Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

In this episode, our guest is Brad Wright, CEO of Chunker. Many small to medium sized businesses feel that they are being squeezed out of available warehouse space by much larger players. Tight capacity in industrial space is to blame. What are the alternatives for these smaller distributors to find the warehouse space they need to move their businesses forward without huge financial risk or a long-term lease?

Keeping on the real estate theme, a new report out shows that commercial real estate has recovered to a point that is close to pre-pandemic levels. What does the report show for industrial real estate that includes warehouses, distribution centers,  and manufacturing facilities?

Facing record volumes, tight capacities, and lots of congestion,  many maritime ports are turning to digitalization of their operations. What is being done and how might it affect how these ports will function in the future?


Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Chunker
• Commercial real estate values return to pre-pandemic levels in many markets
• Swedish seaport adopts digital berth planner
• Supply Chain Quarterly website
• Visit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. 
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected].

Podcast sponsored by: Honeywell Intelligrated

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• Top 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, our guest is Dr. Emily Tucker, assistant professor at Clemson University's Department of Industrial Engineering. Most of the medicines we rely on every day come from just two key trading partners overseas. That has created shortages and vulnerabilities in our medical supply chains and has limited our abilities to assure that we have medicines when we need them. Dr. Tucker explains why we have this problem and what can be done to solve it.

Ocean going vessels make up a significant portion of the carbon released into the atmosphere. This week we learned that Maersk, the huge container shipping company, is taking steps to decarbonize its operations. In an announcement Maersk says it has ordered a large16,000 TEU cargo vessel that will be carbon neutral. This new vessel will be powered by methanol. Is this a step in helping to alleviate climate change?

Susan Lacefield, the executive editor of CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly joins us to discuss the State of Logistics special issue. This issue of the Quarterly takes a deep dive into major aspects of logistics with specific articles on the status of freight, parcel, rail, air, ocean, inventory, and other market segments. How does the industry look now and how might that change in the near term?


Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Clemson University's Department of Industrial Engineering
• Maersk to take delivery of carbon-neutral container ships in 2024
• Will logistics' wild ride continue?
• Supply Chain Quarterly website
• Visit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. 
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected].

Podcast sponsored by: Softeon

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• About DC VELOCITY
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• Top 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, our guest is Scott Cornell, transportation lead and crime and theft specialist at Travelers. Cargo theft is on the rise compared to pre-pandemic levels. Cornell talks about where cargo is stolen and what types of products are most desirable to thieves. He also discusses ways that supply chain professionals can better safeguard their cargo.

Because of strong consumer demand, U.S. ports have been setting records all year long. July was no different, as ports continued to see robust business on imports, but not so much on the export side of their business. What's behind the numbers, and do they show trends for the future?

Insurance is one of the largest expenses for any trucking fleet. This week we report on a new kind of insurance available in some states. What makes it unique and less costly?


Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Travelers Inland Marine
• East Coast ports post record July volume
• Daimler invests in digitalized truck insurance startup
• ATRI says the size of court verdicts against trucking fleets is growing faster than inflation
• Visit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. 
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected].

Podcast sponsored by: Softeon

Other links

• About DC VELOCITY
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• Advertise with DC VELOCITY
• Top 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, our guest is Kathy Fulton, executive director of ALAN, the American Logistics Aid Network. Hurricanes can leave in their wake many supply chain disruptions, even for those not in the direct path of the storm. We are about to enter the heart of hurricane season. Kathy shares how companies can prepare their supply chains for when hurricanes impact the movement of goods and services. And what can be done to help others recover when a hurricane hits them directly?

The U.S. Senate this week passed an historic infrastructure bill. Supply chain professionals have been waiting for years for such legislation. It still has to be worked out with the House of Representatives before it is enacted into law, but it looks promising this time that something will finally get done. How is the supply chain and transportation industries reacting to the various projects and provisions within the bill and are their any groups disappointed with the legislation?

Sustainability is continuing to get attention from supply chain professionals. It seems the desires for even more environmentally-friendly practices and greater respect for human rights only seems to be increasing within the industry. A new report highlights these trends and priorities even during the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.


Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

• American Logistics Aid Network
• Industry praises Senate passage of infrastructure bill
• MIT State of Supply Chain Sustainability 2021 report
• Supply chain companies committed to sustainability
• Visit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. 
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected].

Podcast sponsored by: Softeon

Other links

• About DC VELOCITY
• Subscribe to DC VELOCITY
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• Advertise with DC VELOCITY
• Top 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, we discuss the whether reshoring will take hold as one way of mitigating the many supply chain disruptions we have experienced this year. Our guest, Andrew Viteritti, commerce and regulation lead at the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), shares research on the likelihood that U.S. companies will bring production back to North America. Is it a feasible solution?

New economic news shows that logistics activity continues to be very strong, with solid projections moving forward. Find out what's behind the numbers in the latest Logistics Managers Index report.

Many companies want their employees to return to work in person, but the rise of the Delta variant of Covid-19 might hamper those efforts. In response, many employers may ask that employees either be vaccinated or face ongoing mask and social distancing measures. What are industry organizations saying about this growing trend among employers?


Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Economist Intelligence Unit website
• Logistics industry growth continues strong pace
• With recovery in their grasp, business groups throw their weight behind vaccination push
• Visit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. 
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected].

Podcast sponsored by: Softeon

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• About DC VELOCITY
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• Advertise with DC VELOCITY
• Top 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, Darren Epps, senior director of advanced vehicle technology at Ryder, shares what it will take for freight companies to transition to electric fleets. It is more than just buying electric trucks. It involves decisions on infrastructure for charging them and determining which loads are best suited for currently available technologies.

Many workers spent the last year working remotely and ordering many, many things online. Now they are returning to offices. But what will they do about their e-com orders if they are not home to receive them? That's why some office complexes are considering installing electronic  parcel delivery lockers so that these workers can receive their e-commerce deliveries at work.

What keeps chief supply chain officers up at night? A new study reveals the priorities that will set their agendas moving forward.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ryder website
• Hybrid workplaces could feature more parcel lockers
• Report: chief supply chain officers to focus on managing disruption & business continuity as pandemic challenges continue
• Visit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. 
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected].

Podcast sponsored by: Aptean

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• About DC VELOCITY
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• Advertise with DC VELOCITY
• Top 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, Spencer Shute, a consultant with the supply chain and procurement consulting firm Proxima, discusses the recent executive order from President Biden designed to encourage more competition between American companies. The goal is to increase competition to better serve consumers, but what impact will these orders have on the supply chains that we currently know and how will it affect freight markets in particular?

Merger and acquisitions continue throughout our industry, as investors view supply chain companies as worthy of their investment dollars. Yesterday, a large deal saw Uber Freight buying Transplace. What will the impact of the more then $2- billion deal have on the market and is it just another example of trends we have been following?

During the pandemic, many thought that sustainable and environmentally-friendly business activities might have been put on the back burner while companies merely focused on survival. Surprisingly, that has not been the case. Sustainability remains a major priority among supply chain companies.


Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Proxima website
• Biden calls for stricter enforcement of antitrust laws in transportation and other sectors
• Uber Freight buys 3PL Transplace from its private equity owner for $225 billion
• Supply chain companies committed to sustainability
• Visit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. 
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected].

Podcast sponsored by: Aptean

Other links

• About DC VELOCITY
• Subscribe to DC VELOCITY
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• Advertise with DC VELOCITY
• Top 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, Dr. Thomas Evans, chief robotics technology officer at Honeywell, discusses how automation can help small to medium-sized distributors compete with the big guys on the block.

5G cell technology is rolling out across the nation, but it will take a while for the infrastructure to be  in fully in place to make an impact. How will it eventually affect the growth of devices using Internet of Things technology?

During the pandemic, consumers stopped shopping in person and turned to online shopping for the goods they needed. Now that the nation is re-emerging, it appears those shopping habits are here to stay.


Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Honeywell website
• 5G networks will require vast numbers of small cell antennas to support IoT
• Report says online shopping trends are here to stay
• Visit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. 
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected].

Podcast sponsored byAptean

Other links

• About DC VELOCITY
• Subscribe to DC VELOCITY
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• Advertise with DC VELOCITY
• Top 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, Gary Master, president, COO, and group publisher at Agile Business Media, discusses the current state of supply chains. He explains that new challenges arise each day - almost like playing the arcade game Whac-A-Mole. Once one problem is addressed, another comes up to challenge supply chain managers. Product and component shortages, freight bottlenecks, labor issues, tight capacity, and growing complexities are just some of the major concerns we face each day in getting products to the people who need them.

Our nation's truckers are breaking down at a higher rate this year. This increase in the number of unexpected roadside events is due to a number of factors, including aging fleets, the lack of spare parts, decreased preventative maintenance, and the conditions of our highways.

Freight capacity continues to be very tight and there is no end in sight for the foreseeable future. A new report details just how difficult it is to find capacity within the logistics market.


Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Report tracks spike in unscheduled roadside events
• Freight capacity pinch will continue into 3rd & 4th quarters 3PL forecasts
• Supply chain kinks are pinching the supply of new trucks, FTR says
• Visit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. 
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected].

Podcast sponsored byAptean

Other links

• About DC VELOCITY
• Subscribe to DC VELOCITY
• Sign up for our FREE newsletters
• Advertise with DC VELOCITY
• Top 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

In this episode, Mark Manduca, the newly appointed chief investment officer of GXO Logistics, discusses the new company and its role in the logistics industry. GXO is the result of a split in the logistics and warehousing segments of the large worldwide company, XPO Logistics. GXO has been created to assume the contract warehousing business. At its launch in a few weeks, it will become the second-largest firm of its kind in the world. Manduca shares about GXO's industry role and company vision as  a new player with a powerful heritage.

The demand for warehouse space just continues to grow. New data shows that capacity will still not meet the demand for new distribution space. A perfect storm has converged to keep warehouse capacity high, including less new construction during the pandemic and also the growth of e-commerce and consumer demand. Is there any letup in sight?

Financial firms are continuing to make significant investments in logistics and technology companies. What is driving confidence in this market and why are logistics firms so attractive for investment dollars?


Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

• GXO website
• XPO says name of contract warehousing spinoff with be GXO
• Demand for warehouse space gains steam
• Softbank continues to back logistics tech startups with a quarter-billion-dollar bid
• Visit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. 
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected].

Podcast sponsored by Honeywell Intelligrated

Other links

• About DC VELOCITY
• Subscribe to DC VELOCITY
• Sign up for our FREE newsletters
• Advertise with DC VELOCITY
• Top 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts

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