Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

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The editors of DC VELOCITY magazine bring you weekly updates on logistics, material handling, and supply chain news. read less
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Guest: Liz Richards of MHEDA reflecting on her time in the industry; Shippers and carriers share pain points; A model for distribution
5d ago
Guest: Liz Richards of MHEDA reflecting on her time in the industry; Shippers and carriers share pain points; A model for distribution
Our guest on this week's episode is Liz Richards, the soon-to-be retiring CEO of MHEDA, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association - an organization that helps distributors and their customers in finding the right material handling solutions for meeting today’s distribution challenges. She has led MHEDA for nearly 29 years and will retire at the end of the year. We talk about the changes she has seen in the industry and what the future may hold for MHEDA.It has been a challenging year for both shippers and their logistics providers, but these two groups working in transporting goods should not have relationships that are in opposition to each other nor have competing goals. We discuss a new report from McKinsey that talks about both can find a win-win if they coordinate and complement each other’s capabilities. We discuss the DHL's new Americas Region Hub in Atlanta. The facility is being considered a model of high-tech material handling systems and green energy solutions—and it’s pushing the company closer to net zero. What makes this facility stand out as the model for the future?CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.  The current series features Transportation Tech. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:MHEDAMcKinsey: Shippers and logistics providers share common pain pointsAutomation meets sustainability in AtlantaGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: HysterOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Duane Duhamel of ISN on top OSHA safety violations; Dealing with computer chip shortages; A unique partnership
17-11-2023
Guest: Duane Duhamel of ISN on top OSHA safety violations; Dealing with computer chip shortages; A unique partnership
Our guest on this week's episode is Duane Duhamel, Director of Health, Safety and Environment at ISN, a provider of contractor and supplier management solutions.  OSHA recently released its list of top 10 safety violations. Of course, the violations mean that some things are not being done safely in the workplace – and many of the most common violations occur in transportation and warehouses. We look at what those violations are, why they happen, and what can be done to better assure safety within supply chain operations.One hangover from the pandemic that has really caused problems is a lingering shortage of computer chips. This is a problem because those chips are a crucial part of so many products in our connected world. The shortage affects production of electronics, but also things like trucks and other vehicles. This week we learned about how some engineering companies are coping with that problem.There seems to be no shortage of industry products and projects designed to create more environmentally friendly supply chains, and we heard about a new one this week. This is a partnership between industry and academia, specifically Lucas Systems and Carnegie Mellon University. It is designed to address the problem of excess packaging in distribution centers. We share details on the project and how it will be implemented.CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly  also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.  The current series features Transportation Tech. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:ISNA new survey of engineers shows IT component shortages have eased since 2022A partnership between Lucas Systems and Carnegie Mellon University tackles sustainable logisticsGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: HysterOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Evan Dexter of Ryder System on transitioning vets into logistics jobs; California incentivizes electric trucks at its ports; Manufacturers focus on front-line workers
10-11-2023
Guest: Evan Dexter of Ryder System on transitioning vets into logistics jobs; California incentivizes electric trucks at its ports; Manufacturers focus on front-line workers
Our guest on this week's episode is Evan Dexter, vice president, rental product management at Ryder System, Inc. Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day, a day we remember our military families and the important work they do to safeguard all of us. One of the ways our industry helps to support our troops is through programs designed to transition veterans into logistics jobs. We hear how Dexter made that transition himself and how his company works to bring other vets into the logistics industry. New laws in California will require that about half the trucks sold in California must be all-electric by 2035. As a step toward this goal, we report on an effort by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to award $60 million in vouchers for the purchase of new electric trucks for drayage operations within the ports.Facing a host of economic and labor challenges, manufacturers are sharpening their focus on frontline workers as a way to differentiate and propel their organizations forward. That’s according to recent research from consultancy PwC and the Manufacturing Institute, which is the workforce and development arm of the National Association of Manufacturers.  We report on details from this research.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:Ryder SystemCalifornia offers $60 million in vouchers for zero-emission drayage trucksManufacturers sharpen their focus on the front lineGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: HysterOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Art Eldred of Vargo on the rise of AS/RS; Holiday shopping forecasts; Truckers aid armed forces members
03-11-2023
Guest: Art Eldred of Vargo on the rise of AS/RS; Holiday shopping forecasts; Truckers aid armed forces members
Our guest on this week's episode is Art Eldred, vice president and growth officer at Vargo, a systems integrator. Automation is increasingly an answer for distribution facilities that need to fulfill a growing number of orders, but can’t find enough workers. Automated storage and retrieval systems are one of the tried and true technologies that are finding more applications in today’s warehouses. We discuss their benefits and use cases.The National Retail Federation has released is annual projections of holiday shopping.  The NRF says that despite higher prices, inflation, and the uncertain economy, shoppers are expected to open their wallets even more than they did last year - with a return to pre-pandemic holiday spending.The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is launching its 17th annual Truckers for Troops campaign next week. This is a two-week fundraising effort that supports U.S. military personnel overseas and veterans here at home. We discuss the campaign and how you can participate.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:VargoNRF holiday spending growth will return to pre-pandemic levelsOOIDA launches its 17th annual Truckers for Troops CampaignGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: HysterOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Chris Grossman of Spectaire on California emissions programs; New growth projections for 3PL markets; Manufacturers adopt new technologies
27-10-2023
Guest: Chris Grossman of Spectaire on California emissions programs; New growth projections for 3PL markets; Manufacturers adopt new technologies
Our guest on this week's episode is Chris Grossman, chief commercial officer of Spectaire. It is often said that as California goes, so goes the nation, as other states tend to follow the regulations that the Golden State adopts. Recently there was a new agreement between the state and original equipment manufacturers on California emissions programs  that may affect transportation nationwide. The difficult thing is that there seems to be a gap between measuring emissions and calculating emissions. We explain the differences and what can be done to comply with the regulations.Demand for third-party logistics services – or 3PL services – is on the rise, due to a range of factors including e-commerce and technology adoption. This is according to recent market research from  Fact.MR. They released data this week showing that the 3PL market size is expected to grow by a nearly 8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next several years, reaching more than $2.1 billion by 2032. Consulting firm Forrester Research has a set of predictions for 2024 about how various factors will affect the way  “smart manufacturing” firms will deploy different technologies in the new year. These include the industrial metaverse, generative AI, re-shoring, and autonomous vehicles. We explain what they are and how they might influence technology adoptions for manufacturing. 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:SpectaireThe 3PL market is poised for growthForrester Research says smart manufacturing firms will slow tech rollouts in 2024Get episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: nVision GlobalOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Sunderesh Heragu of Oklahoma State University on supply chain impacts from the Middle East conflict; New funding for alternative energy; Innovations to solve supply chain problems
20-10-2023
Guest: Sunderesh Heragu of Oklahoma State University on supply chain impacts from the Middle East conflict; New funding for alternative energy; Innovations to solve supply chain problems
Our guest on this week's episode is Sunderesh S. Heragu, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University. The world is still in shock over the ongoing devastation happening in Israel and Gaza. In addition to the human tragedies, there are also economic and supply chain impacts to the ongoing conflict. Our guest shares his expertise on how supply chains in the region are being affected.New federal funding for reducing carbon emissions from transportation and logistics has been introduced to promote the use of hydrogen as a fuel. The $7 billion in funding comes from the Department of Energy and the bipartisan infrastructure bill. The money is intended to launch seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs located throughout the country and are designed to  advance the use of hydrogen fuel for moving goods. A conference at MIT this week highlighted supply chain innovation. The event brought together academics from MIT’s Center for Transportation and Logistics and practitioners from retail, manufacturing, transportation, and high-tech to talk about how technology is being put to work to improve logistics and transportation operations.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:College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University Logistics and manufacturing hubs cheer federal funding wave for hydrogen-marketGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: nVision GlobalOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Tracey Bellamy of Telgian on fire prevention for logistics facilities; Expectations for peak season; More supply chain disruptions
13-10-2023
Guest: Tracey Bellamy of Telgian on fire prevention for logistics facilities; Expectations for peak season; More supply chain disruptions
Our guest on this week's episode is Tracey Bellamy, chief engineering officer at Telgian Engineering and Consulting, a firm that specializes in fire prevention. October is fire prevention month. Most supply chain companies have facilities that they must protect from potential fires and other hazards. But fire codes vary widely from city to city and the codes have not kept up with newer material handling technologies as well as new stored products made from plastic compounds that have been introduced since the codes were established. How can supply chain managers best protect their facilities? Peak season will soon be upon us. Given the current state of the economy, especially  high inflation and rising energy prices, what should retailers except from shoppers this season?  It seems that despite those challenges, a recent survey shows that most small- and mid-sized businesses are optimistic about the holiday shopping season this year. Global situations continue to have ripple effects on our supply chains. This week we saw the Hamas attacks against Israel and the prospects of another prolonged conflict in the Middle East region. Domestically, Congress is at a standstill with the vacancy in the House leadership, leaving in limbo some significant legislation that could affect supply chains. What will the overall  impacts to the movement of the goods we rely upon daily?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:Telgian Engineering and ConsultingSMEs are upbeat about the 2023 holiday peakMiddle East violence triggers regional freight delaysNMFTA tracks trucking bills frozen in Congress since McCarthy outedGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: nVision GlobalOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Jeannie Carpenter of Jabil on creating sustainable supply chains; How company culture affects worker performance; Will nearshoring actually increase domestic manufacturing?
06-10-2023
Guest: Jeannie Carpenter of Jabil on creating sustainable supply chains; How company culture affects worker performance; Will nearshoring actually increase domestic manufacturing?
Our guest on this week's episode is Jeannie Carpenter, senior director of global logistics at Jabil. Most supply chain managers aim to design their networks to be efficient at the lowest possible cost. But they also want to make good decisions that will help reduce their supply chain’s impact on the environment. Today's guest explains that those objectives don’t have to be mutually exclusive. New research is out that shows how company culture affects employee performance. A company's culture can drive productivity, innovation, and service, with three-quartersof employees surveyed saying that workplace culture affects their ability to do theirbest work. But what are the attributes these employees say defines a good company culture?Global supply chain disruptions in the last three years have made it more difficult to source, manufacture, and assemble goods overseas and then ship them around the world for sale. For the American market, it makes business sense to make products domestically in the U.S., or at least closer to our neighborhood. But does our nation have the capacity and cost effectiveness to bring manufacturing back home?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:JabilU.S. manufacturing resurgence faces headwindsGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: nVision GlobalOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Pawan Joshi of E2open on shippers reclaiming the skies; Freight unloading robots are coming; Celebrating technicians in trucking
29-09-2023
Guest: Pawan Joshi of E2open on shippers reclaiming the skies; Freight unloading robots are coming; Celebrating technicians in trucking
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:E2openFedEx pilots trailer-loading robot with twin armsMore women join trucking industry as techniciansGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: nVision GlobalOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
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
22-09-2023
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
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:ProximaNearly 6 in 10 manufacturing CEOS are adopting AI for business tasksSurvey: Many workers are already using generative AI tools, but employers are slot to set policiesManufacturing & B2B ready for AI overhaulGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research CouncilOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Mike Kotecki on engineers advancing into management; Warehouse yards go digital; A possible bumpy road for EV adoption
15-09-2023
Guest: Mike Kotecki on engineers advancing into management; Warehouse yards go digital; A possible bumpy road for EV adoption
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:Amazon: Leadership for Engineers: How to Turn Perfectly Good STEM Professionals into ManagementWarehouse yards to go digitalStudy predicts bifurcated market as EVs replace gas-burning cars and trucksGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research CouncilOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Don Hicks of Optilogic on nearshoring; Signs of optimism in freight markets; A new battery plant
08-09-2023
Guest: Don Hicks of Optilogic on nearshoring; Signs of optimism in freight markets; A new battery plant
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:OptilogicSurvey: Freight brokers unfazed by industry challengesTruck manufacturers to build joint battery factory to ensure U.S. supplyGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research CouncilOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Patrick Soleymani of George Mason University on depressed freight markets; Cargo theft is on the rise; Workers required to return to offices
01-09-2023
Guest: Patrick Soleymani of George Mason University on depressed freight markets; Cargo theft is on the rise; Workers required to return to offices
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:George Mason University School of BusinessTheft risk could jump over Labor Day holiday, CargoNet saysSurvey: 9 in 10 companies say employees will return to office by end of 2024Get episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research CouncilOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
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
25-08-2023
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
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. 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:ALAN - The American Logistics Aid NetworkALAN continues long-term recovery efforts after Maui fireWithout rain, ships are waiting up to three weeks to pass through Panama CanalMaking way for the wireless warehouseGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research CouncilOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Anne Reinke of TIA on preventing freight fraud; Prepping docks for winter weather; The effects of innovation and emerging tech on supply chains
18-08-2023
Guest: Anne Reinke of TIA on preventing freight fraud; Prepping docks for winter weather; The effects of innovation and emerging tech on supply chains
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:Transportation Intermediaries Association SCQ article: Distribution supply chain innovation and a brighter futureGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research CouncilOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
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?
11-08-2023
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?
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:HoneywellReport shows that labor shortage and skills deficit are hampering hiring effortsTrucking freight challenges persisted in second quarter, US Bank saysGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by:PERC - The Propane Education and Research CouncilOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Caroline Chumakov on Gartner's Women in Supply Chain Survey; Yellow Freight shuts down; A rocky road for logistics in July
04-08-2023
Guest: Caroline Chumakov on Gartner's Women in Supply Chain Survey; Yellow Freight shuts down; A rocky road for logistics in July
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:GartnerATA launches database for 30,000 workers who lost their jobs in Yellow Corp. collapseYellow Corp. shuts its doors on Sunday, could file for bankruptcy todayYellow tries to raise cash by selling off its 3PL divisionLogistics economy slowed in JulyGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by: PERC - The Propane Education and Research CouncilOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Tom Nightingale of AFS Logistics on the UPS labor settlement; Prospects look good for 2024 warehouse projects; Extending the life of robots
28-07-2023
Guest: Tom Nightingale of AFS Logistics on the UPS labor settlement; Prospects look good for 2024 warehouse projects; Extending the life of robots
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:AFS LogisticsWarehouse construction and automation spending to rise in 2024Locus Robotics breaks ground on new Massachusetts HQGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by:Travero LogisticsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
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
21-07-2023
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
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:SeaCube ContainersUPS and Teamsters will return to the bargaining table next weekMere possibility of UPS driver strike rattles logistics industryProfessional skills lag in post-Covid workplaceGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by:Travero LogisticsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts
Guest: Darcy MacClaren of SAP on Prime Day and AI in supply chains; The State of Logistics; Women in the driver's seat
14-07-2023
Guest: Darcy MacClaren of SAP on Prime Day and AI in supply chains; The State of Logistics; Women in the driver's seat
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:SAPAnnual State of Logistics report shows a transportation market resetting itselfWomen making strides in transportation supply chainGet episode transcriptsVisit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.comPodcast is sponsored by:Travero LogisticsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts