Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Our guest on this week's episode is Bill Catania, founder & CEO of OneRail. Christmas will be here before we know it – just a couple of weeks to go. For shippers, that means one final push to get all of those future presents where they need to be. What are the trends driving this year’s peak season? Our guest shares what he has seen from his base of retail customers.  Ben Ames shares about a new report from industrial  real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield that says that 2026 could be a little better, at least in terms of commercial real estate than it has been his past year. That category includes office, industrial, multifamily, and retail, so a broad area but it includes things like the warehouses and brick and mortar stores that we cover for the magazine. They said that after the “extraordinary macroeconomic uncertainty” of the past year, the U.S. commercial real estate (CRE) sector could enter 2026 with renewed momentum, clearer visibility, and growing optimism - and a lot of it has to do with the growth of AI data centers.One of Victoria Kickham's stories in the December issue of DC Velocity deals with automated truck loading and unloading. This is a topic that’s of growing interest across the industry; we see more and more robotics vendors tackling this physically demanding job – which many in the industry will tell you is probably the worst job in the warehouse. The story also digs into the rising cost of warehouse labor and how new approaches to robotics can help with that – specifically, the rise of robotics-as-a-service models and special leasing programs can help alleviate the capital expenses involved in purchasing robotics.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:OneRailAI investment boom rescues U.S. economy from extraordinary macroeconomic uncertaintyRobots to the rescueVisit 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: ID LabelOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Marc Schaffer, a principal economist at Breakthrough Fuel, delves into the implications of the looming Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger and its potential effects on supply chains. He highlights how this merger stands apart due to its scale and regulatory hurdles. The discussion shifts to the rise of AI in warehouses, revealing that 60% are adopting these technologies to enhance productivity. Schaffer also shares insights on the critical workforce behind this tech, referencing Siemens' plan to train 200,000 electricians by 2030.

In this discussion, Kraig Foreman, President of eCommerce at DHL Supply Chain, shares insights on preparing for the peak season. He highlights how retailers have stabilized inventory ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Kraig also discusses the positive impact of robotics and automation on warehouse jobs, revealing a strong support among workers. Additionally, he explains how transportation is leveraging AI to enhance efficiency in Q4 planning, marking a transformative shift in logistics strategies.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Saric, the Chief Marketing Officer at Ivalua, shares valuable insights on the hesitancy surrounding tech investments amid economic uncertainty. He highlights the importance of starting small with AI pilot projects and fostering an innovative culture to overcome barriers. Alex emphasizes the advantages of leveraging local suppliers to strengthen supply chains and boost economies, while also addressing the gap between AI ambition and real-world implementation challenges that organizations face.

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.