Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

In this episode, guest Patrick Penfield, an assistant professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management, discusses how Amazon will be moving into vacant mall spaces to create mini distribution centers.We also examine a growing trend of some shippers moving away from the major parcel carriers and toward smaller, regional carriers.And despite high unemployment numbers in the general workforce, the logistics industry still finds it difficult to find skilled workers for warehouses and transportation. We look at new initiatives to assure a steady pipeline of workers into the industry.Episode web page with transcript.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Syracuse University Whitman School of ManagementLast mile delivery startup Fetch Packaging raises $18 million.Prologis enhances logistics training program to meet growing demand for workersCombined MHI and WERC plan expanded conversations between MHE vendors and usersDC VELOCITY's Covid-19 coverageVisit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com.Podcast sponsored by DCV-TVConnect with us on social mediaFacebookLinkedInTwitterOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, guest Dr. Tom Goldsby of the University of Tennessee discusses why we still have so much trouble equipping our essential healthcare workers and others with the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to assure their safety during the pandemic.New trucking numbers are in for the June and July time periods. Has trucking turned the corner after several very difficult months?And we look at new solutions that help to promote social distancing within our nation's warehouses and distribution centers. How are they applied to better protect workers?Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:University of Tennessee Supply Chain Management programTrucking freight demand came roaring back in JuneMaterial handling companies focus on social distancingVargo unveils new social distancing feature in COFE WES softwareDC VELOCITY's Covid-19 coverageVisit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com.Podcast sponsored by FortnaOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, guest Zac Rogers of Colorado State University shares about the Logistics Managers' Index (LMI). He discusses how this measurement tool is a snapshot of the current state of the logistics industry and how supply chain professionals should apply its monthly findings.We also look at how several new collaborations between lift truck companies and robotics firms may spur the development of more autonomous forklifts and other warehouse-based vehicles.And the commercial real estate market has been hit extremely hard during the Covid-19 pandemic, with much of our nation's workforce still working from home. The one bright spot is a huge uptick in the demand for warehouse space due to e-commerce growth. Can this channel save the commercial real estate market?Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:The Logistics Managers' IndexLogistics Industry growth continues in July - LMI report for JulyEmail Zac Rogers to learn how to participate in the LMI surveyKion strikes deal with Chinese robotics startupTrio of firms launch material handling robots for retail storesPandemic pushes warehouse robot vendors to partner with system integratorsIndustrial and logistics segments to lead commercial real estate recoveryUrban Outfitters to build e-commerce center near Kanas CityDC VELOCITY's Covid-19 coverageVisit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com.Podcast sponsored by FortnaOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, Dana Stiffler of Gartner discusses new research that the organization has conducted on women in supply chain executive positions. Are they making gains? And what can supply chain companies do to enhance diversity in their C-Suites?Consumers have come to love curbside pickup during the pandemic, but it puts a strain on operations for retailers. What can retailers do to ease the burden, and will curbside be a service that will survive long after the pandemic has ended?While transportation has kept goods on the move during the Covid-19 pandemic, the virus has greatly affected the industry. How long will it take before transportation is back to pre-virus levels?Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Survey shows record number of women chief supply chain officersGartner's webcast on Women in the C-SuiteGartner websiteCurbside and in-store pickup are popular with consumers but stressful for retailersRadial websiteA tough road ahead for transportation marketsDC VELOCITY's Covid-19 coverageVisit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com.Podcast sponsored by FortnaOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts 

Bill Van Amburg, the executive vice president of CALSTART, a national transportation accelerator organization, discusses the recent memorandum of understanding agreement from 15 U.S. states and the District of Columbia to advance zero-emission vehicle technology on our nation's roads.We also look at the growing number of retailers either running fulfillment out of the back room of their stores or converting their retail sites to a last-mile hubs entirely.And we discuss proposed legislation in Congress to provide tax credits to food and beverage distributors serving commercial customers, such as restaurants, bars, and institutions, that have been unable to pay their bills due to the pandemic.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:CALSTART websiteCompanies convert idle retail sites to last mile fulfillment facilitiesWalmart Canada launches plan to upgrade DCs and stores for omnichannelLegislators introduce bill to provide tax credits to food distributorsText of the PLUS ActDC VELOCITY's Covid-19 coverageVisit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com.Podcast sponsored by FortnaOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts 

In this episode, guest Michael Zimmerman discusses what the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals’ annual “State of Logistics Report” reveals how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the logistics industry. Zimmerman, a partner at Kearney, was the lead author of the report and heads up the consulting company’s Analytics Practice for the Americas Region.Many of America's ports ended their fiscal years on June 30 and released reports on their volumes and productivity. How did the pandemic affect them?And Auburn University announces plans to build a research center for autonomous vehicles next to its existing test track. Will this spur further development of these technologies?Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:CSCMP's State of Logistics report highlights effects of the pandemicCSCMP websiteCargo volumes down at East and West coast portsPort of Virginia marks challenging fiscal yearAuburn University to build autonomous vehicle research centerDC VELOCITY's Covid-19 coverageVisit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com.Podcast sponsored by FortnaOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts 

In this episode, Rob McKeel, CEO of Fortna, discusses how retailers and other distributors are adjusting to the new normal during the midst of the pandemic. He addresses how network and facility design may change, how retailers must adapt, and what technologies will be key going forward. We also look at how freight companies are adjusting their business strategies to cope with changing business requirements brought on by the pandemic. And we share how last month saw a surge in logistics activity.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Freight sector cuts costs through operations and staffingLogistics sector growth surges in JuneDC VELOCITY's list of Covid-19 resources for the supply chainDC VELOCITY's Covid-19 coverageVisit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com.Podcast sponsored by FortnaOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

In this episode, David Henry, the regional manager for Mexico at transportation broker and logistics provider GlobalTranz, talks about the impact of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that went into effect July 1. Based in Monterrey, Mexico, he has his pulse on what the new agreement means for cross-border transactions and what shippers should know. We also look at our annual class of DC Velocity Rainmakers and how these folks have what it takes to impact the supply chain industry. Additionally, we discuss how sustainability is impacting DC operations--in particular packing areas--with earth-friendly products and designs.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Industry readies for July 1 USCMA implementationLogistics providers cheer White House passage of USMCAWebsite of GlobalTranzGlobalTranz guide to USMCAThe 2020 DC Velocity Rainmakers (new honorees will be announced daily through July 10)Packaging your way to greener operationsDCs go green and clean: A look at six sustainable operationsDC VELOCITY's list of Covid-19 resources for the supply chainDC VELOCITY's Covid-19 coverageVisit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com.Podcast sponsored by FortnaOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

In this episode, we talk to Ken Raycroft of Briggs Equipment in Dallas, Texas. He shares how he is working with customers on sanitation best practices with a program from Hyster-Yale that assures lift truck equipment is safe between shifts and multiple users.Our news team discusses how many manufacturers are moving their sourcing and production from China, looking for more resiliency and to avoid tariffs. We also share how distributors without much automation may find their systems stressed this holiday season, as consumers avoid stores and move to e-commerce shopping.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Yale-Hyster group announces sanitation program for lift trucksWebsite of Briggs EquipmentGartner survey shows companies moving supply chains out of ChinaPeak season demands heat upDC VELOCITY's list of Covid-19 resources for the supply chainDC VELOCITY's Covid-19 coverageVisit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com.Podcast sponsored by FortnaOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Terry Esper, associate professor of logistics at The Ohio State University, who talks about the problems that Black drivers face when making deliveries.Our news team discusses the upcoming United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade agreement that goes into effect July 1 and replaces NAFTA. We also look at some major recent investments that have been made in logistics tech companies and startups despite the pandemic and recession.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:Let’s talk about race and the danger faced by black delivery driversCombatting black driver racism and harassment Website of Ohio State's Fisher College of BusinessGeek+ lands $200 million venture capital for warehouse and factory robotsYard management tech vendor Inc lands "significant" private equity investmentTech startup CognitOps lands $3 million funding for "warehouse operating system"Locus Robotics unveils $40 million venture investment for its AMRsDC VELOCITY's list of Covid-19 resources for the supply chainDC VELOCITY's Covid-19 coverageVisit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@dcvelocity.com.Podcast sponsored by FortnaOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY