Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

Our guest on this week's episode is John (Jay) Rogers, CEO and co-founder of Haddy. There has been a push in the past few years to do more manufacturing here at home. One of the key technologies that is enabling more domestic production is digital manufacturing. That’s where Haddy comes in. Haddy is the world’s first 3D printing furniture manufacturer powered by AI and advanced robotic technology. Jay Rogers talks with us about this unique approach to manufacturing. 

A new report from Colliers, the industrial real estate firm, reveals data on fourth quarter warehouse construction. The report shows that renters of warehouse space should begin to see some relief after the seriously steep rent hikes they’re seen in recent years. 

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released its annual list of the nation’s top truck bottlenecks. This is the group’s 14th annual report on this issue. Its goal is not only to identify the top congested freight markets, but also to help local, state, and federal governments target funding to areas most in need of relief. The full report shares ways to reduce chokepoints, lower emissions, and drive economic growth. 

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 series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more.  All ten 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:

• Haddy
• Colliers reports that warehouse construction rates return to pre-pandemic levels
• ATRI releases the annual list of the nation's top truck bottlenecks
• Visit Supply Chain Xchange
• Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected]

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

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Our guest on this week's episode is Maggie Barnett, CEO of third party logistics company LVK. It has been a whirlwind week in Washington. First the administration announced shocking new tariffs. Then within hours those new tariffs for Canada and Mexico were called off and postponed for a month. New Chinese tariffs remain. With all of the back and forth and uncertainty, how are supply chains to plan for their future? Our guest offers some advice and also discusses the changing de minimis rules for importing small-value items that had formerly been exempt from tariffs.

Economic activity in logistics expanded in January, growing at its fastest clip in more than two years; that’s according to the latest Logistics Managers’ Index (LMI) report, released this week. We look at the solid numbers and what they mean for the near-term future of supply chains.

Artificial intelligence is one of the biggest buzzwords of the year, but a new study shows that although most supply chain organizations are testing it out, a lot of them are running into challenges. This news comes in a new survey from the analyst group Gartner that found that generative AI (GenAI) is being deployed by 72% of supply chain organizations, but most are experiencing just middling results for productivity and ROI. 

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 series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more.  All ten 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:

• LVK
• Logistics Managers' Index
• The logistics economy picked up speed in January
• Gartner says GenAI tools create anxiety among employees
• Visit Supply Chain Xchange
• Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected]

Podcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation

Other links

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

Our guest on this week's episode is Kathy Fulton, the executive director of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN). We have all seen the unprecedented damage caused by the wildfires near Los Angeles. It is at times like this that the supply chain industry can mobilize resources to make sure supplies get to those who need help. Kathy Fulton shares what the emergency needs are, what is being done, and what more can be done. She also gives her take on the role of FEMA in disaster response.

We saw some encouraging signs this week of manufacturing projects here in the U.S. Of course, manufacturing brings the promise of new jobs, and also of material handling, warehousing, trucking, and all the logistics that’s needed to make a factory work. We discuss two new projects - the construction of a $1.2 billion plant in Oklahoma for producing materials for batteries and GE Vernova plans to invest $600 million in its U.S. factories over the next two years to support its energy businesses.  

The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, or NMFTA, published proposed changes to its National Motor Freight Classification system this week. The NMFC is a freight classification tool that businesses throughout the less-than-truckload industry use to classify and establish prices for moving freight. When they take effect later this year, shippers may see changes in the LTL prices they pay to move freight.

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 series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more.  All ten 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:

• American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) 
• GE Vernova to invest $600 million in U.S. manufacturing sites
• Lithium Refinery to build $1.2 billion factory in Oklahoma 
• NMFTA to release proposed freight classification changes this week
• Information on NMFC changes at NMFC website
• Visit Supply Chain Xchange
• Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected]

Podcast is sponsored by: CSCMP EDGE 2025

Other links

• About DC VELOCITY
• Subscribe to DC VELOCITY
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• Advertise with DC VELOCITY
• Top 10 Supply <

Our guest on this week's episode is Kristen Purvis, product manager at ePost Global. Retailers have just completed a very successful holiday shopping season. But now those same retailers are dealing with many unwanted gifts in the form of returns. Are there ways they can successfully managing them? Our guest has some insights into ways to cut costs, be more sustainable in reverse logistics operations, and incorporate artificial intelligence into returns processes.

Technology is vital to any business operation, but a recent study shows that logistics leaders view it as fundamental to managing growth in an increasingly complex global trade environment. The study, which was released this week by logistics technology vendor Descartes Systems Group, found that 74% of supply chain and logistics leaders view technology as fundamental or highly important to their organization’s growth strategy in the face of rising global trade challenges. 

It’s been a busy week in Washington DC as the new administration has officially started the process of appointing directors to top posts, including those that oversee and regulate our supply chains. We talk about the new nomination for Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, as well as important appointments to head the Surface Transportation Board and the Federal Maritime Commission.

 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 series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more.  All ten 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:

• ePost Global
• Supply chain leaders say technology is key to business growth as global trade complexities rise
• Duffy wins Senate committee approval as Transportation nominee
• Trump names new heads of federal transportation panels
• Visit Supply Chain Xchange
• Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected]

Podcast is sponsored by: CSCMP EDGE 2025

Other links

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

Our guest on this week's episode is Zac Rogers, associate professor of operations and supply chain management, Colorado State University. 2025 is just two weeks old and most of us have barely settled into the new year.  Considering the unknown economic outlook, politics, possible tariffs, and ongoing turmoil around the world, it could be another interesting and a possibly volatile year for supply chains. Our guest shares his insights based data from on his role in helping to produce the monthly Logistics Managers' Index.

We’re in the middle of the transition season for a new administration in Washington DC. There are a lot of unknowns in this time of change, but one thing that's definitely happening is that business interests are busy lobbying politicians to protect their interests. And this week we saw some details that show what policies supply chain interest groups might want to happen in coming years. This was news from the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), which released an eight-point wish-list for its recommended policy agenda to support the nation’s seaports.

Manufacturing and logistics workers are raising a red flag over workplace quality issues according to industry research released this week. And it’s all related to internal and external pressures that are causing workers to cut corners, risking both safety and compliance demands. 

 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 series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more.  All ten 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:

• Colorado State University Supply Chain Management Program
• AAPA lobbies incoming administration on seaport policies
• Study shows industrial workers bypass essential process amid mounting stress
• Visit Supply Chain Xchange
• Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected]

Podcast is sponsored by: CSCMP EDGE 2025

Other links

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

Our guest on this week's episode is Ian Wilson, Senior Analyst with Intelligence Solutions at Everstream Analytics. At what seems like the 11th hour, dockworkers and ports on the East and Gulf Coasts agreed to a new contract. What will labor peace mean for shippers using those ports? Our guest has some insights. He also talks about whether there will be possible impacts for shippers on the West Coast due to the out-of-control wildfires raging around Los Angeles.

In a report in the MIT Sloan Management Review, researchers Tom Davenport and Randy Bean wrote about five trends in AI and data science that all businesses should be paying attention to this year. AI has become a very hot topic in logistics circles in the past couple of years, so any research that sheds light on how this technology is affecting business and commerce is something we want to pay attention to. The five trends range from the promise of agentic AI to the struggle over which C-suite role should oversee data and AI responsibilities.

We’re in a part of the business cycle where it can be pretty difficult to find enough warehouse space to rent or lease, whether you’re a manufacturer, retailer, or a 3PL. This information comes from a quarterly measurement from the commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield. The report said the overall national industrial real estate vacancy rate edged higher in the fourth quarter. More vacancy means it’s easier to find a place to rent—although vacancy still remains well below pre-pandemic levels. We discuss the report's outlook for available space in the new year.

 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 series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more.  All ten 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:

• Everstream Analytics
• Five trends in AI and data science for 2025
• Demand for warehouse space cooled off slightly in fourth quarter
• Visit Supply Chain Xchange
• Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected]

Podcast is sponsored by: CSCMP EDGE 2025

Other links

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

Our guest on this week's episode is Jason Schenker, president of Prestige Economics. Schenker is one of the world's leading economists and he shares his insights into what happened in 2024 with the U.S. economy as well as predictions for 2025. Our discussion includes the economic outlook for supply chains and the material handling industry in particular, inflation, consumer prices, interest rates, employment, and looming tariffs 

One of the top themes we covered in the past year was the labor pool, and specifically how employers in the logistics sector have struggled to find either qualified employees for increasingly technical positions, or simple enough at all for even entry level positions for things like warehouse work and truck driving. This week a report was released that identified five workplace trends that are coming up in the new year, and methods for how employers can best adapt.

With peak shipping season behind us, it’s time to move on to peak returns season. We are now in the thick of it when it comes to reverse logistics, as retailers and e-commerce fulfillment companies deal with all those post-holiday gifts coming back. We preview a January story in DC Velocity that reveals that many retailers are rethinking their approaches when it comes to managing their returns processes.

 
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 series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more.  All ten 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:

• Prestige Economics
• Workplace report finds 5 trends sweeping global labor pool
• Visit Supply Chain Xchange
• Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected]

Podcast is sponsored by: Werner Premium Services

Other links

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

Our guest on this week's episode is Lee Ambrose, vice president at Remote Security Solutions. We hear regularly about securing our supply chains from threats, such as products being stolen while they are in transit. But security is more than just theft - it is also securing and protecting facilities and the people who work in them. Our guest discusses the possible threats that face our supply chains and how to keep both workers and products safe from harm. 

California this week got federal approval to move ahead to the final stages of approval for its 2022 plan to gradually scale back the sale of gas-powered cars within the state. They needed federal approval to have a standard different from broader U.S. rules, and the EPA has now allowed what’s called the Advanced Clean Cars II rule. This means that by 2035, all new cars sold in California will have to be zero-emissions models, which includes battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid cars. 

Congestion on U.S. highways is costing the trucking industry big, according to research from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), which was released this week. The group found that traffic congestion on U.S. roadways added $108.8 billion in costs to the trucking industry in 2022—the latest data available. This is a record high. We look at states with the highest amount of traffic congestion.

 
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 series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more.  All ten 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:

• Remote Security Solutions
• California moves a step closer to requiring EV sales only by 2035
• Trucking industry experiences record high congestion costs
• Visit Supply Chain Xchange
• Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected]

Podcast is sponsored by: Werner Premium Services

Other links

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

Our guest on this week's episode is Dwight Klappich, research vice president and Gartner Fellow at consultancy Gartner, Inc. There is tremendous interest in the growth of robotics and drone applications now being deployed in distribution operations. Is the hype and attention they have received warranted?  Klappich defines the "hype cycle" and how it can be a useful tool for determining when is the right time to adopt new automation technologies.

A new report out this week reveals that global forklift sales are sputtering. Lift truck sales are even falling short of their initial forecasts for 2024, according to Interact Analysis, a British consulting firm. That group has now revised their forecast for global forklift sales growth for 2024 down to just 0.3%, which is basically flat. We explain why sales have not met expectations, which sectors are most affected, and prospects for the future.

Many logistics and supply chain leaders are focused on reorganizing their supply chains these days—but as they do so, they should be careful to avoid common pitfalls that can derail their efforts. That’s according to recent research from Gartner that identifies critical organizational design mistakes that will prevent supply chain leaders from delivering on business goals. The research revealed that the most successful projects radically redesign supply chain structure based on distinct organizational needs, while prioritizing balance, strength, and speed as key business objectives.

 
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 series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more.  All ten 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:

• Gartner
• Global forklift sales sputter as European economy struggles
• Report: Supply chain redesigns should focus on balance, speed, and strength
• Visit Supply Chain Xchange
• Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected]

Podcast is sponsored by: Werner Premium Services

Other links

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

Our guest on this week's episode is Paul Caron, a cyber Intelligence expert whose title is Head of Cyber Security, Americas at global intelligence and cybersecurity consultancy S-RM. Last week we learned of a major ransomware attack at Blue Yonder that put many supply chains in a somewhat perilous situation just as we went into Black Friday. So, how secure are our supply chains and should this latest attack be something of a wake-up call? Our guest offers some insights into such attacks and how supply chain companies can build security and resilience into their systems.

Economic activity in the logistics industry expanded in November, continuing a steady growth pattern that began earlier this year and signaling a return to seasonality after several years of fluctuating conditions. That’s according to the latest Logistics Managers’ Index report (LMI), which was released this week. We look at the numbers behind the index and what they mean for the health of the logistics industry.

We are smack in between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and knee-deep in the middle of the winter-peak shopping season. And that means we’re also in the middle of the peak-shipping season, when e-commerce retailers are handling a huge surge of orders for holiday gifts. Most shoppers are demanding to receive their goods in two days or less. We share a report card on how they are doing at getting these shipments to their destinations on time.
 
 
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 series of ten episodes is now available on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more.  All ten 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:

• S-RM
• The logistics economy continues on solid footing
• Retailers produce fastest delivery times since Covid-19
• Get episode transcripts
• Visit Supply Chain Xchange
• Listen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcast
• Send feedback about this podcast to [email protected]

Podcast is sponsored by: Werner Premium Services

Other links

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