Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Guest: Kathy Fulton of ALAN on LA wildfire relief; More manufacturing on the way; New freight classifications

Jan 31, 2025

25:41

Our guest on this week's episode is Kathy Fulton, the executive director of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN). We have all seen the unprecedented damage caused by the wildfires near Los Angeles. It is at times like this that the supply chain industry can mobilize resources to make sure supplies get to those who need help. Kathy Fulton shares what the emergency needs are, what is being done, and what more can be done. She also gives her take on the role of FEMA in disaster response.

We saw some encouraging signs this week of manufacturing projects here in the U.S. Of course, manufacturing brings the promise of new jobs, and also of material handling, warehousing, trucking, and all the logistics that’s needed to make a factory work. We discuss two new projects - the construction of a $1.2 billion plant in Oklahoma for producing materials for batteries and GE Vernova plans to invest $600 million in its U.S. factories over the next two years to support its energy businesses.

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, or NMFTA, published proposed changes to its National Motor Freight Classification system this week. The NMFC is a freight classification tool that businesses throughout the less-than-truckload industry use to classify and establish prices for moving freight. When they take effect later this year, shippers may see changes in the LTL prices they pay to move freight.

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 series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more. All ten 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: