Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

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:CleoTrust tops shoppers wish lists this holiday seasonTruckload carriers continue battling excess capacity and depressed ratesVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: Duravant Integrated SolutionsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Amanda Hedberg, Vice President at Aspire, sheds light on the importance of training people with disabilities for warehouse jobs. She discusses how tailored roles like distribution specialists enhance employment opportunities while showcasing Aspire's innovative training methods. Additionally, the hosts explore the vast availability of unused logistics space in the U.S. and the rise of agentic AI transforming the workforce. The conversation emphasizes adapting to industry changes and the benefits of hiring diverse talents in supply chains.

Sean Daley, Director of Sustainability Consulting at Sphera, shares insights on the shifting landscape of EPA regulations and how companies must adapt. He discusses the impacts of new tariffs on US supply chains, revealing innovative strategies like 'B2B2C' to mitigate costs. Daley also explores the rapid growth of Chinese mobile robotics, highlighting how these firms are expanding globally amid economic pressures. Tune in for a deep dive into environmental reporting, trade adaptations, and the evolving robotics market.

Kathy Fulton, the executive director of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), discusses the organization's vital role in humanitarian logistics, founded post-Hurricane Katrina. She shares inspiring stories of disaster relief and highlights ALAN's achievements over 20 years. Kathy sheds light on how tariffs are pushing companies to source from small U.S. suppliers and explains the growing influence of Gen Z on e-commerce trends, particularly in social-commerce and innovative delivery methods. Her insights underline the evolving landscape of logistics.

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 CompanyE-commerce study: Shoppers prioritize cost-savings flexibilityVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: DHL Supply ChainOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Clete Cordero, Vice President at Southeastern Freight Lines and chairman of the NMFTA, discusses a revolutionary new freight classification system that focuses on density and dimensions over commodity type. He highlights its reception among shippers and carriers, promising a fairer pricing model. The conversation also tackles urgent cargo safety issues, particularly in light of recent shipping accidents, and emphasizes the pressing need for enhanced safety measures in ocean freight. Additionally, Cordero explores the challenges procurement teams face in today's economic climate.

John Lash, group vice president of product strategy at e2open, discusses the recent end of the de minimis exemption and its potential impact on small importers and consumer choices. He also dives into the challenges hindering the growth of the electric vehicle market in the U.S., including tax incentives and infrastructure. Additionally, Lash explains how supply chain managers use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure performance, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches across various industries.

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:Travelers Special Investigations GroupSurvey shows supply chain pros are confident for peak season 2025Report reveals measured truckload market recoveryVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: DHL Supply ChainOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Chris Steiner, Senior VP at Dematic, dives into the essential role of automation in modern supply chains, especially within outdated brownfield facilities. He discusses how evolving customer expectations and labor shortages make automation a necessity, providing tips for successful implementation. Steiner also tackles urgent highway safety concerns in trucking post-accident, advocating for stricter driver regulations. Finally, he explores the exciting potential of humanoid robots in logistics, showcasing advancements in robotics technology.

Join Joel Wayment, VP/GM at Cardinal Health, as he dives into the challenges of ensuring the safe transit of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals in sweltering summer heat. He shares insights on the alarming 33% rise in cargo theft incidents impacting shippers and provides strategies to combat this growing issue. Additionally, Wayment discusses the crucial changes in food supply chains driven by rising costs and consumer demands, showcasing the innovative responses needed to adapt and thrive in today’s logistics landscape.