Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

AGiLE Business Media
Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

The editors of DC VELOCITY magazine bring you weekly updates on logistics, material handling, and supply chain news.

  1. 6D AGO

    Guest: Jimmy Roussel of IDScan.net on preventing warehouse identity fraud; Awards for innovation; The cobot market is set for a growth spurt

    Our guest on this week's episode is Jimmy Roussel, CEO of IDScan.net. Among the problems that supply chains have had to deal with lately is an increasing rise of identity fraud at warehouses and fulfillment centers nationwide. Counterfeit identification is often used by those committing the fraud to get inside the warehouse gate.  Thefts of entire trucks often follow. Our guest discusses the scope of the problem, how it happens, and ways to counteract fraud and theft. Winners of the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Award were announced this past week. The IFOY recognizes the most innovative  technologies of 2025. This year’s technology competition included 49 products on the initial application list, 21 of which made it final round. The entries were then subjected to strict engineering testing and evaluation to determine winners. We reveal who won and the innovative technologies that were honored. There have been conflicting reports lately about the health of the warehouse automation market, but there is good news for those making and selling  collaborative robots—those are bots that work alongside humans, often referred to as “cobots.” The market for that technology is set to rebound this year following a trough in 2024, according to the latest market outlook report from research firm Interact Analysis. Supply Chain Xchange  also offers a podcast series called Suppy Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. All 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: The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)Teamsters ask Massachusetts lawmakers to require human drivers in AVsGlobal trade and AI top LTL industry concernsVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation Other links About DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

    18 min
  2. JUN 27

    Guest: Mark Baxa of CSCMP on the legacy of FedEx founder Fred Smith; The continuing debate on autonomous vehicles; Supply chains grapple with geopolitical uncertainty

    Our guest on this week's episode is Mark Baxa, president & CEO of The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, also known as CSCMP. Earlier this week the supply chain industry lost an icon. Fred Smith was the founder of FedEx – a company that has literally revolutionized the delivery business. Our guest discusses how Fred Smith’s vision and business savvy has left lasting impacts on the supply chain industry.   Autonomous vehicles continue to see wider adoption while fostering more debates on their safety. Most uses are for robotaxis, with some limited applications for hauling freight. However, this week we saw a rally by Teamsters Union members who lobbied legislators in Massachusetts to pass a state law to require human drivers inside these vehicles. That was a reaction to plans by Waymo — the self-driving car company that is a unit of Google’s parent company Alphabet — to start deploying its cars in Massachusetts.  Senior Editor Victoria Kickham was in Salt Lake City this week at the SMC3 Connections conference. That’s a trucking and supply chain event that takes place each year and draws a crowd of about 500. The conference covered a range of issues, but she says two things really stood out - tariffs/trade and AI. She dives into these two topics in her report. 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. All 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: The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)Teamsters ask Massachusetts lawmakers to require human drivers in AVsGlobal trade and AI top LTL industry concernsVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Zebra Robotics Automation Other links About DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

    21 min
  3. JUN 20

    Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen of the Nearshore Company on USMCA's future; Ensuring safety in the skies; Integrating technologies at our ports

    Our guest on this week's episode is Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen, co-CEO of The Nearshore Company. It’s now been five years since the USMCA trade agreement was negotiated between the Mexico, Canada, and the United States, replacing NAFTA. In this current time of trade friction, including new tariffs on both Mexico and Canada, what’s still working with USMCA and what’s next for the trade alliance? Our guest offers some insights. There is an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers in our nation. Recently a new study was delivered to Congress that showed the FAA hired only two-thirds of the air traffic controllers called for by its staffing models. By fiscal year 2024, nearly a third of air traffic control facilities had fallen 10% below model standards and about 22% had fallen 15% below. We discuss why there is a lack of air traffic controllers and what can be done to assure safety in the skies.  Despite widespread adoption of digital tools and automation technologies, marine terminals around the world face persistent challenges with issues such as data connectivity, system integration, and real-time visibility. New research shows that there are lots of opportunities for real-time, automated data connectivity across terminals. It seems that many terminals have made big technology investments, and the next step is to ensure that their systems connect and all work together. 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. All 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: The Nearshore CompanyReport: Congress should fund FAA to boost air traffic control workforceMarine Terminals need connectivity solutionsVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions Other links About DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

    21 min
  4. JUN 13

    Guest: Brett Wood of ITA and Toyota on National Forklift Safety Day; When it comes to hiring drivers - act fast!; Manufacturing with AI and automation

    Our guest on this week's episode is Brett Wood, Chair this year of the Industrial Truck Association (better known as the ITA). In his daytime job, Brett is the President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America. This past Tuesday, the material handling industry recognized the 12th annual National Forklift Safety Day. Sponsored by ITA, the highlight of the day was a series of presentations on safety held at the National Press Club in Washington DC. Wood speaks about the event held this week and the importance and impacts of safety programs. Carriers looking to fill driver positions need to act faster when they identify candidates and ensure that their hiring process is efficient, according to a new report from truck driving technology platform Tenstreet. They found that carriers in their network that responded to driver applications within five minutes see a 6.2% hiring rate, which is nearly double the platform average of 3.7%.—so that speaks to the need for fast action.  The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has launched a new program called the Initiative for New Manufacturing (INM). The goal is to help transform the nation’s industrial base by advancing the future of “new manufacturing,” alongside ideas in workforce training, advanced technologies, and industry collaboration. The initiative includes a group of six founding industry consortium members, who are Amgen, Flex, GE Vernova, PTC, Sanofi, and Siemens.  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. All 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: Industrial Truck AssociationSpeed is critical when hiring truck driversMIT program on new manufacturing adds contract manufacturer FlexVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions Other links About DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

    23 min
  5. JUN 6

    Guest: Michael Needham of Efficio on restoring pharmaceutical manufacturing to the U.S.; The latest LMI measure on the health of the industry; How safety programs are lowering injuries but seeing higher costs

    Our guest on this week's episode is Michael Needham, principal procurement & supply chain at Efficio Consulting. Among the flurry of executive orders issued recently by the White House is one aimed at restoring pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities here in the U.S. Currently most drugs and ingredients are manufactured in China and India. How will such a move affect supply chains? Our guest offers his views on what can be manufactured here easily and what could be more difficult. Measuring the health of our supply chains, the Logistics Manager’s Index came out on Tuesday, showing an expansion in logistics activity in May. Logistics expanded for the second straight month, marked by a mix of slowing inventory levels and rising costs across the board, researchers said. We look at the specific numbers and what they mean. This week we saw a study on workplace injuries. This report came from the Travelers Companies. It found that the number of workplace injuries overall continues to decline, although the costs associated with them are climbing. We dive into some of the details of the report and how emphasizing safety can affect the workplace.  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. All 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: OfficioMay 2025 Logistics Managers' IndexWorkplace injury rate drops, but costs riseVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions Other links About DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

    17 min
  6. MAY 30

    Guest: Ian Williams of Orkin on how to think like a mouse; Global exporters chime in on tariffs; New rules for forklifts in California

    Our guest on this week's episode is Ian Williams, Technical Services Manager at Orkin. He helps us to understand a subject that few people want to talk about –  the pests that often overrun facilities. We are talking mice, rats, bugs, and other critters that get in and destroy products, contaminate areas, and just cause a general nuisance. Williams has some great ideas on how to keep them out of our buildings – and if they get in – to deal with them for good. Often it involves thinking like a mouse. Globally, nearly 60% of companies expect a negative impact from the Trump administration’s “Liberation Day” tariff rollout, which happened back on April 2. That’s according to a survey of 4,500 companies from around the world, including the United States, conducted in March and April by international credit insurer Allianz Trade.  We got some clarity this week about one important aspect of logistics, which is forklifts. This ended a long debate about whether propane-fueled forklifts could operate in warehouses in the state of California, and it had been caught up in a lawsuit. To cut to the chase, propane forklifts will be allowed. We share the details of the new agreement and what it means for California's attempts to have zero-emission vehicles operating in many parts of our supply chains. 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. All 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: Orkin CommercialUnpredictability dampens exporters outlookCalifornia drops proposed ban on propane forkliftsVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Storage Solutions Other links About DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

    26 min
  7. MAY 23

    Guest: John Lash of e2open on Chinese tariff pause; How shippers are planning their next 90 days; Remote job opportunities in logistics

    Our guest on this week's episode is John Lash, group vice president of strategy at e2open. We now have a pause in tariffs with China – or at least a sizable reduction in the amount of those tariffs compared to what was in place two weeks ago in the ongoing tariff wars. How are supply chains reacting and where do we go from here? Will we see another surge in imports during the 90 day pause and how do companies prepare for back-to-school and holiday seasons? Our guest share his insights. Shippers and importers need to be able to plan their shipments over the busy summer months, but there is little certainty to help them plan. We look at how companies are making adjustments during the Chinese tariff pause and how that may affect their planning for the rest of the year. Today, many workers in general are facing “return to office” mandates, but frontline workers in some industries, including logistics, are seeing an increase in opportunities to work from home. This information comes from a survey by resume-building platform Resume Now and frontline workforce hiring company Talroo. We look at what jobs in logistics are seeing increases in remote work opportunities. 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. All 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: e2openU.S. importers await expiration of 90-day tariff pauseRemote job opportunities in logistics are on the riseVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Kardex Other links About DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

    20 min
  8. MAY 16

    Guest: Hamilton Galloway of Oxford Economics on the economic impacts of the forklift industry; How AI is helping logistics employees; Supply chain optimization see higher adoption rates

    Our guest on this week's episode is Hamilton Galloway, head of U.S. consultancy at Oxford Economics. Many of our listeners use forklifts in their supply chain operations every day. They really are the workhorses for moving products within facilities. But you might be surprised at the impact that the forklift industry makes on the overall U.S. economy. Recently the Industrial Truck Association, the industry organization that represents the forklift industry, partnered with Oxford Economics to evaluate those economic impacts. We share the remarkable numbers of the industry's contributions to GDP, jobs, taxes, and more. Logistics companies are taking a hard look at how artificial intelligence can help their operations. This week you saw how AI is having an effect on overworked logistics employees. Are those effects good or bad?  A new survey of more than 300 supply chain decision makers found that companies are prioritizing technology investments, compliance, and outsourced services to optimize their supply chains and adapt to changing regulations—specifically as they navigate today’s evolving trade and tariffs landscape. We share some of the interesting findings. 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. All 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: Oxford EconomicsIndustrial Truck AssociationLogistics workers have highest burnout riskReport: supply chain optimization takes center stageVisit Supply Chain XchangeListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Xchange's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comPodcast is sponsored by: Kardex Other links About DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITY

    21 min

Trailers

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The editors of DC VELOCITY magazine bring you weekly updates on logistics, material handling, and supply chain news.

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada