Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY

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325

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Oct 2026

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

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60 recent

October 30, 2026Episode 4221 min

Guest: Rebecca Brewster of the American Transportation Research Institute on trends in trucking; How will the midterms affect infrastructure funding? MIT reports on industry sustainability

Our guest on this week's episode is Rebecca Brewster, President & COO, American Transportation Research Institute. The trucking industry has recently faced several rocky years, from an ongoing freight recession to the huge surge in diesel prices resulting from the war against Iran. As we close this year, we look to an expert to offer a recap and a look at the future. Brewster speaks with Senior Editor Victoria Kickham about rising costs, workforce changes, liability, legal issues, driver training and recruitment, and more that affect the trucking industry. This coming Tuesday is Election Day. These midterm elections could change the makeup of Congress and ultimately how important government projects affecting supply chains are approved and funded. Senior News Editor Ben Ames reports on some recent infrastructure projects and how funding of such projects might be affected in the future depending on the makeup of the new Congress. Corporate commitment to sustainability has reached a record high, but oversight is lagging and external disruptions are keeping companies from delivering transformational results. This is according to the 2026 State of Supply Chain Sustainability report from MIT— specifically, from the school’s Sustainable Supply Chain Lab at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics (MIT CTL). Victoria Kickham shares details from this research on how the supply chain industry is addressing sustainability. Articles and resources mentioned in this episode: American Transportation Research Institute DOT awards $498 million for port improvement projects in 19 states 3PLs could feel the impact of mid-term elections MIT Report: corporate commitment to sustainability soars but roadblocks to execution remain Visit DC Velocity Visit Supply Chain Xchange Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com This podcast episode is sponsored by: S torage Solutions

October 23, 2026Episode 4122 min

Guest: Vikram Sekhon of Piston on preventing fuel fraud; Seeking greener freight transport; Dual fuel ships sail ahead

Our guest on this week's episode is Vikram Sekhon, CEO and co-founder of Piston. Diesel fuel costs have nearly doubled this year, largely driven by the impacts of the war with Iran. Whenever costs get more expensive, people are tempted to lessen the pain by stealing fuel. It’s done in a number of ways, but mostly comes from fraudulent use of corporate fuel cards. Our guest runs his own fleet of trucks and also operates a fuel payment company. He discusses how widespread of a problem fuel fraud is and ways to prevent it. Freight transportation is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gases. Fortunately, it’s really not rocket science to solve this problem; there are effective solutions to reducing emissions, like using electric vehicles or alternative fuels. However, a survey we saw this week showed that the more difficult part of the puzzle is how to use those options and still make a profit. We share details on that survey and what it means for creating greener fleets. The move to reduce emissions not only occurs on our nation’s roads, it is also found on the high seas. A new report shows that more than 500 dual-fuel containerships and vehicle carriers are operating around the world, with the total investment in dual-fuel ships both delivered and on order surpassing $200 billion. That’s according to data from the World Shipping Council, released this week; it’s from the group’s Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard . We share more statistics and what is being done with reducing the emissions of maritime fleets. Articles and resources mentioned in this episode: Piston Road freight operators try to cut emissions but customers won’t pay. Dual fuel fleet tops 500 Visit DC Velocity Visit Supply Chain Xchange Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com This podcast episode is sponsored by: ID Label

October 16, 2026Episode 4019 min

Guest: Chrissy Sailstad of Durham Exchange Club Industries on hiring people with disabilities; How Walmart approaches automation; Key trends affecting global shipping through 2027

Our guest on this week's episode is Chrissy Sailstad, CEO, Durham Exchange Club Industries. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This annual event was begun in 1945 by the U.S. Department of Labor to recognize the positive impacts that people with disabilities make in the American workforce. The theme this year is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” Senior Editor Victoria Kickham speaks with today’s guest to find out more about how workers with disabilities make a difference in our supply chains. We learn a lot from looking at the success of others. And one of the brightest and most successful companies when it comes to managing supply chains is also America’s largest retailer - Walmart. The company has just opened its fifth “next-generation fulfillment center” - a 900,000-square-foot facility in Stockton California that it said will expand the retailer’s ability to provide faster shipping and delivery to customers across California and the West Coast. There are many factors and forces out there that are helping to reshape supply chains heading into 2027—and many of them will come from outside the industry. This is according to a 2027 Freight Market Outlook Report from freight broker and logistics service provider C.H. Robinson. The report was released this week. It examines five areas shaping supply chains in the year ahead, and points to their collective potential to increase operating costs and alter global sourcing and procurement strategies. Articles and resources mentioned in this episode: Durham Exchange Club Industries Walmart opens its 5th Next-Generation fulfillment center External forces to reshape supply chains in 2027 Visit DC Velocity Visit Supply Chain Xchange Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com This podcast episode is sponsored by: ID Label

October 9, 2026Episode 3920 min

Guest: Sasko Cuklev of Volvo Autonomous Solutions on driverless trucks; The latest health of the logistics industry; Manufacturers put out the help wanted signs

Our guest on this week's episode is Sasko Cuklev, head of On-Road Solutions at Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.). We know they are coming – it’s just a matter of time. We’re talking here about autonomous trucks. These driverless vehicles have already logged many thousands of miles on select highways around the country. But how soon before they come to a road near you – and what will be their impacts on the logistics industry? Senior News Editor Ben Ames asks those questions and more with today’s guest. Logistics activity accelerated in September, driven by tight warehousing and transportation capacity and marked by high costs that continue to pressure supply chains. That’s according to the latest Logistics Managers’ Index (LMI) report, which was released this week . The LMI score for September was 70.2; that’s up 3.6 points from August and is the index’s highest level in four years. We examine the latest LMI numbers and what they mean for the logistics industry. We got another piece of bad news last week with the September job report, which revealed that the country had created far fewer jobs than expected in September, just 29,000 new jobs and an unemployment rate that rose slightly to 4.2%. Those federal numbers come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But another report this week suggested that the picture might not be quite so gloomy, at least in the manufacturing sector. The report from ADP said that measured by new job creation, “shiftwork” manufacturing employment grew modestly, but there is more behind the numbers. Articles and resources mentioned in this episode: Volvo Autonomous Solutions Logistics activity accelerated in September Manufacturers turn to overtime before job creation Visit DC Velocity Visit Supply Chain Xchange Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com This podcast episode is sponsored by: ID Label

October 2, 2026Episode 3823 min

Guest: Clarie Li of Moody’s Ratings on vulnerable critical minerals; Cargo thefts intensify; Who pays for warehouse fires?

Our guest on this week's episode is Claire Li, vice president of Credit Strategy at Moody's Ratings . Critical minerals and rare earth minerals are needed in most electronics and tech devices, yet the United States does not produce many of these components domestically. China is the leading producer and its rare earth dominance threatens U.S. supply chains. How does the U.S. assure the mineral supplies that are needed to produce consumer products and critical defense systems? Our guest explains the vulnerabilities and offers possible solutions. Cargo theft is more sophisticated, and more frequent, than ever—and as a result, business leaders are getting more and more concerned about the security of goods moving through supply chains. This is according to a recent report from technology company SmartSense by Digi. The company surveyed 150 U.S.-based loss and organized retail crime (ORC) prevention leaders. 81% of those respondents said cargo theft has become more organized in recent years, and 79% said their organization is more concerned about cargo theft today than ever before. Fires in warehouses are not common, they do happen. Not only is there loss of products housed in the warehouse, but there can also be environmental damage from a fire, again, depending on the products and equipment systems housed there. But this brings up the question of who pays for the damage? Some new laws in California seek to determine who pays, but not everyone in the industry agrees. Articles and resources mentioned in this episode: Moody’s Ratings Report: Cargo theft intensifies Trade group criticizes California law regulating cold chain warehouses Visit DC Velocity Visit Supply Chain Xchange Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com This podcast episode is sponsored by: ID Label

September 25, 2026Episode 3720 min

Guest: Peter Larsen of Amazon Supply Chain Services on its 3PL offerings; A global network for battery handling; It's wreath season for truckers

Our guest on this week's episode is Peter Larsen is a Vice President at Amazon, where he leads Amazon Supply Chain Services. Amazon may have started in 1994 as an online book seller, but today they are arguably the most successful of all online retailers. None of this would be possible if not for the extensive distribution and transportation networks that Amazon has built. And now they are opening those capabilities to others through a new entity known as Amazon Supply Chain Services . Larsen will also be a featured keynote speaker next month at CSCMP’s EDGE conference in Nashville. He recently spoke with DC Velocity’s Susan Lacefield about this new venture for Amazon. Nearly every device we use comes with a battery of some sort that provides portability to the device. But the supply chains for batteries are quite complicated. That is why DHL, the German parcel delivery and logistics provider, announced it was expanding its global battery logistics network. DHL said that a surge in battery demand is creating new supply chains that require specialized handling, regulatory expertise, and global coordination. The national nonprofit group Wreaths Across America (WAA) kicked off the 2026 wreath season this week with a call for carriers and professional truck drivers to join their annual convoy honoring veterans nationwide this December. Carriers and drivers are asked to join the Honor Fleet, as it’s known, to haul wreaths for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day, which is being held Saturday, December 19 this year. Articles and resources mentioned in this episode: Amazon Supply Chain Services DHL ramps up battery logistics network Nonprofit seeks carriers and drivers for 2026 Wreaths Across America Day Visit DC Velocity Visit Supply Chain Xchange Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com This podcast episode is sponsored by: ID Label

September 18, 2026Episode 3618 min

Guest: Tommy Slaymaker of The Pete Store on the effects of rising diesel prices; How AI can transform warehouse operations; Amazon invents new packaging

Our guest on this week's episode is Tommy Slaymaker, Director of Fleet Services at The Pete Store (one of the largest Peterbilt dealer groups in North America). Diesel fuel is the driving force behind our supply chains, powering everything from railroad locomotives to long-haul trucks. Prices have now risen to historic highs, due to the shortages brought on by the war with Iran. What impacts are these high prices having on supply chains and trucking in particular? Senior News Editor Ben Ames finds out as he speaks with today’s guest. Every business is grappling with artificial intelligence, how to use it and where can it improve business processes. Warehouses are no exceptions in this AI struggle. Senior Editor Victoria Kickham came across some new research that reveals new trends on how AI can potentially transform warehouse operations. The goal of all packaging used for parcel deliveries is to protect the products the packages contain while they make their ways to their final destinations. It is never an easy balance to get just enough strength without wasting too much material. But this week Ben Ames wrote about a new type of paper-based packaging that is making headlines in the packaging world - and it comes from the research and development labs of Amazon. Articles and resources mentioned in this episode: The Pete Store Warehouse digitalization hits inflection point Amazon says switch from plastic to paper makes e-commerce more sustainable Visit DC Velocity Visit Supply Chain Xchange Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com This podcast episode is sponsored by: Werner

September 11, 2026Episode 3521 min

Guest: Roberto Canevari of Estée Lauder on managing a beautiful supply chain; What factors help businesses grow; Beating the heat

Our guest on this week's episode is Roberto Canevari, executive vice president, chief value chain officer at international beauty suppler Estée Lauder. Managing an international supply chain is not an easy job in this age of global disruptions. Our guest today does it every day in leading a global supply chain team of more than 10,000 people at Estee Lauder. That includes 44 factories worldwide and numerous distribution and transportation points. Canevari will be a featured keynote speaker next month at CSCMP’s EDGE conference in Nashville. He recently spoke with DC Velocity’s Diane Rand about how he manages this beautiful supply chain. It is the goal of every supply chain business to grow larger, otherwise they fall behind their competitors But what are the factors that actually help businesses to grow and expand their capacity? Senior News Editor Ben Ames shares two different stories this week about business growth. The United States recorded the hottest summer ever – at least since records have been kept. Senior Editor Victoria Kickham shares how companies can help workers deal with all of that heat on facility floors. Articles and resources mentioned in this episode: Estée Lauder Pitney Bowes expands as two rival firms shut down Vecna Robotics raises $31 million as demand soars for U.S.-built robots Study: targeted airflow offsets heat strain on factory floors Visit DC Velocity Visit Supply Chain Xchange Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com This podcast episode is sponsored by: Werner

September 4, 2026Episode 3418 min

Guest: Mark Burstein of Inspectorio on fallout from new Canadian tariffs; Taking the temperature of the logistics industry; New investments boost manufacturing

Our guest on this week's episode is Mark Burstein, senior vice president of Americas at Inspectorio. Canada and the United States are battling again over tariffs following the announcement that the U.S. would be placing tariffs of as much as 50% on certain Canadian goods. Canada, of course, countered by applying tariffs of its own on American goods. So, what all does this tariff squabble mean for trade and supply chains? Our guest shares his insights with Senior Editor Ben Ames. Economic growth in logistics slowed for a second straight month in August, marked by cooling inventory levels and rising cost pressures. This is according to the latest Logistics Managers’ Index (LMI) report, which was released this week . Senior Editor Victoria Kickham breaks down the report and what it means for supply chains. She also shares new FarEye research on last-mile delivery trends. Manufacturing is getting a boost, as several significant investments are increasing U.S. manufacturing capacity. Ben Ames reports on a couple of billion-dollar-plus projects, including a plant for GE Appliances in Kentucky and a facility in Pennsylvania that Chobani hopes to convert to manufacture new dairy products beyond its core yogurt categories. Articles and resources mentioned in this episode: Inspectorio Logistics growth slowed in August Report: Rising costs plague the last mile Chobani to adapt PA factory to dairy food production in $1.2-billion plan GE Appliances to expand Kentucky washer and dryer factory in $1-billion plan Visit DC Velocity Visit Supply Chain Xchange Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com This podcast episode is sponsored by: Werner

August 28, 2026Episode 3322 min

Guest: Tucker Perkins of the Propane Education & Research Council on powering forklifts; Who pays the price for supply chain shocks?; Changing ocean freight patterns

Our guest on this week's episode is Tucker Perkins, President and CEO of the Propane Education & Reseach Council (PERC). Propane has been used for decades as a consistent source of powering industrial trucks, such as the forklifts and other equipment used in distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, ports, transportation yards, and other places in the logistics world. DC Velocity Group Editorial Director David Maloney talks with our guest about the many uses for propane for powering equipment. They also discuss how propane's dominance as a power source is being challenged by new battery technologies. The consumer economy has been pretty resilient in the face of all the economic ups and downs of the past few years, but a new report shows that consumers are likely to bear the brunt of the supply chain disruptions. This report from London-based researcher BSI surveyed supply chain risk management professionals and found that more than a third of businesses are planning to increase prices to offset costs in the next six months. Senior Editor Victoria Kickham shares the details of the research. We’ve talked a lot in recent months about how ocean freight is being impacted by geopolitical forces and regional violence, that have forced changes in how containers move around the globe. But now we’re seeing disruption from a completely different source, which is the extreme weather. Heat waves in Europe have caused the Rhine and Danube rivers to shallow up, meaning less cargo can be transported on the rivers. A drought in Panama has also lowered the depth of the canal. That means that cargo ships moving through the canal have to carry less so that they do not bottom out. Articles and resources mentioned in this episode: The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) Supply chain shocks to hit consumers Extreme weather cramps logistics flows in Europe and China Visit DC Velocity Visit Supply Chain Xchange Send feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.com This podcast episode is sponsored by: Werner