Podcast Episode

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Noel Thomas of Darkwatch on human trafficking and slave labor within supply chains; Ryder raises awareness; Cargo thieves find clever ways to steal freight

Nov 07, 2025 Season 6 Episode 44

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Noel Thomas, founder and CEO of Dark Watch. Without even knowing it, many companies with extended supply chains may participating in human trafficking and forced labor. It exists around the world and even here in the United States where people are manipulated into modern forms of slavery. What can we do to protect our supply chains and company reputations, while more importantly helping these most vulnerable people?

Transportation and logistics provider Ryder System, Inc. is doing its part to address the issue of human trafficking in the supply chain. Ryder is hosting a mobile exhibit on the issue at its Fort Worth, Texas, Transportation Management Center today. The event is for Ryder employees, local law enforcement, and public officials and it features the Freedom Drivers Project (FDP); this is a national mobile exhibit developed by the nonprofit group Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), which is an alliance of trucking industry companies, law enforcement, and government agencies.

We’ve heard a lot about cargo theft lately, and that’s not surprising, given that there is so much freight moving around the country on any given day. The latest report we saw from the theft prevention firm CargoNet shows that many thieves are focusing their efforts on only the highest value cargo shipments.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

This podcast episode is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Brodie Sutherland of Patriot Critical Minerals Corp. on securing a domestic supply of critical minerals; Supply chain digitalization becomes a priority; The market expands for self-driving trucks

Oct 31, 2025 Season 6 Episode 43

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Brodie Sutherland, CEO of Patriot Critical Minerals Corp. Just yesterday a major issue on the agenda for the meeting between President Trump and China’s President Xi’s was access to critical minerals, including rare earth minerals. It looks like the Chinese ban on exporting these crucial minerals will now be lifted, but that ban reminds us of how vulnerable our supply chains are to assuring that critical minerals are available for production of semiconductors, military equipment, and the electronics that run our everyday lives. Sutherland leads a company that is looking to begin mining of America’s largest deposit of tungsten, located in Nevada. He shares about the importance of assuring a domestic supply of critical minerals.

As technologies advance, companies are finding even greater need for digitalization of their supply chains. Nearly 40% of companies surveyed recently say they will allocate more than a quarter of their 2026 budgets to technology investments, according to information from logistics technology platform and solutions provider Ontegos Cloud.

This week we’ve seen continued momentum in companies expanding their networks of self driving cars and trucks. Most of what we’re seeing falls into the category of carriers dipping their toe in the water, and trying out pilot projects or proof of concept trials. But the technology does seem to be getting more reliable and these week we see two more examples. We discuss what is being done and how human drivers are reacting to the potential of being replaced.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

This podcast episode is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Abdil Tunca on managing robots; Trucking may get some relief; Demand for industrial real estate surges

Oct 24, 2025 Season 6 Episode 42

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Abdil Tunca, senior principal analyst at Gartner's Supply Chain Practice. While we aren’t quite yet to the era of the Jetsons, we have seen some remarkable advancements in robotics over the past few years. In fact, many future supply chain managers may be managing more robots than human workers. What will that be like? Our guest has some insights.

The trucking industry, and especially the truckload sector, has been in a market slump that has lasted a few years now. Recently there have been some new rules out of Washington that may offer some relief. How is the industry reacting to them?

Demand for industrial real estate—which includes warehousing and logistics space—surged in the third quarter, according to a report from real estate firm Colliers. The company’s Q3 U.S. Industrial Market Statistics report forecasts a stabilizing industrial landscape that is poised for growth, marked by stronger demand and slowing development.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

This podcast episode is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Frank Kenney of Cleo on supply chains during the government shutdown; What's in store for peak holiday season?; Trucking hits speed bumps

Oct 17, 2025 Season 6 Episode 41

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Frank Kenney, director of industry strategy at Cleo. The Federal government shutdown is in its third week now with no end in sight. Beyond the politics of each party blaming the other for failing to fund the government, there are real repercussions that affect many aspects of American life – including our supply chains. Our guests shares how this latest disruption is adding even more uncertainty and how our supply chains should respond.

Price and trust top shoppers’ wish lists this holiday season, as U.S. consumers say accurate delivery promises are just as important as good deals this year, ramping up the pressure on retailers to meet shipping expectations.

The trucking industry has been in a freight recession for more than three years now, which generally means there are too many trucks for not enough freight, so the rates that drivers can charge are super low. But there’s more to the picture than that, and this week we saw a report that shed some light on it. It reveals that business conditions are very different depending if you’re in the truckload sector, less than truckload, or parcel.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

This podcast episode is sponsored by: Duravant Integrated Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Amanda Hedberg of Aspire on training workers with disabilities for warehouse jobs; The commercial real estate market; Turning uncertainty into an advantage

Oct 10, 2025 Season 6 Episode 40

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Amanda Hedberg, vice president of Strategic Initiatives at Aspire, a Chicago non-profit organization that works to place people with disabilities into the labor market. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This yearly event began in 1945 and is now commemorating 80 years of acknowledging the good work that people with mental and physical disabilities bring to their jobs, including work within our supply chains. Hedberg shares how t Aspire trains people with disabilities find meaningful work, including employment in warehouses.

Our DC Velocity editorial staff spent the week at CSCMP EDGE conference in National Harbor, Maryland, near the nation’s capital. On today's podcast we will talk about what we learned there:

Ben shares about a session on the market for industrial real estate, which includes warehouses and fulfillment centers. According to the speakers, the U.S. right now has more unused logistics space available for rent in the industrial real estate market than at any time in U.S. history. We explained how the market got to that point and what is being done to better utilize the abundant space.

Ben also shares about another session on the rise of the “synthetic workforce,” which is a term for increasing applications in artificial intelligence, and specifically agentic AI. Speakers stressed that the Synthetic Workforce is not just on the horizon but is already here.

Victoria shares about a session presented by Per Kristian Hong, a global lead at management consulting firm Kearney. His talk was titled “Harnessing Uncertainty: Global Supply Chains in an Era of Geopolitical Disruption.” His central message was that these turbulent times we’re experiencing are the norm and that supply chain leaders need to recalibrate and move from forecasting to foresight.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

This podcast episode is sponsored by: Duravant Integrated Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Sean Daley of Sphera on shifts in EPA regulations; Creative ways to adapt to tariffs; Chinese robots are on the move

Oct 03, 2025 Season 6 Episode 39

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Sean Daley, director of sustainability consulting at Sphera. Among the many changes happening in Washington is a reprioritizing of environmental issues. The Environmental Protection Agency is among many of the government agencies that has undergone dramatic policy changes. Our guest discusses those changes and how to prepare for shifting EPA regulations.

The world has been experiencing America’s new trade policies and the rollout of tariffs for nearly seven months now and we are starting to see their effect on imports, including some creative ways that some companies are adapting, including the use of "B2B2C" shipments.

Accelerated growth in China’s mobile robotics market over the past 10 years is giving way to globalization strategies as Chinese companies face growing economic pressures at home. Many of these Chinese mobile robotics companies are trying to expand their reach to customers in Europe and North America, in particular.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

This podcast episode is sponsored by: Duravant Integrated Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Kathy Fulton of the American Logistics Aid Network on 20 years of being there for others; Tariffs force changes in sourcing; New drivers of e-commerce

Sep 26, 2025 Season 6 Episode 38

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Kathy Fulton, executive director of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN). Twenty years ago last month, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, leaving in its wake an estimated $125 billion dollars of damage and countless lives changed. It was during this catastrophe that a group logisticians had an idea - and ALAN, the American Logistics Aid Network, was born. Our guest shares the work of ALAN and reflects on the organization’s past 20 years of service to the world during times of crisis.

The changing trade landscape that supply chains have experienced this year are continuing to impact where around the world products are manufactured and then sourced into the United States. And now it seems that small businesses are playing a larger role when it comes to sourcing, as companies continue to deal with the ups and downs of tariffs. This is according to a report from sourcing solutions provider Supplier.io, released this week.

New research shows that e-commerce is swiftly becoming more complex than just the classic image of using your laptop to order from a website and have a product shipped to your home. Geopost, a large French last-mile and parcel delivery firm, surveyed customers across 22 European countries for an annual study on e-commerce trends. They found that sector is changing fast, in large part because of the influence of Gen Z consumers. We tell you what differences this generation is making on online shopping.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

This podcast episode is sponsored by: Duravant Integrated Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Doug Cantriel of Ford on the automaker's future focus; The priorities of online shoppers; Zebra earns its stripes

Sep 19, 2025 Season 6 Episode 37

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Doug Cantriel, the head of North American transportation for the Ford Motor Company’s Customer Service Division. Accurately delivering more than 400,000 parts every night to 3,000-plus Ford automotive dealers is complex work. Charged with this daily task is the team led by Cantriel. They manage the delivery of parts from suppliers to packagers, distribution centers, and then finally to the dealers. Cantriel will be a keynote speaker at this year’s EDGE conference in Washington DC that begins on October 5.

Amid economic uncertainty and high prices, consumers are looking for a cost-conscious, seamless online shopping experience in 2025. That’s according to data from Ryder System, Inc. The information comes from the company’s 11th annual benchmark study on U.S. shopping behaviors, preferences and expectations, and it aims to help brands and retailers optimize their omnichannel sales and supply chain strategies.

Ben Ames attended the Zebra conference this week in Nashville, where Zebra executives said the company is moving beyond that pure data collection function to a broader umbrella function of analyzing the data their devices collect and finding better efficiencies across the entire supply chain enterprise. In their game plan, they will provide not just asset visibility, but also a connection to frontline workers, and ultimately, intelligent automation.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Ford Motor Company
E-commerce study: Shoppers prioritize cost-savings flexibility
Visit Supply Chain Xchange
Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com

This podcast episode is sponsored by: DHL Supply Chain

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Clete Cordero on progress on the new freight classifications; Assuring cargo safety in ocean freight: Procurement under pressure

Sep 12, 2025 Season 6 Episode 36

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Clete Cordero, vice president of pricing and traffic at Southeastern Freight Lines. He is also chairman of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). In July, NMFTA introduced a new system of freight classification to the trucking industry. The new system is design to streamline freight classes by basing it shipments on density and dimensions rather than on commodity type. Our guest shares how the industry is responding to the new classification system and how both shippers and carriers are adapting to it.

A lot of people in transportation and logistics this week have seen the video of a shipping container accident at the Port of Long Beach, where several stacks of containers tumbled off a ship that had recently arrived at the port. Coincidently this week, a new report from the World Shipping Council urges stronger safety measures for ocean cargo. We discuss the areas where more safety is needed and what's behind the current problems.

A challenging business climate is placing increased strain on procurement departments—and it’s slowing their ability to respond quickly and manage risk. This is according to a report from procurement software company Oro Labs. The research findings come from the company’s inaugural State of Enterprise Procurement Ability Report. We share some of the report's findings.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

This podcast episode is sponsored by: DHL Supply Chain

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: John Lash of e2open on what the end of the de minimis exemption means to shippers; Is the EV market mature; Measuring supply chain performance

Sep 05, 2025 Season 6 Episode 35

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is John Lash, group vice president of product strategy at e2open. Last week the de minimis exemption ended. This tariff exemption applied to imports on low-value goods. Our guest shares how its loss will affect supply chains and impact small importers in particular. Will this limit consumer choice?

There was some steady movement in recent years for adopting electric vehicles, but now with course changes in Washington, it seems that EVs have hit some speed bumps. While growth continues, it has slowed compared to adoption in other countries. We look at both the growth of both electric automobiles and industrial trucks and the factors affecting the advancement of EVs in the American market.

How do supply chain managers measure performance and try to get a little better year after year? And how do you measure your contractors’ performance and make sure they meet your standards? The answer is often KPIs, key performance indicators. It’s a way to pick a measurable part of the process that you put a number on, and track its progress. But it turns out that various sectors throughout the economy use KPIs in different ways to measure and improve their supply chain performance.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

e2open
Report: U.S. EV market matures despite headwinds
RXO says use of KPIs varies by industry sector
Visit Supply Chain Xchange
Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com

This podcast episode is sponsored by: DHL Supply Chain

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Scott Cornell of Travelers with tips on protecting food in transit; Hopes for the upcoming peak season; Can truckload rebound?

Aug 29, 2025 Season 6 Episode 34

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Scott Cornell, vice president of transportation at Travelers. Summer will soon be wrapping up, but the heat of summer will be around for a few more weeks yet, at least. Too much of that heat can destroy food and other products while they are in transit. How can we protect temperature-controlled cargo? We have some tips.

As we approach peak season, a new survey shows that the supply chain sector is actually feeling more confident in their fulfillment systems for 2025 than they were in 2024. The research shows that 84% expressed confidence in their fulfillment systems for 2025, compared to the 70% of executives who entered peak season confident last year.

Conditions in the truckload freight market have remained stable this year but coming peak-season shipping activity is likely to test that stability. This is according to some recent data from freight brokerage RXO, which released its latest quarterly Curve report earlier this month. We share the results of that research and what it may mean for pricing and truckload capacity.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: DHL Supply Chain

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Chris Steiner of Dematic on installing automation in brownfield facilities; Keeping our highways safe; The rise of humanoid robots

Aug 22, 2025 Season 6 Episode 33

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Chris Steiner, senior vice president of product management at Dematic. In the past, automation was often viewed as nice to have. But in these days of customer expectations for speed and shortages of available workers, automation is now a "must have." We often think of automation just being placed into shiny new facilities, but a lot can be done to automate existing legacy facilities. Our guests shares about the benefits of implementations in existing "brownfield" facilities and suggests tips for making them successful.

The trucking industry is asking the federal government to accelerate recent efforts to ensure safety on the nation’s highways; this is in reaction to a Florida crash involving a freight truck making an illegal U-turn on an interstate. The crash left three people dead. Trucking organizations are asking to suspend states’ authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs (commercial driving licenses), which some states provide to non-U.S. citizens or out-of-state applicants under certain circumstances. The driver involved in the deadly crash had this type of CDL.

Robotics technology has been developing really quickly in recent years, and it’s been finding new applications in logistics. One of the newest areas where this is happening is in humanoid robots, which move around walking on two legs instead of rolling on wheels, and use two arms to grab totes and boxes. This week we saw some news about one of the latest advancements in the area, which is using artificial intelligence to allow them to learn new skills or movements from demonstrations by humans, instead of by following software code.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Joel Wayment of Cardinal Health on securing temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals; Cargo theft plagues shippers; Our changing food supply chains

Aug 15, 2025 Season 6 Episode 32

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Joel Wayment, VP/GM at Cardinal Health Third Party Logistics and Packaging Solutions. We are definitely in the dog days of summer and in just about every part of the country we are really feeling the heat. While many people like to soak up the sun’s rays, high temperatures are not so welcome for the pharmaceuticals we rely on to stay healthy every day. A lot of drugs have to be kept at strict temperatures to remain effective. But how challenging is it to assure proper conditions as drugs move through our supply chains? Our guest offers his expertise on how to assure the safety of important drugs while transiting summer heat.

Incidents of cargo theft are on the rise. One of the most recent pieces of evidence is a report from supply chain visibility and risk analysis firm Overhaul. The company’s United States Q2-2025 Cargo Theft Report found that cargo theft rose 33% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2025. That continues a steady climb in such incidents over the past few years. And they expect thefts to increase in the coming months of peak season.

According to the management consulting firm Kearney, the global food system is breaking away from traditional operating models as companies are struggling to protect their operating margins. Rising costs of food production are having major impacts on the food supply chain. We discuss the problems and possible solutions.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: James Shefelbine of PraxiChain on Union Pacific's proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern; Freight markets stuck in low gear; The health of the logistics industry

Aug 08, 2025 Season 6 Episode 31

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is James Shefelbine, principal at PraxiChain Consulting. Last week it was announced that Union Pacific Railroad has entered into an agreement to acquire Norfolk Southern. Aside from creating a true transcontinental railroad, it greatly would expand the reach of this historic rail company. But not everyone is onboard with the merger. Who is in favor and who is opposed? What’s the likelihood the deal is approved and how might it affect shippers? Our guest offers his expert insights.

For the past three years or so, the U.S. truckload industry has been stuck in a freight recession, with demand weakening quarter after quarter. Now, there’s debate over whether that freight recession may be over, but even if it is, the sector faces a long uphill climb to get back to where it once was. We report on some new statistics and analysis.

Economic activity expanded across the logistics industry in July, driven by strong activity among middle-mile firms that are bearing the brunt of efforts to stay ahead of trade-related uncertainties. That’s according to the latest Logistics Managers’ Index (LMI) report, which was released this week. Will the expansion continue or was this activity due mostly to a surge of imports trying to beat tariff deadlines?

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series is now available on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Join the Logistics Matters team at CSCMP EDGE 2025, October 5-8 at the Gaylord in Washington, D.C. Go to CSCMP.org to find out more.

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Lisa Anderson of LMA Consulting on how the One Big Beautiful Bill may help manufacturers; A new transcontinental railroad; Preparing for weather extremes

Aug 01, 2025 Season 6 Episode 30

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Lisa Anderson, founder and president of LMA Consulting Group. The One Big Beautiful Bill is now the law of the land. Among the provisions in this expansive legislation are incentives to encourage business investment. But, how will the bill affect our supply chains and will it provide support to grow domestic manufacturing? Our guest offers some insights.

Two of the nation’s major railroads are attempting to create the country’s first coast-to-coast freight railway. On Tuesday, Union Pacific said it had made an offer to acquire Norfolk Southern in an $85 billion cash and stock deal. The acquisition would connect more than 50,000 route miles across 43 states, linking about 100 ports and reaching nearly every corner of North America. Will such a deal be approved, as many industry groups are speaking out against the proposed merger.

Chief procurement officers have a lot to worry about these days with all of the trade turmoil around the world, but now add another worry to their plates - the risk of extreme weather events. There have always been hurricanes and typhoons, but in recent years the severity of some of those events has gotten worse, with examples in the US of violent floods and fast spreading wildfires. The consulting firm Proxima has issued a report that identifies the five nations that are most vulnerable to extreme weather and climate sourcing risks. We share the list.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series has just started on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Manish Kapoor of Growth Catalyst Group on how supply chains are handling back-to-school season; Where Girl Scouts and supply chains intersect: Encouraging robots to get along

Jul 25, 2025 Season 6 Episode 29

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Manish Kapoor, founder and CEO of Growth Catalyst Group. Since we have passed the mid-summer mark of 2025, retailers are now focused on the next dates on the retail calendar – and that’s back to school season. This is traditionally the second busiest season of the retail year. But like everything in supply chains in 2025, this year has not been normal. Our guest helps us find out how retail supply chains are coping and what we can expect over the coming weeks.

A new industry-sponsored program is designed to inspire next generation of supply chain leaders. Girl Scouts of the USA and contract logistics provider DHL Supply Chain have launched the "Solutions Superstar" program to advance critical thinking and problem-solving skills for K-12 girls and to introduce them to supply chain careers.

A modern distribution center or fulfillment center is often full of automation at many different levels. It might have robots like AMRs and AGVs, dense storage like an AS/RS, and software platforms like an ERP or WMS system. But often, each of those units operates by itself, or it takes orders from just one source, like the WMS software. And that can make it hard for them all to work together as a team. But lately, we’ve been seeing progress in the industry toward fixing that situation.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series has just started on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. It covers topics including Geopolitical Risks, Economic Instability, Cybersecurity Risks, Threats to energy and electric grids; Supplier Risks, and Transportation Disruptions Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

Other links

Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Zac Rogers of Colorado State University on the uncertain summer for supply chains; The latest on cargo theft; CEOs still think sustainability is good for business

Jul 18, 2025 Season 6 Episode 28

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Zac Rogers, associate professor of Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University and the lead author of the monthly Logistics Managers' Index report. This past week a number of economic numbers came out. On Tuesday, The Consumer Price Index showed some rise in inflation, a few major banks also reported solid earnings, and we saw some evidence of strong consumer spending during Prime Days. Yet all of these reports came in the midst of the ongoing tariff and trade uncertainty. Where are supply chains at and where are they going as we begin the second half of 2025? Our guest offers some expert insights.

One topic we've heard a lot about lately is cargo theft. So it’s not surprise that this trend is continuing, but a report that came out this week shared some new details on exactly what thieves are stealing and how they’re doing it.

A new study shows that companies are still focused on sustainability despite a scaling back of ESG oversight since the change of administration in Washington this year. This is a survey from sustainability ratings provider EcoVadis. The key takeaway is that 87% of companies surveyed say they have maintained or increased their investment in business sustainability efforts this year, with many saying they are doing so “behind the scenes” amid growing regulatory debate and uncertainty over the role of those corporate ESG-related programs.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A new series has just started on Top Threats to our Supply Chains. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Jimmy Roussel of IDScan.net on preventing warehouse identity fraud; Awards for innovation; The cobot market is set for a growth spurt

Jul 11, 2025 Season 6 Episode 27

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Jimmy Roussel, CEO of IDScan.net. Among the problems that supply chains have had to deal with lately is an increasing rise of identity fraud at warehouses and fulfillment centers nationwide. Counterfeit identification is often used by those committing the fraud to get inside the warehouse gate. Thefts of entire trucks often follow. Our guest discusses the scope of the problem, how it happens, and ways to counteract fraud and theft.

Winners of the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Award were announced this past week. The IFOY recognizes the most innovative technologies of 2025. This year’s technology competition included 49 products on the initial application list, 21 of which made it final round. The entries were then subjected to strict engineering testing and evaluation to determine winners. We reveal who won and the innovative technologies that were honored.

There have been conflicting reports lately about the health of the warehouse automation market, but there is good news for those making and selling collaborative robots—those are bots that work alongside humans, often referred to as “cobots.” The market for that technology is set to rebound this year following a trough in 2024, according to the latest market outlook report from research firm Interact Analysis.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Suppy Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Mark Baxa of CSCMP on the legacy of FedEx founder Fred Smith; The continuing debate on autonomous vehicles; Supply chains grapple with geopolitical uncertainty

Jun 27, 2025 Season 6 Episode 26

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Mark Baxa, president & CEO of The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, also known as CSCMP. Earlier this week the supply chain industry lost an icon. Fred Smith was the founder of FedEx – a company that has literally revolutionized the delivery business. Our guest discusses how Fred Smith’s vision and business savvy has left lasting impacts on the supply chain industry.

Autonomous vehicles continue to see wider adoption while fostering more debates on their safety. Most uses are for robotaxis, with some limited applications for hauling freight. However, this week we saw a rally by Teamsters Union members who lobbied legislators in Massachusetts to pass a state law to require human drivers inside these vehicles. That was a reaction to plans by Waymo — the self-driving car company that is a unit of Google’s parent company Alphabet — to start deploying its cars in Massachusetts.

Senior Editor Victoria Kickham was in Salt Lake City this week at the SMC3 Connections conference. That’s a trucking and supply chain event that takes place each year and draws a crowd of about 500. The conference covered a range of issues, but she says two things really stood out - tariffs/trade and AI. She dives into these two topics in her report.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen of the Nearshore Company on USMCA's future; Ensuring safety in the skies; Integrating technologies at our ports

Jun 20, 2025 Season 6 Episode 25

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen, co-CEO of The Nearshore Company. It’s now been five years since the USMCA trade agreement was negotiated between the Mexico, Canada, and the United States, replacing NAFTA. In this current time of trade friction, including new tariffs on both Mexico and Canada, what’s still working with USMCA and what’s next for the trade alliance? Our guest offers some insights.

There is an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers in our nation. Recently a new study was delivered to Congress that showed the FAA hired only two-thirds of the air traffic controllers called for by its staffing models. By fiscal year 2024, nearly a third of air traffic control facilities had fallen 10% below model standards and about 22% had fallen 15% below. We discuss why there is a lack of air traffic controllers and what can be done to assure safety in the skies.

Despite widespread adoption of digital tools and automation technologies, marine terminals around the world face persistent challenges with issues such as data connectivity, system integration, and real-time visibility. New research shows that there are lots of opportunities for real-time, automated data connectivity across terminals. It seems that many terminals have made big technology investments, and the next step is to ensure that their systems connect and all work together.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Brett Wood of ITA and Toyota on National Forklift Safety Day; When it comes to hiring drivers - act fast!; Manufacturing with AI and automation

Jun 13, 2025 Season 6 Episode 24

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Brett Wood, Chair this year of the Industrial Truck Association (better known as the ITA). In his daytime job, Brett is the President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America. This past Tuesday, the material handling industry recognized the 12th annual National Forklift Safety Day. Sponsored by ITA, the highlight of the day was a series of presentations on safety held at the National Press Club in Washington DC. Wood speaks about the event held this week and the importance and impacts of safety programs.

Carriers looking to fill driver positions need to act faster when they identify candidates and ensure that their hiring process is efficient, according to a new report from truck driving technology platform Tenstreet. They found that carriers in their network that responded to driver applications within five minutes see a 6.2% hiring rate, which is nearly double the platform average of 3.7%.—so that speaks to the need for fast action.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has launched a new program called the Initiative for New Manufacturing (INM). The goal is to help transform the nation’s industrial base by advancing the future of “new manufacturing,” alongside ideas in workforce training, advanced technologies, and industry collaboration. The initiative includes a group of six founding industry consortium members, who are Amgen, Flex, GE Vernova, PTC, Sanofi, and Siemens.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Michael Needham of Efficio on restoring pharmaceutical manufacturing to the U.S.; The latest LMI measure on the health of the industry; How safety programs are lowering injuries but seeing higher costs

Jun 06, 2025 Season 6 Episode 23

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Michael Needham, principal procurement & supply chain at Efficio Consulting. Among the flurry of executive orders issued recently by the White House is one aimed at restoring pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities here in the U.S. Currently most drugs and ingredients are manufactured in China and India. How will such a move affect supply chains? Our guest offers his views on what can be manufactured here easily and what could be more difficult.

Measuring the health of our supply chains, the Logistics Manager’s Index came out on Tuesday, showing an expansion in logistics activity in May. Logistics expanded for the second straight month, marked by a mix of slowing inventory levels and rising costs across the board, researchers said. We look at the specific numbers and what they mean.

This week we saw a study on workplace injuries. This report came from the Travelers Companies. It found that the number of workplace injuries overall continues to decline, although the costs associated with them are climbing. We dive into some of the details of the report and how emphasizing safety can affect the workplace.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Officio
May 2025 Logistics Managers' Index
Workplace injury rate drops, but costs rise
Visit Supply Chain Xchange
Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Ian Williams of Orkin on how to think like a mouse; Global exporters chime in on tariffs; New rules for forklifts in California

May 30, 2025 Season 6 Episode 22

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Ian Williams, Technical Services Manager at Orkin. He helps us to understand a subject that few people want to talk about – the pests that often overrun facilities. We are talking mice, rats, bugs, and other critters that get in and destroy products, contaminate areas, and just cause a general nuisance. Williams has some great ideas on how to keep them out of our buildings – and if they get in – to deal with them for good. Often it involves thinking like a mouse.

Globally, nearly 60% of companies expect a negative impact from the Trump administration’s “Liberation Day” tariff rollout, which happened back on April 2. That’s according to a survey of 4,500 companies from around the world, including the United States, conducted in March and April by international credit insurer Allianz Trade.

We got some clarity this week about one important aspect of logistics, which is forklifts. This ended a long debate about whether propane-fueled forklifts could operate in warehouses in the state of California, and it had been caught up in a lawsuit. To cut to the chase, propane forklifts will be allowed. We share the details of the new agreement and what it means for California's attempts to have zero-emission vehicles operating in many parts of our supply chains.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: John Lash of e2open on Chinese tariff pause; How shippers are planning their next 90 days; Remote job opportunities in logistics

May 23, 2025 Season 6 Episode 21

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is John Lash, group vice president of strategy at e2open. We now have a pause in tariffs with China – or at least a sizable reduction in the amount of those tariffs compared to what was in place two weeks ago in the ongoing tariff wars. How are supply chains reacting and where do we go from here? Will we see another surge in imports during the 90 day pause and how do companies prepare for back-to-school and holiday seasons? Our guest share his insights.

Shippers and importers need to be able to plan their shipments over the busy summer months, but there is little certainty to help them plan. We look at how companies are making adjustments during the Chinese tariff pause and how that may affect their planning for the rest of the year.

Today, many workers in general are facing “return to office” mandates, but frontline workers in some industries, including logistics, are seeing an increase in opportunities to work from home. This information comes from a survey by resume-building platform Resume Now and frontline workforce hiring company Talroo. We look at what jobs in logistics are seeing increases in remote work opportunities.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Kardex

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Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Hamilton Galloway of Oxford Economics on the economic impacts of the forklift industry; How AI is helping logistics employees; Supply chain optimization see higher adoption rates

May 16, 2025 Season 6 Episode 20

AGiLE Business Media

Our guest on this week's episode is Hamilton Galloway, head of U.S. consultancy at Oxford Economics. Many of our listeners use forklifts in their supply chain operations every day. They really are the workhorses for moving products within facilities. But you might be surprised at the impact that the forklift industry makes on the overall U.S. economy. Recently the Industrial Truck Association, the industry organization that represents the forklift industry, partnered with Oxford Economics to evaluate those economic impacts. We share the remarkable numbers of the industry's contributions to GDP, jobs, taxes, and more.

Logistics companies are taking a hard look at how artificial intelligence can help their operations. This week you saw how AI is having an effect on overworked logistics employees. Are those effects good or bad?

A new survey of more than 300 supply chain decision makers found that companies are prioritizing technology investments, compliance, and outsourced services to optimize their supply chains and adapt to changing regulations—specifically as they navigate today’s evolving trade and tariffs landscape. We share some of the interesting findings.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes. The podcast is also available at www.thescxchange.com.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Kardex

Other links