KONTAINEROZ

Logistics has dramatically reshaped the world, especially post-pandemic, leading to a surge in demand for supply-chain professionals. Universities have adapted by expanding programs to meet this need. For example, the University of South Carolina’s supply-chain program has grown from 30 to over 800 students. The logistics sector, expected to reach $21.91 trillion by 2033, faces talent shortages, with many companies seeking graduates skilled in both traditional logistics and emerging technologies like AI. Programs are evolving to prepare students for high-demand, high-paying roles in industries ranging from healthcare to entertainment. Source: https://lnkd.in/gPFt_Hq5 | 10-18-2024 #Kontaineroz

Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in the supply chain industry, now making up 41% of the workforce and holding 26% of C-suite positions, a rise from 19% in the previous year. This progress is driven by targeted initiatives focusing on hiring practices that prioritize potential and traits rather than traditional qualifications. Programs providing mentorship and leadership training are also contributing to a more inclusive environment. Despite these advancements, challenges such as work-life balance and gender biases in recruitment persist, requiring ongoing efforts to sustain and expand these gains. Source: https://lnkd.in/e8h9xED9 | 10-11-2024 #Kontaineroz

Dave Clark, former Amazon Consumer CEO and ex-CEO of Flexport, has launched a new supply chain software startup called Auger. The startup, based in Bellevue, Washington, has secured $100 million in funding from investment firm Oak HC/FT. Auger aims to revolutionize supply chain management for midsize and Fortune 500 companies by using artificial intelligence and automation to provide real-time insights and optimize decision-making. Clark’s experience at Amazon and Flexport informs his approach to streamlining and integrating supply chain operations, which often rely on outdated, fragmented software systems. “At Flexport, I got to see all of these companies in the middle, like the Nikes or Lululemons, and I was amazed at how much of a struggle it is, and how much they still use Excel or Smartsheet or Tableau or something to bring all this disparate data together in such a way that they can do something,” Clark said in an interview. “A shocking amount of supply chain still runs on Excel.” Source: https://lnkd.in/gYVJ_-JP | 10-08-2024 #Kontaineroz

A recent agreement between port workers and employers has temporarily stabilized operations at U.S. ports, averting further disruptions. The deal includes wage increases, improved working conditions, and long-term job security measures to prevent future strikes. However, experts warn that supply chain disruptions are likely to persist due to the backlog of ships waiting to dock and offload goods. This could impact industries reliant on imports, particularly as businesses prepare for the holiday season. The resolution also raises broader concerns about labor relations, potential future strikes, and the role of automation in ports. Companies are expected to focus on diversifying logistics strategies to enhance supply chain resilience and mitigate risks associated with such disruptions. Source: https://lnkd.in/gtG5Bm2H | 10-08-2024 #Kontaineroz

The trucking and logistics sector added 13,600 jobs in the second quarter, showing significant growth in the industry. This increase reflects a positive trend despite ongoing challenges such as labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. The sector’s expansion highlights the demand for transportation and logistics services, which are essential to supporting economic activity and managing the flow of goods. Source: https://lnkd.in/gsAnJ_N2 | 10-04-2024 #Kontaineroz

Kevin O’Leary discussed the challenges at U.S. ports, emphasizing inefficiencies compared to international ports like Singapore. He argued that automation is essential for improving productivity and does not harm wages, countering union concerns. O’Leary suggested that automation could enhance wages for skilled workers operating advanced systems. As U.S. ports face labor and modernization issues, O’Leary’s perspective highlights the need for technology to stay competitive globally. “There’s been lots of studies on automation in ports domestically and internationally,” O’Leary said. “We just got to let automation go where it goes because there is zero evidence on the East and West Coast that if you automate and make it more efficient, more productive, then it hurts wages at all.” Source: https://lnkd.in/gvnvi5tr | 10-04-2024 #Kontaineroz

Retailers and manufacturers are preparing for potential supply chain disruptions due to a possible strike at 13 major East Coast and Gulf Coast ports starting October 1. The International Longshoremen’s Association’s contract is expiring, and a strike could severely impact U.S. imports, including essential goods for the holiday season and manufacturing materials. Some companies are shifting shipments to avoid delays, but concerns about rising costs and operational shutdowns remain high. “Many have taken steps to mitigate the potential impact by bringing in products earlier and frontloading the peak shipping season or by shifting products back to the West Coast,” Jonathan Gold, National Retail Federation (NRF) vice president of supply chain and customs policy, wrote on the NRF website. “Imports at U.S. ports … have been at or above 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units since April, and September is expected to see 2.31 million TEU — import levels not seen since 2022.” Source: https://lnkd.in/ecpiVC3z | 09-10-2024 Do you think they’re going on strike? 🪧 #Kontaineroz

California has been awarded $102 million to develop a semi-truck charging corridor for zero-emission Class 8 trucks, part of the West Coast Truck Charging and Fueling Corridor Project. This project will create 34 charging stations with chargers and hydrogen dispensers along major freight routes between California, Oregon, and Washington. The funding comes from the Biden administration’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program, and future upgrades may include Megawatt Charging Systems for faster charging. Source: https://lnkd.in/ghvnbniF | 09-01-2024 #Kontaineroz

Maersk streamlined its North America Ground Freight business in Q2 2024 by consolidating sites and reducing excess capacity to improve profitability and stabilize operations. The company faced challenges from rapid growth in Q1, which overwhelmed its network. Maersk also focused on increasing asset utilization and growing its “Fulfilled By Maersk” services. Despite a down market for trucking and parcel services, Maersk’s end-to-end logistics solutions, particularly in e-commerce, continue to drive revenue growth, handling 500,000 parcels daily across its global network. “Truckload, LTL, parcel — which is most of the domestic transportation — it’s not very healthy. The demand is down, which means less freight to move for truckload guys. Even the parcel people are not seeing growth in the volumes of their customers,” Satish Jindel, principal consultant at SJ Consulting Group, told Supply Chain Dive in an interview. Source: https://lnkd.in/gEbZ5-Hv | 09-03-2024 #Kontaineroz

A potential strike by U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast port workers looms as the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) holds key labor meetings to discuss a new contract ahead of the September 30 expiration. ILA President Harold Daggett has threatened a strike starting October 1 if the union’s demands, including opposition to port automation, are not met. Talks with the United States Maritime Alliance broke down over automation issues. The ILA seeks better compensation, and concerns are rising as U.S. shippers shift cargo to avoid disruptions. A strike could significantly impact U.S. imports and exports. “Now it’s all about greed and money. ... They want to put a fully automated terminal in and get rid of us,” said Daggett. “I’m not going to allow that. I will never allow that. ... so this is a must. We’re going to have this alliance and we’re going to make it work.” Source: https://ow.ly/9veU50Tkquq | 09-04-2024 #Kontaineroz, do you think there will be a strike? 🪧