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  • 478: Business Fueling Made Easy, with Circle K Pro

    478: Business Fueling Made Easy, with Circle K Pro

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Rob Norlander of Circle K Pro talks about the difference between a fleet card and a credit card, industry challenges, driver satisfaction; & saving you money.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [04.12] Rob and his career journey, and how Circle K has evolved over the past 60 years.

    “What drives the business is a focus on the customer
 Our mission is to make their lives easier every day.”

    [08.09] Circle K Pro’s unique view of the industry and the biggest challenges they see, from cost to efficiency.

    “Businesses are under pressure to do more with less
 They’re having trouble with keeping costs in check and making sure their employees are taken care of. Fuel is one of the largest variables for fleets and how they manage that, and try to keep it as low as possible, is more important than ever.”

    [11.55] An overview of the Circle K Pro fleet card and how it works.

    [14.08] How the Circle K Pro fleet card differs from a traditional business credit card, and how businesses should decide what’s right for them.

    “With a traditional credit card, all you see is that fuel cost. But if you want to know more and want to optimize your business, a fleet card helps you to have more visibility.”

    [17.47] Circle K Pro’s two different fleet card options, the differences, and how businesses should decide which to choose.

    [19.17] Why looking after drivers is so important to Circle K Pro, and the fleet card benefits specifically for them.

    “A driver can benefit personally from their decisions professionally
 We can sign up a company, but it’s the driver that makes the choice every day to fuel with us, and we don’t take that for granted.”

    [20.49] The business benefits of utilizing a Circle K Pro fleet card.

    [22.28] From real-time transaction monitoring to alerts, the types of reporting businesses can access with Circle K Pro, and what they can do with that data.

    [25.27] The ideal client for Circle K Pro.

    [27.08] How Circle K Pro customers can save between 5% to 15% on fuel costs, whilst reducing their administrative time, consolidating bills, lowering fraud, and boosting driver satisfaction.

    “The controls limit variability – and variability is what costs money.”

    [29.42] What Circle K Pro are excited about as we head into the second half of 2025.

    [32.21] Circle K Pro’s special offer for Let’s Talk Supply Chain customers.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to Circle K Pro’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Circle K Pro and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Rob on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about trucking, check out 467: Put The Pedal To The Metal with Hassle-Free Rentals & Leasing, with Premier Trailer Leasing, 431: Fleet Logistics Made Easy, with TSG Fleet or 429: Women In Supply Chain, Kameel Gaines.

  • 477: 95% of Cybersercurity Breaches Start With Email

    477: 95% of Cybersercurity Breaches Start With Email

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Daragh Mahon talks about driving competitive advantage, the importance of cybersecurity, real-time visibility & their 'Cloud First, Cloud Now' strategy.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [04.26] An overview of Werner, what they do, and how they help their customers. “We run all modes of transportation
 And we’ve proven over and over again that we’re excellent at every single one of them.” [05.24] Daragh’s reflections on the first half of the year, why 2025 is the year of AI, and how Werner’s digital transformation journey has positioned them for the future. “The first half of the year has been tough, we’re still in this freight recession
 There’s a lot of volatility, but it does feel like it’s leveling out a bit.” [12.22] From demand predictability and labor issues to sustainability and cyber security, the biggest challenges faced by Werner customers, the types of technologies they’re looking for to tackle them, and why Werner tech is built around what their customers need most. “You combine all those things, and what you have is a very unpredictable environment. What we have to do
 is help level out that playing field and give our customers technology that will help them in all of those places
 so that everything is reliable, scalable and secure.” [16.56] Whether data security is being compromised because of increasingly large tech stacks. [20.26] How Werner customers can use their interactive tools to access insights, drive better decision-making and, ultimately, gain a competitive advantage. “Data is more real-time than it’s ever been before
 And when you give customers real-time access to visibility, that gives them a competitive advantage.” “It’s crazy what the supply chain looks like today versus 20 years ago
 It’s night and day. And the beauty of it is that 20 months from now it will look different, and 20 years from now it will be unrecognizable. That’s why I get so excited – especially at the pace we’re moving at now.” [27.25] Werner’s data access strategy, and how it helps with flexibility, speed, and decision-making support. “I think of data as the great equalizer.” [31.36] The issue of increasing cyber threats and cargo thefts, an overview of Werner’s security and safety solutions and how they’re protecting what matters most to customers. “You have to think about a cyber attack as ‘when’ and not ‘if’ – you have to think about how vulnerable you can be, and how you watch and shut down those vulnerabilities.” [36.46] Werner’s ‘Cloud First, Cloud Now’ strategy, what it means, and how it translates to results for customers. “The tech part is easy. It’s the change management that gets really hard.” [40.42] Daragh’s key takeaways from today’s discussion.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to Werner’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Werner and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Daragh on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Werner, check out 446: Keep America Moving, with Werner or 460: Discover the Limitless Value of Dedicated Freight in Today’s Market, with Werner.

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  • 476: Customized Logistics Solutions to Keep You Moving, with Evans Transportation

    476: Customized Logistics Solutions to Keep You Moving, with Evans Transportation

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    John Conrad of Evans Transportation talks about tariffs, navigating challenges, the importance of partnerships; technology; & their customer-centric approach.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [02.10] John’s reflections from the show floor at Home Delivery World.

    [02.56] An introduction to John, his 20-year career history, and his role as Chief Revenue Officer at Evans Transportation.

    “We’ve experienced some pretty athletic growth over the last five years
 I’m responsible for our team finding and keeping revenue, it’s a big job. And when your President and CEO wants to double in the next five years, it’s a really big job!”

    [04.08] Evan’s roots as one of the country’s first 100 freight brokers 40 years ago, their evolution, and how they helped pioneer the transportation management system.

    “There’s about 30,000 registered 3PL’s and maybe about 30,000 that aren’t, working out of their basement or garage. There’s no shortage of competition in this space! So it makes it really hard to differentiate.”

    [06.43] An overview of where Evans is now, and how they help their customers.

    “We continue to be an organization that’s focused on our customer
 We’re a people and technology company, that happens to be in the logistics space.”

    [08.17] The ideal client for Evans Transportation.

    “From an industry and vertical perspective, we don’t have an ideal client. Our ideal client is someone that understands the beauty of working with a partner
 And they have to value technology.”

    [09.47] Why Evans is committed to embracing a customer-centric approach, and an inside look at their recent customer advisory panel, the common challenges it exposed, and the surprising answer to the question: ‘What’s one activity in your organization that you’d like to see never happen again?’

    [13.04] Some of the biggest opportunities that were revealed at Evans’ customer advisory panel, how the technology applications of their Execution Engine helps clients pursue those opportunities, and the importance of collaboration in overcoming shared challenges.

    [15.24] How tariffs are impacting Evans’ clients, and how they’re helping them respond.

    “With the current reprieve, there’s a mad dash to make things happen while they can. But we’re also seeing a significant amount of hesitation to a commitment on what people are going to do moving forward. There’s so much uncertainty
 So we’re trying to be a problem-solver.”

    [17.58] The ever-evolving world of parcel, and how high customer expectations and carrier changes are creating big challenges for shippers.

    “From an end customer perspective, your expectations are changing
 And the carrier landscape has also evolved
 So, from a shipper perspective, they’ve got to maintain speed, be agile, and they’ve also got to be sustainable. Not just environmentally, but from a cost perspective.”

    [22.30] The growing problem of cargo theft, and how Evans is helping clients ensure their goods are safe and accounted for while in transit.

    [25.36] A case study exploring how Evans helped a client struggling with damage on LTL shipments to leverage technology and data and build a solution that reduced handling and dropped their freight claim percentage significantly, whilst also maintaining speed and reducing cost.

    [29.31] The most significant impending transformation John anticipates for the supply chain and logistics industries, and how Evans is preparing for it.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to Evans Transportation’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Evans and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or X (Twitter), or you can connect with John on LinkedIn.

  • 475: Leverage Real-Time Transportation Visibility, with Shippeo

    475: Leverage Real-Time Transportation Visibility, with Shippeo

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Chris Mazza of Shippeo talks about their obsessive focus on data quality, visibility, and how current geopolitical disruptions are impacting shippers.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [03.08] An introduction to Shippeo, who they are, and what they do.

    “We answer two foundational, practical questions that almost every supply chain, transportation or logistics manager wants to know: where is my stuff, and when will it arrive?”

    [06.21] How current geopolitical disruptions are impacting shippers, and why real-time visibility is crucial in navigating challenges.

    “If you don’t have a good understanding of where your cargo is, what ship it’s on, how it’s routed, you can’t credibly predict how you’re going to manage things like buffer stock, real lead-time or real customer service expectation – without that data, you’re lost.”

    [09.29] From an obsessive focus on data quality to an investment in integration options, what sets Shippeo apart in a very competitive and rapidly evolving market.

    “We spend a lot of time educating our customers about what can be a credible expectation in this market, because so much of the data that’s out there is of a degraded quality.”

    [16.34] Shippeo’s founder story – the industry challenges that helped shape Shippeo’s solutions, and how their growth in Europe helped position them for success in the US.

    “The advantage the founders had, because they didn’t come from the industry, was that they could come to the problem eyes wide open.”

    [21.03] The ideal client for Shippeo, and the typical challenges those businesses are looking to solve.

    [26.57] A case study exploring how Shippeo helped Yamaha achieve greater visibility to improve customer experience and internal operations via ocean and road.

    [33.21] How Shippeo is using AI and predictive analytics to help customers move from a reactive to a proactive mindset, and why this technology has been critical in navigating the current ocean challenges.

    “It’s still too early to take the human out of the loop with some of these things, like strikes or fires on ships where a human has to say: ‘This is significant’. A machine can’t spot that yet.”

    [39.14] The importance of sustainability, and some of Shippeo’s key initiatives.

    [43.03] Chris’s advice to help supply chain leaders future-proof their logistics strategies.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to Shippeo’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Shippeo and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, or you can connect with Chris on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Shippeo, you can hear Chris Mazza talking to our own Eric Johnson on episode 443: Mastering Visibility: Insights from LogTech Live with Shippeo.

  • 474: Leverage Data-Driven Optimization to Mitigate Tariffs, with Reveel

    474: Leverage Data-Driven Optimization to Mitigate Tariffs, with Reveel

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Michael Falls of Reveel & Jennifer Mitchell of GOAT Group talk about tariffs, network design, SKU analysis, carrier negotiation and decision intelligence.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [02.22] An introduction to Michael, his background, and what excites him about supply chain.

    “Work smarter, not harder – that’s what I’m passionate about. There’s great technology out there that shippers can leverage, but so many people are still working out of spreadsheets. That hasn’t changed as rapidly in our industry as it has in others.”

    [03.49] An overview of Reveel, who they are, and what they do.

    “Our CEO always says that modeling is the hill we’re going to die on. We have a lot of tools in our repertoire that are different to a lot of the other analytics tools on the market.”

    [04.36] An introduction to Jennifer, her background, and her company GOAT Group.

    [05.58] An overview of the current tariff landscape, and how businesses are approaching adaptability and cost impacts.

    “We’re now in a period where shippers have a new normal, which is: we don’t know what the future will hold, but we know we’re going to have to adapt to change.”

    “Now there’s a very public conversation around who absorbs the cost of tariffs. Tariffs are here to stay. The question is: are consumers going to pay for them, or are companies going to absorb the cost and use that as a competitive advantage?”

    [07.55] How tariffs have impacted GOAT Group, and why increased tariffs for China are driving up apparel costs and forcing companies to rethink their manufacturing locations.

    [09.07] From cost volatility to the impact of the unknown, the biggest negative impacts, driven by the current tariff landscape, for shippers.

    “It’s ever-changing. The minute you make a decision to do something, it changes and you’re back to square one.”

    [11.34] Network design and optimization, and why shippers need intelligence, agility, and a strategic command of their shipping network to manage current volatility.

    [14.28] How network design and optimization can help companies to design more efficient distribution strategies, what those strategies might look like, and the positive impact they can have for shippers.

    [15.16] How SKU profitability analysis can help businesses identify problem products and make more informed decisions on their portfolio.

    “There’s much more that you can do with SKU level insights than just explore profitability.”

    [17.13] Why contract negotiations have changed, and how Reveel can help to simulate ‘what-if’ scenarios and compare carrier performance so shippers can push for reductions or pivot.

    “You can’t manage what you don’t measure. So we empower our customers to measure all the KPIs that are going to impact their transportation spend.”

    “The duopoly is over!.. Carrier contract negotiation is becoming an ongoing activity.”

    [20.07] The importance of flexibility and expanding carrier options to reduce dependency, lower cost, and improve customer experience.

    “Flexibility is crucial
 Customers expect more from delivery, they expect it faster, more personalized. The bigger carriers are very rigid in what they do and a lot of these emerging carriers have more flexibility, they’re more customizable to your company.”

    [21.23] Why, when tariffs are out of our control, intelligence is the best defence, how companies can use intelligence to stay competitive, and why parcel spend management can be an organizations competitive advantage in an unpredictable global market.

    “There’s so much noise. Carrier billing data has hundreds of elements, it’s not normalized
 Having a shipping intelligence platform helps arm you with the most important insights at a glance.”

    “A lot of shippers are just resigned to this belief that the carriers are going to do what the carriers are going to do, and we have to sit back and take it
 But I would say that any shipper has between 5-30% of spend that’s available to be eliminated.”

    [23.47] The ideal client for Reveel, and the types of clients they’re currently onboarding most.

    [24.41] GOAT group’s experience with onboarding and implementation with Reveel.

    [25.52] The biggest challenges GOAT Group were experiencing, why they chose to work with Reveel, and the benefits they see from their ongoing partnership.

    [27.38] In a constantly evolving market, what shippers might expect over the next few months.

    “The only thing we know for sure is that more change is coming!.. But the shippers that have the best data, the best data-driven insights, and the best technology are ultimately the ones that are going to come out ahead.”

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to Reveel’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Reveel and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, or you can connect with Michael or Jennifer on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Reveel, check out 453: Driving Supply Chain Innovation with Reveel and Deposco or 357: Leverage the Power of Shipping Intelligence, with Reveel.

  • 473: Sail Into The Future, with the Port of New York and New Jersey

    473: Sail Into The Future, with the Port of New York and New Jersey

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Stephanie Dominguez talks all about the Port of New York and New Jersey, big infrastructure projects, collaboration, sustainability & preparing for the future.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [04.30] An overview of the Port of New York and New Jersey, who they are and what they do.

    “We have a long history
 Containerization started at our port.”

    [05.40] Why organizations should choose the Port of New York and New Jersey, the many factors that give them their competitive edge and how, in turn, that can give companies doing business with them their own competitive edge.

    “We’re a world-class gateway port
 We’re focused on efficiency and reliability
 Today we have 45 weekly ocean carrier services, and we’re the first port of call on 75% of them.”

    [11.36] Some of the biggest challenges of the last few years, and why resiliency, communication and collaboration Is key.

    [15.43] The Port of New York and New Jersey’s ‘Master Plan’, and how a predicted increase in volume will impact the port and local community, from challenges to investments.

    [17.30] From road improvements to improving navigation channels, the major infrastructure projects the Port of New York and New Jersey is focused on right now, and how they work with other key stakeholders.

    “You have to have honest conversations. There will be times when you don’t agree, but you’ll find a solution together.”

    [22.58] The potential impact of those infrastructure challenges and opportunities, and the Port of New York and New Jersey’s approach to embracing the future.

    “This industry is all about flexibility, adaptability – you never know what’s going to happen
 We have to be open-minded, and evolve with the industry. So when there’s new emerging technologies or tools, it’s common for people to be scared. But we need to educate ourselves, and work with other best practices.”

    [25.17] The Port of New York and New Jersey’s new marine terminal operator leases with Port Liberty New York and Bayonne and the APM Terminals, and why they’re all focused on planning for the future.

    [29.22] Why collaboration is so important as the industry prepares for the future, and Stephanie’s advice for other organizations looking to improve their collaborative efforts.

    “Your partners are experts in what they do
 So when they’re at the table giving you honest feedback, listen
 Bring them in at the beginning, proactively not reactively
 It takes time, effort, it takes thick skin! But there’s a level of respect and trust that builds out of those conversations.”

    [34.33] Key sustainability initiatives for the Port of New York and New Jersey.

    [38.04] What the rest of 2025 will bring for the Port of New York and New Jersey.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to the Port of New York and New Jersey’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with the Port of New York and New Jersey and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Instagram and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about keeping freight moving, check out 388: See The Future of Transportation, with Win Global, 338: Set a New Standard for Global Trade, with Flexport or 406: Unlock the Opportunities of Cross-Border Ecommerce, with CargoWise.

  • 472: Intelligent Security You Can Trust, with Birdseye Security Solutions

    472: Intelligent Security You Can Trust, with Birdseye Security Solutions

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Neil Fisher of Birdseye Security Solutions talks about cargo theft, leveraging AI for proactivity & why security solutions drive business-wide improvements.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [02.28] An introduction to Neil, his background, and role at Birdseye Security Solutions.

    [03.12] How a shifting approach to security led Mike Grabovica to establish Birdseye.

    “There was this shift in security in general, from being reactive to having proactive solutions. And our founder identified early on that trucking and logistics companies have really specific needs when it comes to security.”

    [03.57] The ongoing issue of yard security and cargo theft.

    [04.47] An overview of Birdseye – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

    [05.11] The ideal client for Birdseye Security Solutions.

    [05.50] The biggest factors influencing the rapid rise in cargo theft.

    “There’s some economic uncertainty out there and, with that, comes all sorts of challenges
 And criminals are getting smarter and bolder.”

    [06.55] An overview of Birdseye’s security solutions and the benefits of implementing them.

    “We can protect a yard, starting at the gate. Just like if you were going to protect your home, the most important part is your front door.”

    [08.11] The two primary ‘traditional’ ways of tackling security, and their fundamental weaknesses.

    [09.21] How Birdseye can help organizations analyze their infrastructures and determine the security solutions that are right for them.

    [10.27] The importance of efficient gate management, and how it works with Birdseye.

    “It’s important that you process trucks as quickly as possible, for efficiency but also for safety
 We create a tunnel of cameras
 so we can gather all that information quickly.”

    [12.26] Birdseye’s hybrid people-plus-technology approach to security, and how they’re leveraging AI to tackle a range of issues, from preventing fire to reducing liability.

    “In the old days, you would have a couple of agents looking at a handful of monitors. With AI, an agent doesn’t have to see every action
 The AI alerts the live agent that something’s going on, and then the agent jumps into action
 The whole point is to be proactive.”

    [15.10] What implementation and onboarding looks like with Birdseye.

    [16.04] How Birdseye’s solutions and approach helps organizations with driver safety and satisfaction, ultimately helping them to retain drivers.

    “Drivers want to keep moving
 A line-up at a facility typically counts against a drivers hours of service. So if we can move them more quickly and efficiently – which can be up to 50%, versus a live guard – drivers love it!”

    [17.31] A case study detailing how Birdseye helped a transportation company avoid theft and operate more efficiently.

    [19.43] From cargo theft to AI, the big conversations coming out of 2025 conference season.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to Birdseye Security Solutions’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Birdseye and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Neil on LinkedIn.

    Check out our other podcasts HERE.

  • 471: Future-Proof your TMS for Tomorrow’s Challenges, with Manhattan Associates

    471: Future-Proof your TMS for Tomorrow’s Challenges, with Manhattan Associates

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Kristin Kay of Manhattan Associates talks about their Active TMS, continuous innovation & automated testing, & why transportation is more complex than ever.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [04.20] An introduction to Kristin, and Manhattan Associates.

    “We don’t view supply chain as a cost center – it can be a competitive advantage, if you start to remove some of the siloes between your solutions.”

    [06.18] The biggest impacts on the transportation industry right now, and why the industry is more complex than ever before.

    “It’s a whirlwind! We have a lot of different things coming into play. Macro economic shifts, sky high customer expectations, pressure to hit sustainability targets
 Depending on the industry, the days of just managing your transportation are gone.”

    [09.17] Why Transportation Management Systems often come with their own set of problems, and the biggest TMS challenges Manhattan see with their customers.

    “Whatever challenge comes up, sometimes that challenge isn’t the biggest problem. The problem is how inflexible either your systems or operations are. If they’re inflexible, you don’t have options.”

    “The burden of maintaining integrations between all of these systems takes a lot of time. We find that teams are spending more time managing their systems and TMS than managing their freight. And that can be a red flag wherever you have volatility.”

    “As things change, your pendulum swings between ‘I really need to save money’ to ‘I really need to give service to customers’
 But there is an answer between speed and cost, and we need to be able to react to that.”

    [12.58] What connectivity and integration speed and ease looks like with Manhattan’s Active TMS, and the impact on key focus areas like visibility, collaboration and flexibility.

    “Transportation is a team sport
 And that connectivity is the heartbeat of agility.”

    “If you’re going to do any software implementation, decide: ‘What are my key KPIs, how do I know what’s right, how do I build that confidence?’ So that when I turn that switch on, I’m getting those benefits – not just creating more questions.”

    [16.57] Manual versus automated testing, how automated testing works with Manhattan, and the business benefits of continuous validation and accelerated deployments.

    [19.37] How automated testing can help to reduce risk and allow businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions in a climate filled with risk and unexpected disruption.

    [23.34] The importance of communication and transparency, the power of partnership, and how customer-driven enhancements make Manhattan’s Active Transportation Management unique.

    “True innovation can’t happen in isolation, it happens through partnership.”

    “It really comes down to the end user experience. If that’s bad, it doesn’t matter how good your integration is, or how great your reporting is, or how fast you can change. If people don’t like using the product, you’re going to have trouble.”

    [27.29] Why scalability means more than just scaling up or down, and how continuous innovation helps businesses with future-proofing, allowing them to stay ahead of the game without having to constantly overhaul systems.

    [32.24] What Manhattan’s synchronization of operations and end-to-end unification mean for teams and businesses.

    [35.59] A case study exploring how Manhattan helped a grocery client shift their mindset, unify, embrace dynamic planning and unlock big benefits.

    [40.08] What we can expect from Manhattan in the second half of 2025.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to Manhattan Associate’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Manhattan and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Kristin on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed the episode and want to hear more from Manhattan, check out:

    439: Breaking Down Silos: Discover The Power of Unified Supply Chain Planning, with Manhattan Associates 432: Discover the Future of Forecasting, with Manhattan Associates 430: Unify Your Supply Chain Systems, with Manhattan Associates
  • 470: Women in Supply Chain, Melodie Van Der Baan

    470: Women in Supply Chain, Melodie Van Der Baan

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Melodie Van Der Baan talks about her career journey; juggling motherhood & entrepreneurship; positivity; and the intricate dance between supply and demand.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [04.04] The early years of Melodie’s career, why she fell in love with retail, and how her experiences laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial journey.

    “I loved every store, every city, every boutique owner I visited and sold to. But, without fail, they would point out what didn’t sell from the season before, and say ‘Mel, what are you going to do about it?’ And so I had to find a solution to their problem.”

    “My husband said: ‘This isn’t a you problem, it’s an industry problem. It’s a lack of a network that needs to exist, and you should create it!’ But this was before Amazon, Shopify wasn’t a thing yet, Point of Sales were server-based, not cloud-based. So even though the problem was real, the industry wasn’t ready for the solution.”

    [08.31] Why Melodie chose not to go to college, her Mother’s words of advice, and why she decided to open her own retail store.

    “Every step of my journey has been so natural.”

    [11.56] Melodie’s experience as a working Mom, setting an example for her daughter, and why experience is the best teacher.

    [15.09] Melodie’s advice for parents struggling with work/life balance, and why consistency is key.

    “We can’t give our best at work and leave the scraps for our family.”

    [19.33] How Melodie developed a unique understanding of the intricate dance between supply and demand, the biggest challenges faced by retailers and distributors, and why understanding your inventory is crucial.

    [24.57] Why Melodie moved from retail to technology, an overview of her business Max Retail, and how she brings retail experts and tech leaders together to solve the biggest industry challenges.

    “It was never an intention to become a CEO of a technology company. The truth is that there was no way to solve the problem without technology.”

    [29.37] Melodie’s experience as a woman navigating the worlds of retail, technology and supply chain, and her uniquely positive outlook.

    “When you know the authenticity of someone, it can gender-neutralize.”

    [32.22] Melodie’s commitment to taking a ‘we lift while we climb’ approach, the role others have played in her success, and how she pays it forward.

    [36.00] Melodie’s biggest achievements, personally and professionally, and the passion that drives them.

    [38.18] The future for Melodie, and for Max Retail.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    You can connect with Melodie Van Der Baan over on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear the experiences of other hard-working Moms, check out 464: Women in Supply Chain, Beverly Steele, 359: Women in Supply Chain, Alexis Mizell-Pleasant or 425: Women In Supply Chain, Josephine Coombe.

  • 469: Join a Network of $20B of Freight Under Management, with Uber Freight

    469: Join a Network of $20B of Freight Under Management, with Uber Freight

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Megan Keith & Shawn Piper talk about Uber Freight; bridging tech & service; bringing product & design together; automation; & the future of freight technology.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [04.00] Introductions to Megan and Shawn, and their roles at Uber Freight.

    “I was drawn to logistics because of its complexity and impact. It’s a space where smart, intuitive tools can really make a difference, and I love simplifying that complexity so transportation teams can move faster and make better decisions.”

    [05.21] An overview of Uber Freight, the evolution that brought together deep industry expertise from Transplace with Uber’s tech DNA, and how that combination is driving the way they approach logistics today.

    “That fusion means that we’re not just building smart tools or interesting technology, we’re building tools that work in the real world. Our approach is to really get that balance of being tech-forward but operationally-grounded, to make customers more agile, resilient and informed.”

    “Uber Freight’s mission is really leading WITH logistics professionals, that’s the key word. We really go alongside our customers
 The customer is the multiplier for the impact and results we can get.”

    [07.35] The types of customers Uber Freight typically serves, and how those customers influence Uber Freight’s product strategy and service philosophy.

    [08.49] How Uber Freight combines managed services with advanced technology, why that blend is so important in today’s complex logistics environment, and an example of how it helped solve a real operational pain point for a customer.

    “Identifying opportunities and actualising or contextualising them are two different things
 We’re able to take those opportunities and make sure those benefits are being realized, so technology and services are working together, in a loop of continuous improvement.”

    [11.29] The importance of scalability and flexibility, so that customers of all sizes can leverage Uber Freight’s high-powered tools.

    [13.44] How product and design work together to tackle complex challenges across the freight ecosystem, and the core principles Uber Freight relies on to guide platform development.

    “When you have both in the room, you end up with more thoughtful, more elegant solutions.”

    [15.44] How Uber Freight builds tools that are powerful enough for complex operations, but intuitive enough for teams that may not have dedicated logistics tech staff.

    [18.26] How customer feedback, from customers of all sizes, shapes the Uber Freight roadmap, and the importance of putting a focus on usability.

    “Too much feedback is a great thing!”

    [22.06] Why AI has always been part of the Uber Freight ethos, why they’re investing heavily in automation, and the ways they’re using these technologies to empower smarter, faster decisions.

    [25.42] Uber Freight’s Insights AI, and how it helps smaller teams punch above their weight.

    “It actually interprets the data, it doesn’t just visualize it. It’s able to identify patterns, flag risks and recommend actions, which shifts teams more to proactive management rather than reactive firefighting.”

    [27.25] The future of freight technology, and how Uber Freight is leading the charge.

    “It’s connecting these different islands of automation into more systemic automation; it’s a shift away from just efficiency, which has been the historical role of automation, to effectiveness.”

    “It’s one thing for a system to identify a change but, in the real world, that change has to be implemented by people.”

    [29.21] The key takeaway that shippers and industry leaders should walk away with from today’s discussion.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to Uber Freight’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Uber Freight and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram, or you can connect with Megan or Shawn on LinkedIn.

  • 468: Make Intelligent Purchases Driven by Data, with ProcurementIQ

    468: Make Intelligent Purchases Driven by Data, with ProcurementIQ

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Anthony & Lyle of ProcurementIQ talk about client collaboration, leveraging data, the growth of procurement & the biggest challenges impacting teams in 2025.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [06.08] Lyle’s background and the journey that led him to co-found ProcurementIQ.

    [09.00] How ProcurementIQ has evolved over the last decade, and where they are now.

    “We were learning – and so was procurement in its own right. The concept of category intelligence wasn’t really a thing in 2013... Back then there was market intelligence so what we really had to learn about was that evolution.”

    [11.13] Anthony’s background, how it sparked a passion for supply chain and why, after years in the industry, he decided to go to school for supply chain.

    “It’s never a bad time to invest in yourself and develop your skillset.”

    [14.08] The biggest supply chain challenges and disruptions, and the impact they’re having on procurement practitioners and their ability to plan ahead and do their jobs effectively.

    “It’s creating a ton of uncertainty – which is the bane of our existence in this industry! It’s making it much harder to plan and strategize for de-risking supply chains. And the on-off again approach to tariffs makes it even more difficult, because the calculus is constantly changing.”

    [16.09] Creating effective feedback loops between vendors and clients, the importance of listening, and the true story of how ProcurementIQ leveraged client feedback and collaboration to create their upgraded product suite.

    “We’ve been through a digital transformation to help our clients better navigate the complex environment they live in... Change is constant, whether it's priorities, cost savings, consolidation, risk mitigation, supplier diversity – clients are ultimately leaning on us to help them better understand, from an external market standpoint, what all of this means.”

    “It created a very open and honest feedback loop
 And it all started with conversation and collaboration.”

    [22.47] ProcurementIQ’s interactive website, how its market dashboard helps clients understand their buying power and leverage insights to improve it, and how benchmark pricing allows clients to engage with the marketplace in a way they haven’t been able to do before.

    [25.58] ProcurementIQ’s data and category insights, and how enhanced depth into areas like occupation profiles, external demand determinates and price driver profiles helps clients.

    “There’s additional depth and analysis on price driver profiles to help customers construct better ‘should-cost’ models and ask better questions.”

    [29.17] The ideal client for ProcurementIQ.

    [30.44] A case study detailing how ProcurementIQ helped a manufacturing client, that were looking to centralize their indirect spend and build category plans that supported stakeholder recommendations and transparency, to shorten their speed to information, boosting stakeholder engagement and supporting the team to increase efficiency.

    [34.20] The big questions facing the industry in the second half of 2025, and what procurement teams should be focusing on.

    “The big question, especially with the tariff environment, is: 'Is this going to last for the full term of this administration?' And what the heck is trade policy going to look like?! In the short-term, it’s about getting creative with manufacturing capacity
 and re-working supply chain networks.”

    “Procurement leaders are facing challenges retaining, developing and attracting strong talent
 There’s going to be growth in the procurement profession, so leaders and individuals need to think about what they’re doing to set themselves up for success, not only for what we’re facing now but what we’re anticipating in the future.”

    [38.47] How to take advantage of ProcurementIQ’s special deal for Let’s Talk Supply Chain listeners.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to ProcurementIQ’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with ProcurementIQ and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or Instagram, or you can connect with Anthony or Lyle on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about procurement, check out 462: Procurement Unlocked: Sourcing Best Practices in a Tariff-Driven World, with ProcureAbility, 243: Reinventing Freight Procurement with Emerge or 211: Transform Your Procurement Process, with Zip.

  • 467: Put The Pedal To The Metal with Hassle-Free Rentals & Leasing, with Premier Trailer Leasing

    467: Put The Pedal To The Metal with Hassle-Free Rentals & Leasing, with Premier Trailer Leasing

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Craig Barth of Premier Trailer Leasing talks about understanding if your business needs to buy, rent or lease; & leveraging fleet management for success.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [05.31] An overview of Premier Trailer Leasing – who they are, what they do, and how they help their customers.

    [06.07] What sets Premier apart, and the secret to their success as they celebrate 20 years in business.

    “There are several companies that will rent or lease you a semitrailer. So why do people come to Premier? The reality is: it’s the people. It’s the partnerships we form, the services we provide – we take a very personal approach, and we look to help the customer solve a problem first.”

    [07.57] From economic issues to continued overcapacity, the biggest challenges in the transportation industry right now.

    “It’s one of the most challenging environments we’ve ever been in. The transportation industry, depending on your measurement, is between two to three years into a recession
 And now we have mass uncertainty. Our customers don’t know what’s happening from one day to the next, they don’t know how much their goods are going to cost – or if they’re even coming!”

    [10.31] Premier’s inventory of over 65,000 trailers and network of locations across the US, and how customers can work with them.

    [12.51] The difference between trailer renting and leasing, the benefits to each, the factors businesses need to consider when they’re deciding whether to buy, rent or lease, and how Premier help businesses decide what’s right for them.

    “Most companies should own a portion, lease a portion, and rent a portion of their fleet. And we help customers understand where those lines are.”

    [17.08] The ideal client for Premier Trailer Leasing.

    [19.18] Premier’s trailer and cargo tracking solution, and an overview of some of the most promising innovations they're seeing in the space, from cargo sensors and volume metrics to weight and door sensors.

    “There’s almost too much data available. It’s all about helping the customer understand what data they need and what they can actually use.”

    [24.51] How Premier find the balance between supporting clients and managing their own business in uncertain times, and how Premier data gives clients a competitive advantage.

    [27.55] A case study detailing how Premier helped a large packaged goods company, that had always owned 100% of their fleet, cut their maintenance costs in half through strategic trailer leasing.

    “They’ve taken a far more proactive approach based on what we were able to demonstrate through the leasing side... Trailers for them were a small piece, so they weren’t really paying attention. We were able to save them millions of dollars.”

    [32.18] What we can expect from the industry as we look towards the second half of 2025.

    “We’re approaching the second half of the year cautiously optimistic. There are going to be a lot of opportunities out there, we hope there will be some resolution to a lot of the chaos and uncertainty that’s in the market. But we are going to see some price increases.”

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to Premier Trailer Leasing’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Premier and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube, or you can connect with Craig on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about trucking, check out 460: Discover the Limitless Value of Dedicated Freight in Today’s Market, with Werner, Where are trucking rates headed in 2025? 7 execs weigh in – Supply Chain Dive, or 429: Women In Supply Chain, Kameel Gaines.

  • 466: Women in Supply Chain, Alexia McLaughlin

    466: Women in Supply Chain, Alexia McLaughlin

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Alexia McLaughlin talks about making an impact through innovation; her commitment to cultures of excellence; & her big achievement as an industry rising star.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [03.52] An introduction to Alexia and her role at Veho.

    “If Uber and UPS had a baby, it would be Veho!”

    [05.08] How Alexia began her career in sales, and her journey through roles at Oracle and Jebbit to her current position at Veho.

    “I never thought I was going to be in sales! That used car salesman connotation springs to your mind
 But, when I was coming out of college, a lot of mentors who’s careers I admired started in sales. So I thought: ‘OK, I’m going to give this a try! I don’t know if I’ll love it, but I’ll learn a lot.’”

    [09.07] Alexia’s experience moving from a big, corporate environment to a smaller, start-up culture.

    “When you’re working for a big company, there’s a lot of layers, it’s very bureaucratic, there’s a lot of structure and process. But I wanted ambiguity. Both of my roles after Oracle you were building as you were steering the ship
 It was exciting, and every day was different.”

    [11.08] Making impact through innovation, the importance of ‘selling in’ to internal stakeholders, and how Alexia successfully led a new business opportunity, navigating the complexity of managing risk, expectation, and leadership buy-in.

    “When you’re on the front line selling, and then coming back to the business to help inform the products and the offerings that we build, that’s a role that drives impact – and that’s exactly what I wanted.”

    [15.31] From working with mentors to backing your approach with data, Alexia’s advice for building career confidence.

    [17.23] Alexia’s biggest career achievement, and why it’s vital for women to understand their impact and to share and celebrate their successes.

    [20.54] The challenges Alexia has faced during her career, and the turbulent nature of sales.

    “I’ve had so many times of doubt, thinking: ‘I’m done with sales!’
 It’s an up and down rollercoaster
 There have been a thousand little failures along the way.”

    [22.06] How to foster a culture of excellence, and why that’s so important.

    “You have to lead by example
 With new hires there’s only so much you can do in the training and onboarding process. The rest has to come from them seeing excellence throughout the organization. If everyone is operating at a high bar, you start to learn from observing the actions that are celebrated, the calibre of the team – and if you hire great, hungry people that want to operate at that level, then there’s a nice healthy stimulating environment.”

    [24.29] What Alexia’s Rising Star award at this year’s Women in Supply Chain Awards means to her, and her advice for young women looking to follow in her footsteps.

    [26.02] The future for Alexia, and her ambition for Veho over the next five years.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    You can connect with Alexia McLaughlin over on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear from more inspirational women, check out 444: Women In Supply Chain, Gina Anderson, 429: Women In Supply Chain, Kameel Gaines or 410: Women In Supply Chain, Julie Tilenius.

  • 465: Your Fulfillment Transformation Starts Now, with TGW Logistics

    465: Your Fulfillment Transformation Starts Now, with TGW Logistics

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Dexter Weber of TGW Logistics talks about the trends, challenges & opportunities in warehouse logistics; building strategic partnerships; and TGW's new brand.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [05.31] TGW’s 50+ year journey from small fitters shop in Austria to global manufacturing leader.

    “Part of our journey was becoming a foundation-owned company... We reinvest our profits into our solutions and capabilities, and to charity. We’re not chasing goals and pleasing shareholders – we’re focused on that long-term vision.”

    [09.07] Where TGW are now, their vision for the future, and a why they’re unveiling a new brand for a new era.

    [12.21] The ideal client for TGW Logistics.

    “What we’re really looking for is someone that wants to build a true partnership. We need to be an extension of their team and share a vision to really accomplish the goals they want to achieve. Being collaborative makes sure we’re both successful.”

    “Building relationships and trust is the foundation of any good, solid business project.”

    [15.03] The landscape of warehouse logistics and, from service level agreements and inventory to skill shortages and temperature control, the biggest challenges in the industry right now.

    [19.56] From improving fulfilment speeds to facilitating more frequent small shipments from stores, the biggest opportunities in warehouse logistics and ecommerce, and why automation is increasingly important in helping organizations pursue those opportunities.

    “Automation, at its core, is all about process improvement. The goal is to eliminate multiple non-value-add manual touches, boosting speeds
 You can take manual efforts, that may take hours or days, to pick orders – and move it up to minutes.”

    [23.44] Robotics, conveyor, automatic storage and retrieval systems – the different types of automation TGW uses within their solutions.

    [25.19] How TGW work with customers to understand their challenges and develop customized solutions, using their warehouse automation technologies, to help customers achieve smarter, more efficient intralogistics.

    “We have experts in different areas, so we can understand the industries a lot better: what do their typical supply chain setups look like? What are some common challenges?
 Then we look at each process in the warehouse, from receiving to outbound.”

    [29.24] The warehouse management software that sits behind TGW’s products, and how that tech pulls everything together.

    “The WMS is the backbone of your warehouse operations.

    [31.18] How TGW support both equipment and software with their range of lifetime services, and how they build strategic bonds with customers to empower them to meet their short-term goals as well as plan and prepare for long-term success.

    [35.28] A case study showing how TGW helped a key client tackle big issues to create a network of 650,000 storage locations, managing 125,000 SKUs, with the ability to handle more than 300,000 order lines per day during peak season, ultimately helping them to achieve the best cost per unit in their entire network.

    [40.09] From mobile and palletizing robotics to robotic picking, the trends and technologies shaping the future of the warehouse logistics sector.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to TGW Logistics’ website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with TGW and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, or you can connect with Dexter on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about warehousing, listen to 412: Maximize Warehouse Efficiency and Profitability, with CargoWise or read The Warehouse of the Future.

  • 464: Women in Supply Chain, Beverly Steele

    464: Women in Supply Chain, Beverly Steele

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Beverly Steele talks about her journey, making a big change mid-career; what it means to be a workforce innovator; and her take on work-life balance.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [04.29] An introduction to Beverly and her role at Inmar.

    [05.11] Beverly’s career journey, and her decades of varied experience.

    “I’ve been in reverse logistics well over 20 years. I actually stopped saying how long because I realized I’d been in it longer than some of my colleagues have been alive!”

    [07.15] Beverly’s 20-year tenure at CORT, and an overview of the roles she took on as she climbed the ranks.

    [08.07] Inmar’s joint venture with Blue Yonder to create a returns drop network that reduces costs for brands and makes life easy for consumers.

    [09.46] Why Beverly made a big change mid-career, what she was looking for in her next step, and her advice for other mid-career professionals considering making a change.

    “I’d moved up in the ranks and there weren’t many places for me to go to make the money I wanted to make and have the challenges that I wanted
 It was scary, but sometimes I think: why didn’t I leave sooner?!’”

    [12.33] From sales to reverse logistics technology – why Beverly transitioned to a different space in the industry, and the benefits of pivoting.

    [14.41] Beverly’s Woman in Supply Chain Forum award, what being a ‘workforce innovator’ means to her, and the importance of increasing support and success for work from home teams.

    “I’ve always had a passion for women in supply chain, and giving them the tools and opportunities to move into leadership.”

    [15.46] As a part of multiple organizations and a champion for women, the big issue Beverly hears women in the workplace raise, time and again.

    “Women don’t want to complain, it’s hard to find a voice without being looked at as angry or difficult.”

    [17.49] What her ‘workforce innovator’ award means to Beverly, and why forums and awards for women are so important.

    [20.05] Beverly’s experience of being a working Mom, the bias and discrimination still in play, and what needs to change to improve workplaces and cultures for working mothers.

    “I spent most of my life hiding the fact that I was a Mom at work, I never wanted to talk about my kids in case people thought I was less dedicated. Then I dropped my kids off at school and, to my Mom friends who didn’t work, I was hiding the fact that I was a working Mom because they would say: ‘oh she’s leaving her kids.’ It was lonely.”

    [23.03] Beverly’s take on work-life balance, and why it’s crucial to build a lifestyle that works for you.

    “You need to be really clear on what’s important to you. And if you’re in a work environment where you’re not able to live the life you want, maybe it’s time for a change. Because not every company is going to have a culture that you’ll thrive in.”

    [26.05] The future for Beverly.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    You can connect with Beverly Steele over on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Inmar, check out 372: Women in Supply Chain, T.J. Kragenbrink or SEA 2, EP 87 – Are you getting the most out of your returns?

  • 463: Simplify Your Last Mile with Technology That Delivers, with CXT SoftwareD

    463: Simplify Your Last Mile with Technology That Delivers, with CXT SoftwareD

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Phillip Lechter of CXT Software talks about challenges in last mile; building a people-first culture; & how they're helping customers grow, compete & thrive.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [05.45] How CXT innovated over the past 25 years to meet the changing needs of an evolving logistics landscape.

    “25 years is a long time in the software space!
 In maturation of software, it’s easy to want to 'set it and forget it', and live off the benefits. But you can’t do that today. Supply chain is changing so rapidly, and our focus is on innovation, connectivity, and our ability to make it easy for our clients to do what they want to do - and not be hamstrung by the business we’ve created.”

    [09.13] Where CXT is now, what they do, and how they help their customers.

    “It’s about making ourselves as configurable as possible to our clients... our ability to serve multiple workflows based on the business our clients are doing for their own customers.”

    [11.08] The ideal client for CXT.

    [13.25] From the uniqueness of workflows to real-time visibility, some of the biggest challenges in the industry right now, as last mile strives to catch up with changing consumer expectations.

    “Amazon has done some amazing things, but it’s made it very difficult for the average courier service – everyone wants that Amazon experience
 And that’s the opportunity we have in the TMS space, to even the playing field.”

    [16.04] How CXT’s white-labeled portal empowers clients with the tools they need, without a big costly investment, and how that ultimately drives customer loyalty and boosts satisfaction.

    “Too often we’re in reactive not proactive mode. And the more we can streamline that, the more we can meaningfully create relationships with our clients.”

    [18.59] How CXT’s shipment management technology supports operations teams across a range of functions, and a closer look at the user interface.

    “We’re ensuring that a dispatcher still has the ability to make decisions, but some of the heavy lifting gets done for them. They’re managing exceptions rather than every single element along the way.”

    “We see a ton of waste that’s really low margin. Even a 1% increase in profit can be pretty significant in this type of business.”

    [24.30] The importance of driver management, and how CXT’s app integrates with operational and client functions to tackle challenges, and drive efficiency, accountability and customer service.

    [30.19] Some of the key opportunities and growth areas CXT are supporting their customers with.

    [32.53] A case study showing how CXT helped a long-standing client enter the medical space and demonstrate a significant efficiency metric, and the importance of partnerships.

    [36.44] Why CXT consciously built a people-first culture, and what we can expect from them in 2025.

    “This business is a people business
 We use software as a way to make efficiencies, but it’s still somebody delivering to somebody else!”

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to CXT Software’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with CXT and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram or YouTube, or you can connect with Phillip on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about last mile, check out 365: Delivering the Amazon effect: how to increase your last mile delivery efficiency by 30%, 348: How COVID Changed Last Mile Delivery Forever, with SEKO or 393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail.

  • 462: Procurement Unlocked: Sourcing Best Practices in a Tariff-Driven World, with ProcureAbility

    462: Procurement Unlocked: Sourcing Best Practices in a Tariff-Driven World, with ProcureAbility

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Carlos Perico of ProcureAbility talks about sourcing best practices in a tariff-driven world & how to turn procurement from cost center to competitive advantage

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [04.29] An introduction to Carlos and ProcureAbility.

    “All we do is procurement! It’s our speciality, it’s what we’re passionate about. And that’s key.”

    [05.59] Tariffs: what they are, and why supply chain professionals need to pay attention.

    [07.07] Diversification: Some of the strategies companies can employ to build agile supply chains for long-term resilience, the big challenge with long-term strategies, and why your supply chain is like Tetris.

    “Diversification is the name of the game. You don’t want to have all your eggs in one basket – but the challenge now is that the baskets are getting very complex!!”

    “For those long-term strategies to pay off, you have to start now.”

    [14.08] How companies can utilize scenario planning or future-proofing to prepare for further tariff fluctuations.

    “You need to know your risk. It sounds simple
 but you need to go deeper. You need to dive deeper into understanding your supply chain at different levels, your supplier network – and data becomes even more important.”

    [19.17] Dual-sourcing: what it is, and the impact that implementing dual-sourcing strategies can have on risk mitigation.

    “Communicate to your stakeholders, because we human beings have a tendency to forget the risk when it’s not present... Communicate the risk you’re trying to mitigate in advance, build that relationship with the business.”

    [24.57] How to effectively work with suppliers: How fluctuating tariffs are impacting supplier pricing and contract stability, and how businesses can think about strengthening long-term partnerships whilst retaining the need for short-term agility.

    [31.19] Working with technology: How businesses can leverage AI and data analytics to predict and mitigate tariff impacts.

    “Live data visibility is critical right now
 Technology is allowing us to be immediately alert
 So you can prepare and be more educated.”

    [37.09] How AI helps businesses to shift the focus from damage control to proactivity, and turn procurement into a competitive advantage rather than a cost center.

    “Everybody wants to mitigate cost
 But you need to continuously evolve your procurement organization to become more of a business support and value driver, as opposed to just one cost center.”

    [39.49] The key lessons to learn from this discussion.

    [42.01] How Let’s Talk Supply Chain listeners can benefit from a limited-time discount with ProcureAbility.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to ProcureAbility’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with ProcureAbility and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn or YouTube, or you can connect with Carlos on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more about procurement, read The Three Biggest Challenges For Procurement – And What To Do About Them or listen to 243: Reinventing Freight Procurement with Emerge or 211: Transform Your Procurement Process, with Zip.

  • 461: Go Behind the Scenes of a History-Making Partnership, with OneRail and PepsiCo

    461: Go Behind the Scenes of a History-Making Partnership, with OneRail and PepsiCo

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Bill Catania of OneRail and Anna Farberov of PepsiCo talk all about their strategic partnership, how it works & the benefits it drives for Pepsi customers.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [03.42] Introductions to Bill and OneRail, and Anna and PepsiCo Labs.

    [06.22] Why PepsiCo reached out to OneRail to explore partnership opportunities.

    “They have the solution and we have the problem; they have an entrepreneurial mindset and can move fast, and we have the business expertise and deep industry understanding. And when we’re able to feed that back, that’s where the magic happens.”

    [06.48] The PepsiCo Labs model, and how the team proactively seek out companies to partner with.

    “We want to solve problems in the business versus having shiny toys, saying a lot of buzzwords and ticking boxes.”

    [08.52] The impact of their strategic partnership for PepsiCo and their customers, and OneRail’s business.

    [11.24] From expanding capacity to maintaining service levels across different customer sizes, the business challenges PepsiCo were looking to solve.

    [12.19] How OneRail approached the relationship with PepsiCo.

    “It comes down to being a good listener
 There have been a lot of operational changes that had to happen that weren’t easy
 But we’ve perfected the model.”

    [13.54] How OneRail worked flexibly with PepsiCo to achieve strategic alignment and become a true extension of their team.

    [16.19] The importance of transparency, and the ability to positively give and receive feedback, in building successful partnerships.

    [17.15] From an increased top line to improved customer experience, the benefits PepsiCo are realizing through their partnership with OneRail.

    “The vastness of PepsiCo is unbelievable! I get excited when I think about the path forward, because there are so many different things we can do together and problems we can solve.”

    [18.38] What 2025 is going to bring for the PepsiCo and OneRail partnership.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to OneRail’s website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with OneRail and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or X (Twitter) or you can connect with Bill or Anna on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more from OneRail, we have plenty more great content for you. Check out:

    440: Level Up Your Fulfillment Capabilities, with OneRail 419: Discover OmniPoint Inventory Visibility and Tackle Shrinkage, with OneRail 349: Deliver a Frictionless Last Mile, with OneRail 393: Get 100% Visibility Over Your Final Mile, with OneRail
  • 460: Discover the Limitless Value of Dedicated Freight in Today’s Market, with Werner

    460: Discover the Limitless Value of Dedicated Freight in Today’s Market, with Werner

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Eric Downing of Werner talks about dedicated freight solutions, the benefits, and the landscape of freight shipping and logistics in 2025.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [05.54] Eric’s background and transition from US Air Force to supply chain, and the different business areas he’s moved through in his 27-year tenure at Werner.

    [08.57] The landscape of freight shipping and logistics and the biggest challenges in 2025, from tariffs to navigating seasonal disruption.

    “Most carriers are glad to put 2023 and 2024 in the rear-view mirror. 2025 is better, we’re seeing more robust bid activity, better engagement with customers
 Are we out of the woods? No. But are we seeing some good things? Yes!”

    [11.39] Why an increasing number of shippers are turning to outsourced dedicated solutions instead of managing their own private fleets.

    “Customers want to focus their resources, time, and people on what they do – their primary business. Because it’s a competitive world
 And, let’s be honest, running your own trucking company takes a ton of capital investment.”

    [13.34] The challenges of tracking and visibility when working with multiple third-party providers and the benefit of having a single dedicated outsourced solution.

    [15.45] The Werner approach and how they work with clients to understand their fleet challenges and opportunities and deliver customized solutions.

    “The first step is actually listening to your customer! Dedicated providers can get caught up in “I know how to do this, I’ve done this business before” – but you’ve got to start out by learning your customer’s business
 Every business is unique, and you’ve got to treat it that way.”

    [18.34] Werner’s investment in new equipment, sustainability initiatives, and maintenance programs, and how it’s helping to ensure the highest levels of reliability and efficiency for shippers.

    [23.04] The critical role of driver training, compliance, and proactive safety measures in dedicated fleet operations, and how companies can leverage safety as a competitive advantage.

    [27.03] The technology that supports Werner’s dedicated solutions, and where they are on their own digital transformation journey.

    “Everybody has limited resources, so how you do not chase every shiny bauble? How do you focus and vet what’s going to make the biggest difference?”

    [32.57] The value in dedicated freight solutions and the impact they have on teams at a business level and at a wider industry level.

    [35.04] A case study showing how Werner worked with one of their most long-standing clients to optimize their business, from reducing fleet on the road and boosting productivity to improving service and visibility and driving sales in-store.

    [39.43] From customer service to growth, Werner’s focus for the next six months.

    RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

    Head over to Werner’s website to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Werner and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or X (Twitter), or you can connect with Eric on LinkedIn.

    If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from Werner, check out 446: Keep America Moving, with Werner.

  • 458: Demystifying Industry Buzzwords and Innovating Intermodal, with Lynxis

    458: Demystifying Industry Buzzwords and Innovating Intermodal, with Lynxis

    · Let's Talk Supply Chain

    Allen Thomas of Lynxis talks about industry challenges, the biggest buzzwords, and why organizations need to pay more attention to improved orchestration.

    IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

    [04.20] An introduction to Allen, and Lynxis.

    [04.53] The biggest conversations on the show floor at Manifest.

    “Agentic AI is the new buzzword – it’s the new blockchain! There’s a lot of hype, but there’s also a lot of hope.”

    [06.29] The biggest problems in the intermodal industry right now.

    “Visibility is still key, because there’s so much complexity when all of this data comes together. We’re not certain who’s right and who’s wrong, there’s no system of record as this cargo moves inland and then back through the flow.”

    “A lot of the technology projects we’ve seen have been focused on an insular basis, intra-company process improvement versus: how do we make this entire supply chain more efficient and effective for the shippers and carriers that move it?
 We’re trying to take costs out of our own internal operations, but we’re not looking at the big picture on what makes everything more seamless.”

    [10.24] What Lynxis is building to help solve the industry’s biggest challenges.

    “We’re a custodian of technology for our customers... And we add the infrastructure to support it.”

    [11.59] AI and how it’s being talked about, and utilized, across the industry.

    “Everybody wants to use the AI buzzword, when what they’re using isn’t actually AI.”

    [16.11] Why process automation, not robotic automation, needs to be top of the priority list for landside logistics facilities.

    “Most container operations we see really can leverage more of the process automation.”

    [18.28] The importance of data and analytics in driving operational performance and competitive advantage.

    “You either have to invest in-house, or have a good partner to help you mine the data that’s critical to your business operation. The thing that differentiates you, and enables your core competencies, is a firm grasp on data.”

    [22.25] Why AI isn’t an easy fix for scheduling, and why organizations need to pay more attention to improved orchestration.

    “It’s nothing that AI needs to solve, or even can solve right now, because there’s not even the connectivity between all the players.”

    “When you say automation and scheduling, we hear ‘orchestration.’”

    [24.46] How improved planning and orchestration can help shippers eliminate excess inventory and reduce costs.

    [26.17] From talent shortages to managing infrastructure, the biggest obstacles standing in the way of improved intermodal efficiency.

    [32.02] The importance of case studies and why Allen wants to talk about proven results, not just hype.

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