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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Chris Tang of UCLA on product and supply shortages; LTL executives share business concerns; California's AB5 labor law may soon go into effect

Jul 01, 2022 Season 3 Episode 25

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Christopher Tang, the UCLA distinguished professor and Edward W. Carter Chair in Business Administration and also the faculty director of UCLA's Center for Global Management. We have all seen product shortages this summer, including a well-publicized shortage of infant meal formula. Professor Tang discusses what is causing shortages, both from supply chain issues and domestic supply problems, and what steps companies can take to mitigate future risks to their product supplies.

Attendees at this week's SMC3 Connections conference in San Diego discussed many issues facing transportation companies. Executives of less-than-truckload (LTL) companies pointed out that inflation and labor issues are their biggest concerns. We find out what they had to say and what remedies might work and which probably will not work.

This week the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear a challenge to California's controversial AB5 law, which was approved in 2019 but has been stuck in appeals courts ever since. The law requires transportation and delivery companies (as well as Uber and Lyft) to treat drivers as employees instead of contract workers. This sets the stage for the law to now take effect. How will this affect trucking firms and will other states adopt similar legislation?

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 second season has now launched and focuses on supply chain digitalization. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast sponsored by: Honeywell Intelligrated

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Guest: Dimitre Kirilov of Montway Auto Transport on driver retention; Amid rising costs shippers rethink their packaging; Walmart makes new investments in its trucking fleet.

Jun 24, 2022 Season 3 Episode 24

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Dimitre Kirilov, president of consumer services for Montway Auto Transport. A shortage of qualified drivers has been a reality for years in the trucking industry. With the low unemployment rate, it does not appear that the tight market for drivers will get any better. Our guest talks about what trucking firms need to do to attract new drivers and to retain the drivers they have.

With rising costs for packaging supplies and the lack of availability for many packaging products, many shippers are making changes. Some of the changes involve diversifying their supplier base. Others involve changing the types of packaging they are using. A new survey report reveals the details.

Rising fuel prices and other increasing costs are placing pressure on companies to be more efficient in their transportation operations. Major retailers are increasingly using technology to help them to better manage their transportation, including technologies for their private fleets. We report on one such investment in technology that Walmart has recently made and what benefits this technology is expected to have on the retailer's operations.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, we next look at digitization of the supply chain. Subscribe to Supply Chain in the Fast Lane wherever you get your podcasts.

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Podcast sponsored by: Rite-Hite

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Guest: Glenn Richey of Auburn University on high fuel prices; Supply chain companies look to diversity; A centennial celebration

Jun 17, 2022 Season 3 Episode 23

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Glenn Richey, the Raymond J. Harbert Eminent Scholar and chair of the Department of Supply Chain Management at Auburn University's Harbert College of Business. We have seen the huge spike in fuel prices over the past couple of months. Are these higher prices here to stay? What has caused the price surges and is there anything that can be done by government and industry to ease the pain at the pump for trucking companies and the shippers that must pay higher fuel surcharges?

Greater diversity in workforces is gaining more attention as part of the social justice efforts of many companies. But beyond that, diversity expands a company's capabilities and can bring in fresh ideas and practices. Today we look at diversity efforts in supply chain firms and which type of companies are making an impact.

Lift truck manufacturer The Raymond Corporation marked its 100th anniversary this past week by holding a special centennial celebration at its headquarters in upstate New York. Beyond recognizing this corporate milestone, the company expressed the importance of supply chains and the work that material handling companies do to contribute to the betterment of our world.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast sponsored by: Rite-Hite

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Guest: Jonathan Dawley of Kion and the Industrial Truck Association on forklift safety; Gartner's latest rankings of top university supply chain programs; Warehouse applications for 5G technologies

Jun 10, 2022 Season 3 Episode 22

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Jonathan Dawley, president and CEO of Kion North America, a leading manufacturer of forklifts and other material handling equipment. Dawley is also chair of this year's National Forklift Safety Day. Sponsored by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), this is a day set aside each year to promote safe practices around forklift operations. ITA organization will be hosting a safety-focused program next Tuesday in Washington, D.C. that will also be live streamed. To register, check out this link.
In addition, programs will be held at various forklift dealers nationwide. Dawley will talk about these initiatives for safety as well as how the industry is focusing around training and creating a culture of safety within warehouses, distribution center, and manufacturing facilities.

Supply chains are getting more attention at the academic level, with many of North America's best universities offering outstanding programs in supply chain studies. Gartner's annual list of the Top 25 supply chain undergraduate programs is out. See who is tops the rankings and what makes them considered the best of the best.

We have all seen the TV commercials hyping 5G technologies. They are supposed to be faster at transferring huge amounts of data. While they have benefits when it comes to the cell phones we all carry in our pockets, are there good applications for distribution operations? The answer is Yes, as shown in a demo that AT&T has conducted at a military warehouse on a naval base in San Diego. Find out what operations can be improved with 5G technologies.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast sponsored by: Rite-Hite

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Guest: Alex Saric of Ivalua on supplier collaboration; Gartner's Global Supply Chain Top 25 list is released; Drayage rates continue to climb

Jun 03, 2022 Season 3 Episode 21

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Alex Saric, chief marketing officer at Ivalua. He is here to share about new research that has just come out that shows how better collaboration with suppliers can help to minimize supply disruptions, improve sustainability efforts, and promote innovation. He shares details on these findings and more.

Gartner's annual list of the Global Supply Chain Top 25 is out. See who is tops the rankings and what other companies have highly respected supply chain operations. We also discuss the best practices that these companies have in common which makes them supply chain winners.

Drayage rates continue to rise, especially in connection with the nation's busiest ports. What is causing the latest increases and what's the outlook for rates for the rest of 2022?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast sponsored by: Rite-Hite

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Guest: Jim Carlisle of Thomas H. Lee Partners on supply chain investments; New research on women in supply chain leadership roles; Walmart makes a huge investment in robotics

May 27, 2022 Season 3 Episode 20

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Jim Carlisle, the head of the technology and business solutions vertical and the automation fund at Thomas H. Lee Partners. TH Lee has recently acquired or been a major investor in some of the supply chain industry's biggest names, including AutoStore, Fortna, MHS, FourKites, and RightHand Robotics. He speaks to why supply chain companies are so attractive to the investment community. He describes the types of investments made into companies and what the investors hope will result from the input of their funds to grow these firms.

While supply chains have historically been very male-dominated fields, women have been steadily growing in numbers over the past few decades. The latest report from Gartner and AWESOME reveals how many women are in leadership positions and what are some of the issues that take women out of the industry.

Walmart has chosen a robotics partner to add a great deal of automation to its current distribution facilities. Partnered with Symbotic, the mega retailer hopes to speed its distribution operations to make store shelves easier to stock while saving costs. Find out just how much Walmart is counting on this technology.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast sponsored by: Yale Materials Handling

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Guest: Mike Bush of Next Trucking on training future robotics designers; A major maritime company expands into other areas; Prepare now for another chaotic peak shipping season.

May 20, 2022 Season 3 Episode 19

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Mike Bush, head of communications and brand for Next Trucking, a digital freight broker. As automation and robotics continues to impact supply chains, the question remains: Where we will find the technicians and robotic engineers the industry needs to keep the technology running today and advancing to new capabilities tomorrow? Bush talks about his company's involvement with high school robotics competitions and how it helps to encourage the next generation of robotics designers and engineers.

As many supply chain companies are seeing record profits, some are investing their gains in other portions of the industry. An example is maritime carrier CMA CGM, which has bought or acquired interest in other freight and logistics firms. Its latest investment is a stake in Air France-KLM. Is this diversification by such a big player a trend others will follow?

Supply chain bottlenecks continue to take their toll on the industry, and now experts are predicting another chaotic peak shipping season ahead. What is causing these concerns and how can shippers prepare for the upcoming holiday season while mitigating their risks?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast sponsored by: Yale Materials Handling

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Guest: Zac Rogers of Colorado State on changes in the freight market; New plans to turn containers faster; Ocean freight continues to face rough seas

May 13, 2022 Season 3 Episode 18

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Zac Rogers, assistant professor of supply chain management at Colorado State University. We are hearing conflicting reports of what is going on in freight markets. Some carriers are struggling with high fuel costs and fewer shipments while others are enjoying record profits. Are we about to enter a collapse of freight markets as some analysts are predicting? Rogers shares his insights for the road ahead.

Empty containers continue to sit at docks and warehouses and that unused container inventory certainly is not helping companies ship their products, particularly those for export. New efforts are being made to turn containers faster by offering incentives to companies to return their containers in a timely manner. Will this new initiative help relieve backlogs?

Ocean carriers have had a banner year. They basically have chosen to cruise those lanes that have had the most profit. However, there are challenges ahead for the maritime industry. A new report shares the risks the market is facing.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast sponsored by: Yale

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Guest: Nicole Glenn of Candor Expedite discusses current and future transportation segments; Logistics growth appears to be slowing; It isn't getting any easier to find available warehouse space

May 06, 2022 Season 3 Episode 17

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Nicole Glenn, founder and CEO of Candor Expedite. She is the recent recipient of the 8th Annual Distinguished Women in Logistics Recognition by The Women In Trucking Association (WIT), Truckstop.com, and Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA).
She joins us to talk about the current state of the transportation sector and where she believes the industry should be steering in the future.

The most recent Logistics Managers Index (LMI) report is out and it shows that while the logistics industry continues to grow, that rate of growth has begun to slow after its frantic pace of the past two years. We take a look at what's behind the numbers.

We also discuss another report on the tight market for warehouse space. This report on warehouse real estate shows warehouse vacancy rates have sunk to a 27-year low. How is the industry reacting and what can be done to create more warehouse capacity within the market?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast sponsored by: Yale

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Guest: Michael Mikitka of MHI and WERC on supply chain professional development; Infrastructure for the friendly skies; New research on supply chain leadership

Apr 29, 2022 Season 3 Episode 16

AGiLE Business Media

This is the 100th episode of Logistics Matters. Our thanks to our guests, sponsors, and listeners for making this a successful podcast series.

Our guest in this week's episode is Michael Mikitka, executive vice president of the MHI Knowledge Center and the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC). He discusses the roles of both organizations in education and professional development. He also highlights the WERC annual conference being held next week in Louisville, a return to an in-person national event which is the first in two years due to the pandemic.

New investments are being made to update the U.S. air traffic control network. It is part of the Infrastructure Bill that provides a total of $5 billion for air infrastructure. The initial $1 billion is being invested immediately to upgrade control systems for both passenger and cargo flights. We also highlight a new startup company that is designed to provide autonomous air cargo flights.

A new report from the University of Tennessee shares best practices for supply chain leadership. The research highlights the capabilities that leaders need to keep their organizations on the right track in the 2020s and beyond.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast sponsored by: Aptean

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Guest: Susan Boylan of Gartner discusses Earth Day and supply chain sustainability; Fuel costs are being passed along to shippers; New rounds of investments in supply chain tech companies

Apr 22, 2022 Season 3 Episode 15

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Susan Boylan, senior research director in logistics and customer fulfillment at Gartner. Today is Earth Day, a day each year when we reflect on our planet and the impacts that we make on the environment. Transportation and supply chains are among the leading sources of greenhouse gasses. Is the industry making any progress on sustainability goals? What more needs to be done to reduce the environmental impact of our supply chains?

Fuels costs continue to rise and most of that added burden is being passed on to shippers in the form of fuel surcharges. New data reveals the latest trends in freight markets and offers some tips on how shippers can manage their freight spend in this tough environment.

More investments are flowing to logistics startup companies. Why are investors seeing opportunities in these companies and how does that influx of new cash influence innovation that may improve our supply chains?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast sponsored by: Aptean

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Guest: Dawn Tiura of SIG discusses the supply chain impacts of China's Covid lockdowns; New truck trailer orders increase; More investment in supply chain tech

Apr 15, 2022 Season 3 Episode 14

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Dawn Tiura, president and CEO of SIG (Sourcing Industry Group), a membership organization of companies involved in sourcing raw materials and finished goods. She discusses the impacts of China's Zero-Covid policy of locking down major cities to slow the spread of Covid. The latest example is Shanghai, China's most populous city. Unfortunately, the lockdowns are not really stopping Covid from spreading and they cause major disruptions to lives and supply chains. Tiura shares how her member companies and others are dealing with bottlenecks and disruptions caused by the shutdowns.

New orders for truck trailers are on the rise for the first time in quite a while. Because of supply chain problems, companies looking to replace aging trailers or make additions to their fleets have seen few trailer manufacturers taking on new orders. Is this a sign that things are getting better for the industry?

It's a fact that supply chain technology can improve operations, and now companies are proving it with their latest investments. A new study shows a healthy increase in the numbers of companies making investments to digitalize their operations and reaping solid benefits as a result.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast sponsored by: Aptean

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Guest: Kathy Fulton of ALAN on Ukraine relief; With prices rising, business curtail their climate change initiatives; What will it take to get global trade back on track?

Apr 08, 2022 Season 3 Episode 13

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Kathy Fulton, executive director of ALAN, the American Logistics Aid Network. Logistics companies are stepping up to make a difference in Ukraine. She talks about ALAN's role in trying to bring together those logistics companies that have resources available, such as transportation, to help relief efforts in Ukraine and neighboring nations where refugees have fled.

As costs continue to rise, many businesses are being forced to cut programs, including their climate change initiatives. What are the impacts of these cuts and are their alternative ways to be sustainable during inflationary times?

World trade has certainly taken a hit this past year, as supply chain bottlenecks, Covid closures in China, the war in Ukraine, and other disruptions have made trade more volatile. What will it take to regain some sense of normalcy?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast sponsored by: Aptean

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ICYMI: Kevin Yoder of Keep US Posted on the passage of postal reform legislation; The White House moves to improve supply chains with a new FLOW initiative; Commercial real estate bounces back from pandemic lows.

Apr 01, 2022 Season 3

AGiLE Business Media

Today we're repeating our March 18 episode on postal reform for those who might have missed it. We'll be back next week with a new episode. We'll talk about relief efforts for Ukraine and the many refugees that are crossing into Poland and other nations with Kathy Fulton of the American Logistics Aid Network.

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Our guest in this week's episode is former Kansas congressman Kevin Yoder. He is the executive director of Keep US Posted, an organization that has been working to keep the United States Postal Service fiscally sound and operating efficiently. Last week Congress passed postal reform legislation designed to set a path for the postal service for years to come. What are the major provisions of this legislation, and how will it change postal operations in the United States?

The White House is working once again to improve supply chain bottlenecks. Its latest initiative is called FLOW (Freight Logistics Optimization Works) and partners with major retailers and logistics providers to better share supply chain data. What are the details, and will it help alleviate supply chain congestion?

Commercial real estate is bouncing back nicely from its pandemic lows. Warehousing is a strong segment, pushing overall numbers higher. Some regions are finding warehouse space difficult to locate. What are the new numbers, and will the trends continue?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new series of podcast called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this new series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

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Podcast sponsored by: Beckoff

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Guest: Mary Murphy of BlueGrace Logsitics on rising fuel prices; Mitigating risk in food and beverage; Congress next sets eyes on maritime reform

Mar 25, 2022 Season 3 Episode 12

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Mary Murphy, senior director of managed logistics strategy for BlueGrace Logistics. She discusses the rise in fuel prices caused by supply chain issues, inflation, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. How will these rising prices affect supply chains and is there any end in sight?

The food and beverage industry is especially susceptible to supply chain bottlenecks. Not only does it slow processes, but much food can spoil if delayed in transit. A new report looks at what the industry is doing to mitigate risks. It also discusses what food and beverage managers feel are their main supply chain concerns.

First we got the infrastructure bill and then postal reform. What's the next supply chain area that Congress will address? It looks like it will be maritime operations. The Ocean Reform Act just made it out of a Senate committee and will soon be presented to the full Senate after having passed the House earlier. What does it do and how will it help shippers?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new series of podcast called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this new series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast sponsored by: Beckoff

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Guest: Kevin Yoder of Keep US Posted on the passage of postal reform legislation; The White House moves to improve supply chains with a new FLOW initiative; Commercial real estate bounces back from pandemic lows.

Mar 18, 2022 Season 3 Episode 11

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is former Kansas congressman Kevin Yoder. He is the executive director of Keep US Posted, an organization that has been working to keep the United States Postal Service fiscally sound and operating efficiently. Last week Congress passed postal reform legislation designed to set a path for the postal service for years to come. What are the major provisions of this legislation, and how will it change postal operations in the United States?

The White House is working once again to improve supply chain bottlenecks. Its latest initiative is called FLOW (Freight Logistics Optimization Works) and partners with major retailers and logistics providers to better share supply chain data. What are the details, and will it help alleviate supply chain congestion?

Commercial real estate is bouncing back nicely from its pandemic lows. Warehousing is a strong segment, pushing overall numbers higher. Some regions are finding warehouse space difficult to locate. What are the new numbers, and will the trends continue?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new series of podcast called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this new series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast sponsored by: Beckoff

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Guest: Lindsey Trent of the Next Generation in Trucking Association on attracting new drivers to trucking; Postal reform moves forward; Advancements in autonomous trucking

Mar 11, 2022 Season 3 Episode 10

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Lindsey Trent, president of the Next Generation in Trucking Association, an organization that works to attract young people to the trucking profession. Truck drivers are hard to find and many more are needed to drive our nation's trucks, as well as the maintenance people who make sure vehicles keep running well. Trent discusses what this industry association is doing to make the profession attractive to young people just about to enter the workforce.

Several trucking companies are implementing autonomous trucking systems and testing the benefits of the technologies. A driver is present, of course, but the autonomous systems operate the trucks along established routes. What are these companies saying about their experiences so far?

Postal reform legislation has passed Congress and is now awaiting President Biden's signature for the reforms to become law. Will the reforms put the USPS on the right financial footing to allow the agency to maintain current services while also increasing parcel volume capabilities?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new series of podcast called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this new series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast sponsored by: Beckoff

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Guest: Koray Köse of Gartner on supply chain impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war; Efforts to loosen tight freight markets; Logistics costs continue to rise.

Mar 04, 2022 Season 3 Episode 9

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Koray Köse, senior director analyst at Gartner Supply Chain and Research Advisory. He shares the impact that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is having on supply chains. Those impacts include raw materials sourced from the region, rerouting transportation around the war zone, and impacts on the costs associated with fuel. How long will these impacts continue to affect the world's supply networks?

New efforts are underway to add additional capacity to the trucking market. They include a new apprenticeship program designed to bring more drivers into the industry.

With the Russian war affecting oil prices, supply chain costs continue to surge, according to this month's Logistics Managers Index. While prices remain high it does not seem to impact demand for supply chain services, as they continue to grow at historic rates.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly offers a new series of podcast called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. Co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, this new series first focuses on an eight-part look at the State of Logistics. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast sponsored by: Beckoff

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Guest: Josie Blanco of Nuvocargo on cross border freight; Retailers advance sustainability goals; Cyberattacks are on the rise

Feb 25, 2022 Season 3 Episode 8

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Josefina (Josie) Blanco, legal and compliance lead with Nuvocargo. She discusses current cross-border trade issues, including whether the recent protests against vaccine mandates at the Canadian border could spread to our Southern border with Mexico. She also shares her views on other compliance issues affecting trade and border crossings between the United States and Mexico.

Retailers are taking environmental and sustainability issues very seriously. We discuss some of these trends and other retail issues that were front and center this week at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) LINK conference held this past week in Texas.

Ransomware and other cyberattacks are on the rise. More than a third of organizations fear they could be vulnerable. How can logistics managers protect their supply chains from these threats?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly has produced an 11-episode limited podcast series called Top 10 Supply Chain Threats. Each week, a different threat to our supply chains is discussed, including capacity constraints, labor shortages, inflation and economics, weather-related issues, component and product shortages, digitalization, automation, and much more. Subscribe at your favorite podcast platform. Search "Top 10 Supply Chain Threats."

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Podcast sponsored by: Hyster

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Introducing "Supply Chain in the Fast Lane"

Feb 22, 2022

AGiLE Business Media

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and DC Velocity's sister publication, CSCMP’s Supply Chain Quarterly , bring you a new podcast filled with deep industry discussions. The editors of Supply Chain Quarterly talk to today’s top thought innovators, spanning topics across the entire supply chain. Supply Chain in the Fast Lane fast tracks topics you need to know from leaders you want to know.

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Guest: Kyle Rice from SAP NS2 on securing our supply chains; Clearing containers from West Coast ports; New research into autonomous truck technologies

Feb 18, 2022 Season 3 Episode 7

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Kyle Rice, chief technology officer at SAP NS2. He is an expert on cyber security and is here to discuss ways to assure supply chain security. He shares how bad actors and opposing governments are using vulnerabilities in our technologies to further disrupt our supply chains beyond those delays directly attributed to the pandemic. He also offers some best practices for making certain that our supply chains are less vulnerable to attack.

Containers continue to stack up at West Coast ports awaiting trucks to clear them. Now there are new efforts to move the containers to temporary holding areas near the ports. The results are that some of the backlog has been cleared and room has been created to offload ships faster. Will these efforts affect the congestion long term, or are they just temporary measures?

New research is being conducted into autonomous truck technologies. Several partnerships between technology developers, trucking firms, and vehicle manufacturers are allowing self-driving technologies to be tested safely on roadways. What progress has been made, and what are the latest tests hoping to accomplish?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly has produced an 11-episode limited podcast series called Top 10 Supply Chain Threats. Each week, a different threat to our supply chains is discussed, including capacity constraints, labor shortages, inflation and economics, weather-related issues, component and product shortages, digitalization, automation, and much more. Subscribe at your favorite podcast platform. Search "Top 10 Supply Chain Threats."

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast sponsored by: Hyster

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Guest: Udo Lange of FedEx Logistics on supply chain disruptions; Protests block cargo movements at U.S.-Canada border; Can Congress help to make the USPS profitable?

Feb 11, 2022 Season 3 Episode 6

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Udo Lange, president and CEO of FedEx Logistics. Lange is a member of the White House Task Force on Supply Chain Disruptions. He shares about the work of the task force and what remains to be done to clear the bottlenecks and other disruptions that cause delays in supply chains. He also discusses what FedEx Logistics has been doing to cope with the worldwide supply chain congestion.

Protesters against vaccine mandates in Canada have blocked key arteries for goods flowing between Canada and the United States. Protesting truckers have blocked border bridges that are used to supply auto plants and other key industrial operations. Is there an end in sight to the standoffs, and what are supply chain managers doing to work around the congested and blocked areas?

It looks like Congress is about to act on legislation to enable the U.S. Postal Service to operate with fewer financial constraints. The goal is to make the service able to better fund its operations without incurring the billions of dollars it has lost in recent years as it attempts to be more competitive in a changing mail and shipping environment.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly has produced an 11-episode limited podcast series called Top 10 Supply Chain Threats. Each week, a different threat to our supply chains is discussed, including capacity constraints, labor shortages, inflation and economics, weather-related issues, component and product shortages, digitalization, automation, and much more. Subscribe at your favorite podcast platform. Search "Top 10 Supply Chain Threats."

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast sponsored by: Hyster

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Guest: Ron Greene of Overhaul on the rise of rail cargo thefts; New efforts to clear container backlogs at ports; The latest Logistics Managers Index numbers

Feb 04, 2022 Season 3 Episode 5

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Ron Greene, vice president of business development at Overhaul. Cargo theft is on the rise as more goods are being shipped than ever before, making them vulnerable to thieves. Most of our reports in the past have covered goods being stolen from warehouses and parked trucks, but now there has been a rise in cargo being stolen from idle train cars. What can be done to secure goods on the rails?

New efforts are being made to help clear the bottlenecks at our nation's ports. Several ports have opened pop-up container yards to move the containers away from the immediate port areas to places where the cargo can be more easily handled, while relieving congestion at the main terminals. Will this approach work to cargo move faster?

The latest Logistics Managers Index report shows a surging supply chain industry, with strong demand for transportation services and warehouse space. The index has shown growth for many months. Is this a trend that will continue and what do these numbers show about the strength of our supply chains?

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly has produced an 11-episode limited podcast series called the Top 10 Supply Chain Threats. Each week, a different threat to our supply chains is discussed, including capacity constraints, labor shortages, inflation and economics, weather-related issues, component and product shortages, digitalization, automation, and much more. Subscribe at your favorite podcast platform. Search "Top 10 Supply Chain Threats."

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Overhaul
Cargo ports say new container depots could help clear backlogs
Logistics economy expanded in January
Visit DCVelocity.com for the latest news.
Visit Supply Chain Quarterly
Listen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcast
Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com.

Podcast sponsored by: Hyster

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Guest: Brian George of Petrageous Designs on how small companies are dealing with supply chain delays; Chinese New Year could cause more disruptions; Freight executives feel bullish about 2022

Jan 28, 2022 Season 3 Episode 4

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Brian George, the vice president of sales at Petrageous Designs. His company designs and sells pet clothing and feeding products, such as dog and cat bowls and water dishes. As a small company, Petrageous Designs does not have the big clout that large shippers may have in getting products through supply chain bottlenecks. George discusses the current freight situation and the various strategies his company uses to relieve some of the stress.

Chinese New Year starts next week. The holiday traditionally shuts down many factories and may further slow operations at Chinese ports. Will these disruptions make for even more problems for shippers trying to obtain products from China and other Asian countries? What can we expect in the weeks ahead?

While there remains a lot of uncertainty as we close out the first month of the year, many leaders of freight companies remain rather bullish on their prospects for success in 2022. Hear what they are saying and the reasons for their optimism.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly has a new 11-episode limited podcast series called the Top 10 Supply Chain Threats. Each week, a different threat to our supply chains is discussed, including capacity constraints, labor shortages, inflation and economics, weather-related issues, component and product shortages, digitalization, automation, and much more. Subscribe at your favorite podcast platform. Search "Top 10 Supply Chain Threats."

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast sponsored by: Aptean

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Jason Haith of OEC Group Louisville on ocean cargo congestion; A new study on the LTL market and rates; 2D bar codes could see wider adoption

Jan 21, 2022

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Jason Haith, branch manager for OEC Group Louisville. Import congestion continues, as ships are delayed and backed up at ports, waiting to unload their cargos. The situation could get even worse soon with the triple whammy of Chinese New Year, the Beijing Olympics, and more Omicron lockdowns all about to hit China at the same time. How do shippers prepare for what's on the horizon?

2021 was a difficult year for shippers relying on less-than-truckload (LTL) services. New research shows that things are not going to improve any time soon. Shippers should expect to see higher shipping volumes that result in tight capacity and higher prices.

For five decades, supply chains have relied upon linear bar codes to manage shipments and track store inventories. While the basic bar code, such as UPC symbols, is not going away, there have been alternatives that provide more information and can improve service. These 2-D bar codes have been with us for years as well, but the industry has been slow to adopt them. A new push is now on to gain wider use for these improved bar codes.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly has a new 11-episode limited podcast series called the Top 10 Supply Chain Threats. Each week, a different threat to our supply chains is discussed, including capacity constraints, labor shortages, inflation and economics, weather-related issues, component and product shortages, digitalization, automation, and much more. Subscribe at your favorite podcast platform. Search "Top 10 Supply Chain Threats."

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode: