In today's episode of Supply Chain Now, we discuss the critical role of truck drivers in the supply chain, representing nearly 73% of freight delivery in the United States, as we celebrate Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EasyPost!!

Today, hosts Scott Luton and Kevin L. Jackson welcome special guest Kevin Lawton, Founder & Host of The New Warehouse podcast. Listen in as Scott and 'Team Kevin" explore:

• The current state of the freight economy, highlighting the challenges faced by industry professionals amid a prolonged slump in freight pricing
• The significant concerns raised by the largest rail industry labor union regarding the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which may significantly impact safety practices and workforce environments
• Truck Driver Appreciation Week, acknowledging the essential role that truck drivers play in the supply chain and the pressures they endure, as evidenced by survey data revealing their dissatisfaction
• The ramifications of the current freight market dynamics on operational efficiency, underscoring the necessity for innovation and adaptability in logistics
• Emerging trends in warehouse technology, particularly the integration of computer vision to improve operational efficiency

Join us as we advocate for a greater appreciation of professional truck drivers, especially during Truck Driver Appreciation Week, and celebrate their enormous impact and their vital contributions to the economy.

Additional Links & Resources:

• With That Said: https://bit.ly/3JWppdN 
• EasyPost: www.easypost.com
• Manifest 2026: www.ManifestVegas.com/SupplyChainNow 
• Trucker exodus: New survey reveals nearly 47% of drivers seeking new jobs: https://bit.ly/TruckDriverSurvey2025
• California Trucking Firms Go Under, Fueling Wider Industry Fears: https://on.wsj.com/4npetU8
• Coca-Cola aims to help solve the orange juice crisis with AI: https://bit.ly/SaveOranges
• EasyPost’s Advanced Tracking: https://get.easypost.com/advanced-tracking 
• The New Warehouse: https://www.thenewwarehouse.com/ 
• Kevin Lawton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinclawton/
• 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/3XH6OVk
• WEBINAR- From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/47uXKKo
• WEBINAR- The Power of Partnership: Building Long-Term Success with Automation Integrators: https://bit.ly/3Ie1WUO
• WEBINAR- Reengineering supply chain planning: How to get more bang for your buck in 2026- 
• https://bit.ly/3VahMCQ
• WEBINAR- Optimizing End-to-End Logistics: Efficiency, Collaboration, and Innovation- https://bit.ly/4ml2TZh

This 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-truck-driver-appreciation-week-1482