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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

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.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

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.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

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.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

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.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

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.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

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.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

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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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:

Podcast sponsored by: Aptean

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Guest: Phil Koopman of Carnegie Mellon University on autonomous vehicle technologies; Congestion continues to plague US ports; Air freight sees ups and downs.

Jan 14, 2022 Season 3 Episode 2

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Phil Koopman, an associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and an expert on autonomous vehicle technologies and safety. Koopman discusses the current state of autonomous technologies and how soon we might expect cars and trucks that can operate without a driver on our nation's roads. He shares the limitations of the technologies and the important challenges that remain to be solved to fully automate vehicles.

Things don't look to improve any time soon at our nation's ports. Ships continue to back up and products remain in holding patterns along their journeys to consumers. It looks like more of the same, as the expectations are that supply chain bottlenecks and delays will extend well into this year. Is there any end in sight?

The air freight market has tried to absorb some of the capacity constraints caused by ocean delays, but there are limitations as to how effective those measures can be. We discuss the current state of air freight and whether conditions may improve in coming months.

DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly has a new 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: Aptean

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Guest: Dan Johnston of WorkStep on truck driver shortages; Electric trucks are in our future; Companies focus on their sustainability goals

Jan 07, 2022 Season 3 Episode 1

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Dan Johnston, co-founder and CEO of WorkStep, a hiring and retention solution for the supply chain industry. We have heard about driver shortages for years, but the pandemic and the overall high employment levels have made it even more difficult to find qualified truckers. Johnston shares what can be done to attract and retain drivers in a very tight labor market.

Movement towards an electric vehicle future continues to roll forward. This week there were some new deals that reinforced the growth of the electric market. Will the momentum continue?

Even with the pandemic and other supply chain challenges, companies in our sector have not given up on their sustainability goals. In fact, they have increased them. What are the driving factors and how are companies meeting the challenge of lowering the environmental impacts of their supply chains?

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: Nikki Baird of Aptos on what's in store for retail in 2022; Reaction to the Biden Trucking Action Plan; New technologies impacting parcel

Dec 24, 2021 Season 2 Episode 49

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Nikki Baird, vice president of retail innovation at Aptos.
2021 was a bit better for retailers following a very rough 2020, led mostly by consumer spending and surges in e-commerce orders. Are brick-and-mortar stores planning to rebound in the coming year and what will be the main things that retailers should focus on in 2022?

The Biden Administration released its plan to help the trucking industry deal with its logjams, tight capacities, and difficulties finding and retaining drivers. How is the industry reacting to the Trucking Action Plan and will it make a difference both short and long term?

The parcel technology sector continues to be an area of tremendous growth, as suppliers provide the tools that parcel shippers need to respond to increasing volumes and tight constraints. We look at Stamps.com as an example of a company that has expanded from its initial place in the market of selling postage, growing into a company now named Auctane that offers a much larger portfolio of services. Is this a growing trend for technology companies that serve the parcel market?

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

Other links

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Melissa O'Keefe of Ryder on Microfulfillment; Distributors look to increase capacities; Logistics jobs set to recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2022

Dec 17, 2021 Season 2 Episode 48

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Melissa O'Keefe, group director, product and innovation e-commerce at Ryder. Companies are looking to move their distribution closer to their customers with the aim of shortening delivery times and meeting customer expectations. But moving into urban areas with limited available land can be tricky. That's where smaller Microfulfillment sites come into play. O'Keefe discusses the advantages of a Microfulfillment strategy and what Ryder is doing to reach customers faster.

We have all seen demand spike this year as the economy continues its forward direction. To meet that surging demand, distributors are looking to increase their capacities and capabilities. What is being done now and is this a growing trend in distribution?

The logistics and transportation sectors are poised to regain the jobs lost during the pandemic. Estimates show that will occur this coming year, but other industries may not see their pre-pandemic employment numbers return for some time to come.

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

Other links

Rewind Speed Forward

Info

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Glenn Richey of Auburn Univ. on product shortages; The House tackles problems at sea; Logistics continues strong upward growth.

Dec 10, 2021 Season 2 Episode 47

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest in this week's episode is Glenn Richey, the chair of the Department of Supply Chain Management at Auburn University. He discusses the product shortages and supply chain delays that most of us have experienced. Richey shares why these problems are occurring, how long it all might last, and what can be done short term to alleviate supply chain pressures.

The U.S. House of Representatives this week approved new legislation to further regulate maritime shipping as a way of dealing with supply chain delays. In particular the bill addresses some of the current practices of ocean carriers. The bill now moves on to the Senate. We discuss the merits of the legislation and the reaction from the supply chain community.

Logistics activity continued its growth surge in November, according to the latest Logistics Managers' Index report, or LMI. We take a look at the numbers and what they mean.

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: