research tracks the latest developments in distribution strategies and operational metrics. This allows companies to benchmark the performance of their warehouses as well as to track industry trends.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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 eight-part series on Transportation Tech has launched. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: PERC: The Propane Research Council

Other links

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Guest: Brian Feehan of the Industrial Truck Association discusses forklift safety; More labor issues at West Coast ports; The logistics industry turns into uncharted territory

Jun 09, 2023 Season 4 Episode 22

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Brian Feehan, president of the Industrial Truck Association, the trade group of the forklift industry. This coming Tuesday marks the 10th anniversary of National Forklift Safety Day, the forklift industry's annual recognition of the need for ongoing operator training for forklifts. Feehan shares about the work of the industry to promote safety in and around forklifts and how listeners can participate in this week's safety-focused events.

This past week has seen additional labor disruptions at West Coast ports. The dockworkers at the ports have been without a contract for nearly a year now. The workers staged some slowdowns and stoppages at the ports, which could delay imports as retailers and others ramp up for the back-to-school and holiday seasons. Is there any end in sight to the labor troubles?

The Logistics Managers' Index report is out and it shows the logistics industry entering unprecedented territory. Growth is down, so how healthy is the industry overall? What has been the cause of the downturn and when can we expect to return to growth mode?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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 eight-part series on Transportation Tech launched this week. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: PERC: The Propane Research Council

Other links

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Craig Malloy of Vecna Robotics on overcoming barriers to automation; Mezzanines are on the rise; Trends in nearshoring

Jun 02, 2023 Season 4 Episode 21

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Craig Malloy, CEO of Vecna Robotics. With the current shortage of labor, many companies are rushing to fill the gaps in their distribution operations with automated systems. But, how do they get started and what are the barriers to achieving their goals? Our guest today has some insights.

Mezzanines and work platforms are used in warehouses and distribution centers to primarily hold either equipment or people and serve as a way to maximize space in a facility. While not much has changed with them in the past 10 or 20 years, they nevertheless remain a warehouse staple. It turns out that as distribution operations become more automated, demand is on the rise for steel support structures like these that can be integrated with the latest material handling technologies.

A new report highlights the growing shift to move many manufacturing operations from China and other Asian countries closer to home, particularly to Mexico. We share the details from the report and what types of logistics companies might benefit from manufacturing that is being nearshored.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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 eight-part series on Transportation Tech launches this Tuesday. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: PERC: The Propane Research Council

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Guest: Max Farrell of WorkHound on truckers' concerns; Rail workers press for better working conditions; Key trends driving our supply chains

May 26, 2023 Season 4 Episode 20

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Max Farrell, cofounder and CEO of WorkHound. 2023 has not been so rosy for trucking. Volumes are down, and the capacity built up during the pandemic is more than what is needed currently. What is causing the current problems for trucking and what might conditions be like for truckers during the second half of the year? Our guest shares some insights from research his company conducted on how truck drivers view their jobs and what concerns them most.

Several labor agreements were reached this past week with our nation's railroads. Rail workers were primarily looking for better working conditions in these agreements. We discuss what was accomplished and what it will mean to have labor peace on the rails.

Continued high inflation, interest rate increases, and a general slowing of the economy are affecting businesses and consumers alike as 2023 marches on. These sentiments were echoed in an industry report released this spring that showed new trends in consumer buying habits. We share what is happening with these “conflicted consumers.”

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Rite-Hite

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Guest: Eduardo Lopez-Soriano of UPS Capital on creating a personalized e-commerce shipping experience; Spending slows for warehouse tech; AI may help logistics companies with labor shortages

May 19, 2023 Season 4 Episode 19

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Eduardo Lopez-Soriano, vice president of marketing for UPS Capital - the shipping insurance division of UPS. Consumers want more than just speed in e-commerce delivery. They also want features like accurate parcel tracking and time-definite delivery windows. But, can shippers provide those profitably? Our guest discusses ways to personalize the e-commerce consumer experience.

As cost pressures increase, investment in warehouse tech is declining. Orders for warehouse automation technology are expected to fall this year as companies re-evaluate investment plans and prioritize cost-efficiency, a new report shows.

How do companies find enough workers, with the right training, and hire them at the right pay, to make it all work out? New technologies, and specifically artificial intelligence, could help out with that problem.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Rite-Hite

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Guest: Spencer Shute of Proxima on artificial intelligence uses in logistics; The logistics behind Mother's Day; The top business challenges for the rest of 2023

May 12, 2023 Season 4 Episode 18

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Spencer Shute, principal consultant at Proxima. We hear talk of artificial intelligence just about everywhere these days. These new technologies hold the promise of making life better in a number of ways. But how can artificial intelligence be applied to the logistics industry? Our guest has some ideas.

The logistics industry has been preparing for Mother's Day–which is this weekend. Consumers expect to spend nearly $36 billion for Mother's Day this year. Much of that will be spent on flowers that enter the United States from Latin America via Miami International Airport. In this segment, we look at how logistics makes Mothers' Day celebrations possible.

A recent survey shows what concerns freight business CEOs the most as we head to the midpoint of the year. A possible recession and operating costs are high on the list, but it might surprise you to learn what ranked near the bottom of what keeps business executives up at night.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Rite-Hite

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Guest: Ron Greene of Overhaul discusses cargo theft prevention: A bumpy road for freight markets; The overall health of logistics is growing, but just slightly

May 05, 2023 Season 4 Episode 17

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Ron Greene, SVP Intel and Fusion Center at Overhaul, a global logistics risk-management software company. Cargo theft continues to plague the industry, as millions of dollars worth of products are stolen each year from facilities as well as from trailers in transit. How serious is the problem of theft, and what can be done to prevent it? We discuss how technology can play a role in stopping thefts and aid in recovery of goods if thefts do happen.

The trucking freight business is changing, as freight volumes decline overall. Yet new patterns are emerging and volumes are being pushed to different regions of the country. We explain what is happening and why.

The latest Logistics Managers' Index report is out, showing the health of the overall logistics industry. It appears there is still growth, but just barely. The numbers are certainly down from the huge growth avalanches of the past two years. But is this slowing just more of a return to normalcy?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly 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.

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Podcast is sponsored by: Rite-Hite

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Dustin Burke of Boston Consulting Group on current business conditions and supply chains; Labor shortages drive more tech adoption; More U.S. firms moving operations from Asia to Mexico

Apr 28, 2023 Season 4 Episode 16

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Dustin Burke, a managing director and senior partner at Boston Consulting Group. Recently BCG conducted research on how C-suite leaders feel about current business conditions. The research also looked at their attitudes toward their supply chains. Burke shares the results and how viewpoints differ depending on where respondents are in the world.

Many companies continue to have difficulty finding good workers. With unemployment still at near-record lows, it does not look like the situation will improve any time soon. As a result, more companies are turning to technology to fill the gaps and create new efficiencies.

The Covid pandemic taught us that many of our supply chains are simply too long. One hiccup along the way can result in delays and shortages. While many of the products that we use every day are still sourced and manufactured in Asia, Mexico is becoming an increasingly popular place to locate manufacturing facilities for North American consumption.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. The third season of eight episodes has fully launched and focuses on attracting and retaining labor in our supply chains. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast is sponsored by: Hyster Company

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Martin Buena-Franco of Raymond Corp on where to start with automation; The latest from the trucking industry; Defending supply chains from cyberattacks

Apr 21, 2023 Season 4 Episode 15

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Martin Buena-Franco, automation products marketing manager for The Raymond Corporation. We have all seen the impacts that automation technologies are making in our distribution operations. But with so much new automation out there, how does a warehouse operator know where to start on the automation journey? Our guest provides some insights.

The trucking business is cyclical. The latest statistics definitely show this to be a down time for the industry. We discuss a couple of recent reports describing where we are in trucking and how long it might take before we see a rebound.

No company, no matter the size, should consider itself immune from cyberattacks. Supply chains are attractive targets for criminals, mostly because we depend on them so much that there are opportunities for data theft and ransomware. We discuss new research on the top supply chain cyber risks.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. The third season of eight episodes has fully launched and focuses on attracting and retaining labor in our supply chains. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Hyster Company

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Paul Brashier of ITS Logistics on West Coast ports labor strife; The chemical industry is still plagued by supply chain issues; Amazon fights fraudulent products

Apr 14, 2023 Season 4 Episode 14

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Paul Brashier, vice president of drayage and intermodal for ITS Logistics. Longshoremen still don’t have a contract agreement with West Coast ports – and last week they staged a temporary work stoppage. Is this a sign of more to come, and should shippers trust their goods moving through these ports? Our guest explains the current situation and what shippers can do to minimize their risks.

Supply chain problems continue to plague the chemical industry. More than 90% of chemical industry leaders say supply chain and freight transportation disruptions are affecting their U.S. manufacturing business, a new ACC report shows. We look at what is causing the problems and what can be done to resolve them.

Online fraud continues to be a problem for e-commerce retailers. This week Amazon released its Brand Protection Report about how it is addressing the sale of fraudulent products sold on its marketplace. We report on some of the products most susceptible to counterfeiting.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. The third season of eight episodes has fully launched and focuses on attracting and retaining labor in our supply chains. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast is sponsored by: Hyster Company

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Carrie Wilkie of GS1 US on the 50th anniversary of the bar code; The latest Logistics Managers' Index; FedEx reorganizes

Apr 07, 2023 Season 4 Episode 13

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Carrie Wilkie, senior vice president, standards and technology, at GS1 US. The humble barcode is 50 years old this month. Since the technology was created in 1973, it has revolutionized the speed of buying the products we use every day. Additionally, it has made many tasks in logistics and warehousing more efficient and accurate. Wilkie also discusses how 2D barcodes are finding new applications to collect and carry even more information than traditional barcodes.

The latest Logistics Managers' Index has been released. This monthly snapshot of the state of the industry shows a general slowing in growth and even more uncertainty in the months ahead.

FedEx is restructuring its corporate organization. The large logistics company will be combining several companies that have worked independently into one business unit, including FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Supply Chain Services. We discuss why this reorganization was undertaken and what it may mean for shippers.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. The third season of eight episodes has fully launched and focuses on attracting and retaining labor in our supply chains. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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