Supply Chain Now

Chris Rogers, Head of Supply Chain Research at S&P Global Market Intelligence, brings over 25 years of expertise in trade policy and logistics. In a rapidly changing landscape, Chris discusses the critical need for agility and data-driven visibility in global supply chains. He emphasizes the ongoing evolution of tariff policies and the importance of effective supply networks. The conversation touches on the transformative potential of AI and robotics, alongside insights into the 2026 Supply Chain Outlook, including trends in trade liberalization and reshoring.

In an era where artificial intelligence dominates boardroom conversations, global supply chain leaders face a new challenge: separating hype from real, scalable value. As AI becomes an essential part of the enterprise toolkit, organizations are racing to implement it not just for efficiency, but also for empowering teams, making better decisions, and transforming entire value chains.In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Anouk Schoenmakers, Managing Partner Consulting Solutions at Bluecrux, and Joy Taylor, Managing Director at alliantConsulting, to explore how organizations can move beyond the AI buzz and create meaningful, people-centered transformation across the value chain. Together, they unpack how supply chain leaders can use AI not as a shiny object, but as an enabler of better, faster, and more confident decision-making.Anouk shares why decision intelligence is now a survival skill for modern businesses, and how companies can build the agility and mindset needed to thrive amid constant disruption.Joy offers her perspective on change management and the human side of digital transformation, explaining why technology alone isn’t enough without trust, transparency, and a people-first culture. From decoupling data and decision flows to scaling AI adoption through trust and clarity, they explore actionable insights for leaders ready to turn transformation into lasting impact.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(01:45) Meet Joy Taylor and Anouk Schoenmakers(03:07) Personal insights and warm-up questions(07:44) Diving into AI and supply chain(16:37) The role of AI in decision making(20:42) Decoupling physical and data flows(24:08) Empowering people with AI(27:21) Pro tip for leaders: eliminating barriers(27:52) The forward pass analogy: embracing change(28:51) Optimizing speed and scale in AI(30:24) The importance of trust in AI adoption(33:46) Change management: people first approach(37:18) Building an AI culture(40:18) Real-world AI success stories(48:11) Exciting future for BluecruxAdditional Links and ResourcesConnect with Joy Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-taylor-womanleader/Connect with Anouk Schoenmakers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anouk-schoenmakers-45a81713/Learn more about Bluecrux: https://www.bluecrux.com/Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Inside the Cargo Theft Surge: Insights & Predictions for 2026: https://bit.ly/4oVAsmsWEBINAR- Inside Outdoor Cap’s Warehouse: How Voice Picking Elevated Daily Operations: https://bit.ly/49m4D1zWEBINAR- Supply Chain Strength: Strategies that Deliver in any Economy: https://bit.ly/4hqTnTHWEBINAR- Owens Corning's Roadmap to Fuel Cost Visibility and Savings: https://bit.ly/4pfn5hgThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/building-trust-power-ai-adoption-1510

The future of supply chain is accelerating, and today hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson are unpacking the innovations and investments transforming the industry. From AI-driven visibility to the “zero distance” strategy by GE Appliances, this episode dives deep into what’s next for supply chain leaders. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OMP!Scott and Kevin are joined by Pam Simon, Conference Chair and EVP of Programming at Manifest, to explore how technology, leadership, and collaboration are driving a smarter, more resilient supply chain ecosystem.Together, they discuss:How Steph Curry’s investment in the AI-powered startup Burnt is redefining the intersection of supply chain and the food industryGE Appliances’ zero-distance supply chain initiative and its impact on efficiency, technology adoption, and reshoringThe rising influence of artificial intelligence in e-commerce, predictive analytics, and logistics optimizationNew features coming to Manifest 2026 in Las Vegas, including a dedicated procurement stage and expanded cold chain focusWhy real-time visibility and autonomous systems are key to future-ready supply chainsListen in as Scott, Kevin, and Pam unpack the trends shaping 2026 and beyond — and share how today’s leaders can stay agile, connected, and innovative in a rapidly changing world.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about OMP: https://omp.com/“With That Said”: https://bit.ly/WTS-16Nov2025SPS Commerce 5 Question Quiz: https://www.spscommerce.com/supplychainnow/OMP ebook: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0pgvWp0Vector Global Logistics: https://vectorgl.com/Steph Curry & Burnt: https://tcrn.ch/4r9pOusManifest Vegas 2026: https://bit.ly/ManifestSCNConnect with Pam Simon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgranoff4/Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-next-global-supply-chains-ai-manifest-2026-1509

Bobby Holland, Vice President of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Heather Shilt, Director of Global Logistics at Fortive, delve into the Q3 2025 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index. They discuss the striking decline in freight volumes amid rising costs, driven by tariffs and weakening manufacturing. Regional insights reveal significant growth in the West and persistent softness in the Southwest. The pair also provide actionable strategies for shippers, emphasizing lane monitoring and diverse carrier options to navigate this volatile landscape.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and special guest co-host Tevon E. Taylor welcome Lori Boyer, Head of Content Marketing at EasyPost, to unpack the post-purchase experience (tracking, claims, and returns) and how owning these moments drives loyalty and repeat purchase. Drawing on fresh consumer research, Lori explains why reliability and flexibility now outrank “free,” why brands, not carriers, are held responsible for delivery outcomes, and how proactive notifications can double as high-performing marketing touchpoints.Together, the panel dives into practical plays shippers can run today: cutting “where is my order?” calls with automated, branded tracking; removing friction with one-click USPS claims filing; and turning adverse events into brand-building recoveries. They also explore modern return realities. From fraud and “keep-the-item” policies to sustainability pressures, and how to reduce returns at the source with better product information, sizing guidance, and segmentation. If you ship anything in 2025, this fast-moving conversation is a field guide to protecting your brand promise after the buy button.Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Intro(02:38) Lori's European adventure(06:32) Insights on customer experience(20:59) The importance of tracking and notifications(25:59) Impact of WiMo on service costs(26:38) Importance of tracking and claims(27:57) Managing claims efficiently(28:30) Automating claims with EasyPost(32:21) The significance of returns(32:41) Challenges and strategies for returns(37:05) International returns and fraud(40:50) Optimizing customer experience(42:38) Resources and key takeawaysAdditional Links & Resources:Connect with Lori Boyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loribboyer/ Learn more about EasyPost: https://www.easypost.com/ Check out Lori’s podcast, Unboxing Logistics: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cH1A13IAYFV7fmMpcd7p Check out What the WISMO? How to Stop Visibility Gaps from Stealing Your Revenue: https://www.easypost.com/guides/stop-visibility-gaps/ Check out Staying on Track: The Ultimate Package Tracking Guide: https://www.easypost.com/guides/complete-package-tracking-guide/ Connect with Tevon Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tevontaylor/ Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now  Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join  Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Inside the Cargo Theft Surge: Insights & Predictions for 2026: https://bit.ly/4oVAsmsWEBINAR- Inside Outdoor Cap’s Warehouse: How Voice Picking Elevated Daily Operations: https://bit.ly/49m4D1zWEBINAR- Supply Chain Strength: Strategies that Deliver in any Economy: https://bit.ly/4hqTnTHThis episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Tevon Taylor, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/decoding-loyalty-latest-research-reveals-repeat-buyers-1507

Chris Butler, CEO of National Tree Company, shares his two decades of expertise in consumer products and e-commerce. He discusses how tariffs and inflation impact pricing and inventory availability, revealing China's role in supply chain shifts. Chris also explores consumer demand uncertainty, the trend of 'smearing' holiday sales throughout the year, and the importance of fast delivery and customer experience. With insights into innovative products and planning for the holiday rush, he highlights the need for flexibility and responsiveness in supply chains.

Brandon Page, EVP at Link Logistics, and Glenn Wylie, Senior Managing Director, share insights on the industrial real estate landscape. They discuss the shift to cautious leasing post-2022, driven by changing tenant priorities for flexibility and optimization. With e-commerce growth and nearshoring trends at the forefront, they explore the resilience of the industrial sector. The duo reveals how data and AI are transforming decision-making, emphasizing that relationships remain crucial in this evolving market.

Dr. Dinesh Davè, a supply chain expert from Appalachian State University, and Evan Junker, Chief Growth Officer at SPARQ360, dive into the 2025 Supply Chain Trends and Attitudes Report. They discuss the rising adoption of AI and how it’s reshaping priorities in supply chain management. The conversation highlights the persistent 'ambition-action gap' in sustainability efforts and the role of collaborative partnerships as key competitive advantages. Surprising insights from the report reveal the balancing act of cost efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Is freight auditing really dead? Today, we dive into a more frictionless approach promoting collaboration between carriers and customers, maintaining calm amidst the chaos, how to quantify uncertainty, and so much more. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OMP!Hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr are joined by special guest Shannon Vaillancourt, CEO of RateLinx to discuss the top news and headlines in supply chain news today including:The priorities of Chief Supply Chain Officers striving to enhance operational efficiency and employee capabilityThe implications of the recent trade agreement between the United States and China, assessing its potential impact on the agricultural sector, particularly regarding soybean importsThe alarming rise of package theft, colloquially known as “porch piracy,” and the measures consumers are taking in response to this growing issueTechnological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, are transforming supply chain processes, allowing for greater predictive analytics and operational efficienciesListen in as we share valuable insights and actionable strategies that can be implemented in your own supply chain operations today.Additional Links & Resources:With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS25Oct2025 OMP: https://omp.com/EasyPost Guard: https://bit.ly/EPGuard US to lower China tariffs as part of trade war truce: https://bit.ly/US-China-deal Uncertainty is impacting the global economy. But how is it measured? https://bit.ly/UncertaintyMetricsAmericans lost $15.7 billion in stolen packages last year: survey: https://bit.ly/PorchPiratesBoomOMP eBook: Making AI Work for You: From Explainable to Agentic: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0pgvWp0RateLinx: https://www.ratelinx.com/ Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vaillancourt/Karin's Post: https://bit.ly/KarinPanelBlogLearn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.comWatch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-nowSubscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/joinWork with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVkWEBINAR- Inside the Cargo Theft Surge: Insights & Predictions for 2026: https://bit.ly/4oVAsmsWEBINAR- Inside Outdoor Cap’s Warehouse: How Voice Picking Elevated Daily Operations: https://bit.ly/49m4D1zWEBINAR- Supply Chain Strength: Strategies that Deliver in any Economy: https://bit.ly/4hqTnTHThis episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Jake Barr, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-how-quantify-uncertainty-global-business-1503

Join Danny Gonzales, Founder and CEO of IndustrialSage, as he shares his journey to modern manufacturing storytelling. He discusses how his new documentary series, American Makers, aims to shift perceptions and inspire future talent. The conversation dives into labor shortages, reshoring trends, and the growing role of automation in manufacturing. Danny highlights how powerful stories can boost employee pride and address workforce challenges, making manufacturing more appealing to the next generation.