Logistics Matters 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Steiner, Senior VP at Dematic, dives into the essential role of automation in modern supply chains, especially within outdated brownfield facilities.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.

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:PraxiChain ConsultingWoozy US freight market shows best gains in three yearsClass 8 truck orders post 7th consecutive monthly year-over-year decreaseLogistics industry growth slowed in JulyVisit 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: Storage SolutionsOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYJoin 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.

Lisa Anderson, founder of LMA Consulting Group, shares her expertise on the implications of the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing and supply chains. She discusses how this legislation encourages business investment and the challenges posed by current trade dynamics. Additionally, the talk highlights the controversial $85 billion merger proposal between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern for a transcontinental freight railway. Lastly, Anderson emphasizes the increasing risks of severe weather events and their impact on supply chain strategies.

In this insightful discussion, Manish Kapoor, Founder and CEO of Growth Catalyst Group, dives into the complexities of supply chains during the back-to-school season, highlighting the challenges faced this year. He emphasizes the need for innovation in inventory management amid shifting consumer behaviors. Kapoor also explores an inspiring initiative by Girl Scouts and DHL aimed at empowering young girls with supply chain skills. Plus, he discusses advancements in robotics and how integrating various automated systems can lead to a more efficient future in logistics.

Zac Rogers, an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management at Colorado State University and the lead author of the Logistics Managers' Index report, shares key insights into the challenges facing supply chains today. He discusses the impact of inflation and tariffs on logistics, the rising threat of cargo theft, and the paradox of corporate sustainability efforts amidst political changes. Despite uncertainties, Rogers reveals that a significant majority of companies are still investing in sustainability, highlighting a persistent commitment to ethical business practices.

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:The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)Teamsters ask Massachusetts lawmakers to require human drivers in AVsGlobal trade and AI top LTL industry concernsVisit 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: Zebra Robotics AutomationOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

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:The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)Teamsters ask Massachusetts lawmakers to require human drivers in AVsGlobal trade and AI top LTL industry concernsVisit 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: Zebra Robotics AutomationOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen, Co-CEO of The Nearshore Company, unpacks the evolution of the USMCA trade agreement five years in, revealing its successes and the impact of recent tariffs on US-Mexico-Canada relations. He addresses the critical shortage of air traffic controllers, discussing safety implications and potential solutions. Additionally, the conversation pivots to the challenges marine terminals face in integrating digital technologies, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced data connectivity and automation to optimize operations.

Brett Wood, Chair of the Industrial Truck Association and President of Toyota Material Handling North America, discusses the 12th National Forklift Safety Day, highlighting its importance for industry standards. He emphasizes the need for swift hiring practices in trucking, revealing data showing that fast responses to applications significantly boost hiring rates. Additionally, the conversation touches on the MIT initiative aimed at revolutionizing manufacturing through AI and automation, showcasing the industry's shift toward innovative solutions for safety and efficiency.