Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Our guest on this week's episode is Alex Saric, CMO at Ivalua. We have definitely seen a lot of uncertainty this year due to changing economic policies and the supply chain shifts that have resulted. It has placed a lot of companies on the sidelines trying to figure out what to do next with their technology investments. How do they get from just being in survival mode to thriving? Our guest today joins Ben Ames with some insights.  Working with small businesses can help strengthen supply chains and boost local economies; that’s according to a report from supplier intelligence platform Supplier.io, released earlier this week. The company analyzed data from more than 500 large enterprises for its 2025 Small Business Impact Report—to learn more about those companies’ small sourcing initiatives. We share some highlights from that report.A report from the supply chain software company Kinaxis reveals that there is a gap between AI ambition and AI implementation. The report found that at many organizations, business leaders tend to underestimate the new risks and complexities that AI may introduce. But on the other hand, their staffers are very well aware of those complexities, because they’re focused on the practical realities, such as the effort, change management, and technical challenges. The executives want a fast ROI from AI, but staffers see the hurdles.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:IvaluaSmall business spending fortifies supply chainsAI reality cap - C-Suite executives expect quick ROI but staff see hurdlesVisit 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:  Storage SolutionsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

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:Dark WatchRyder hosts event to raise awareness of human traffickingReport: Cargo thieves are targeting high-value goodsVisit 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:  Storage SolutionsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Brodie Sutherland, CEO of Patriot Critical Minerals Corp., discusses the urgent need for a domestic supply of critical minerals, particularly tungsten, to bolster U.S. manufacturing and security. He highlights the importance of digitalization in supply chains, with companies planning to invest heavily in technology. Sutherland also covers the implications of China's rare-earth exports on U.S. strategies and conversations about expanding networks of self-driving trucks, including safety concerns from drivers and unions.

Abdil Tunca, a senior principal analyst at Gartner specializing in warehouse automation, shares his insights on the growing trend of managing robotic workforces. He discusses the skills needed to oversee robots and emphasizes the importance of upskilling and strategic planning for executives. Tunca also offers advice for workers to thrive alongside automation, recommending roles that focus on technology management. Additionally, the podcast touches on new federal regulations in trucking and a surge in demand for industrial real estate, signaling shifts in supply chain dynamics.

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.