Figuring it out one blog at a time.

The upcoming signing of the Master Contract between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) marks a significant development for East and Gulf Coast ports. While this agreement ensures labor stability, it also carries important implications for Hybrid Ports—those that integrate both unionized and non-unionized labor or a mix of traditional and automated operations. Labor Stability and Operational Continuity One of the most immediate benefits of the agreement is the assurance of labor peace. The risk of strikes or work slowdowns is minimized, allowing ports to maintain efficiency in cargo handling and logistics. For Hybrid Ports, this stability is crucial in preventing disruptions that could affect supply chain operations and customer commitments. Automation and Workforce Considerations The ILA has long opposed automation, fearing job displacement. If the new Master Contract includes restrictions on fully automated terminals, Hy...

 Changing careers can be both exciting and daunting, especially when transitioning into a field as dynamic as Supply Chain Management (SCM). With global markets evolving rapidly, SCM offers abundant opportunities for professionals seeking stability, growth, and impact. Whether you're shifting from a related field like logistics or a completely different industry, this guide will help you navigate the transition successfully. Changing careers can be both exciting and challenging, especially when transitioning into a field as dynamic and essential as Supply Chain Management (SCM). Whether you're coming from logistics, finance, IT, or an entirely different industry, understanding the necessary skills and taking proactive steps can significantly increase your chances of success. This guide will help you navigate the transition smoothly. Understand Key Skills Gaps Before making the leap, assess which skills and experience from your current career will transfer to SCM and which ones ...

Logistics is a fast-paced, detail-oriented industry that requires efficiency, problem-solving, and adaptability. While technical skills and experience are essential, understanding your personality type can give you an edge in navigating challenges, improving productivity, and finding the right career fit within the field. Why Personality Matters in Logistics Each person approaches problem-solving, organization, and teamwork differently. By recognizing your natural tendencies, you can leverage your strengths and develop strategies to overcome potential weaknesses. Whether you’re an analytical planner or an energetic communicator, there’s a place for every personality type in logistics. Different Personality Strengths in Logistics One of the most well-known personality frameworks, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) , categorizes people based on how they process information, make decisions, and interact with others. Here’s how different personalities can thrive in logistics: 1. The A...

  In every successful organization, there’s a driving force ensuring operations run smoothly, deadlines are met, and chaos is kept at bay. That force is the Administrative Assistant —the unsung hero of the workplace. These professionals juggle multiple responsibilities, coordinate teams, and ensure efficiency across departments. Without them, productivity would grind to a halt. Keeping Everyone on Task Administrative Assistants are the glue that holds an office together. They manage schedules, set meetings, and remind teams of important deadlines. In a fast-paced business environment, having someone who ensures that everything is organized and on track is invaluable. They prioritize tasks, streamline communications, and make sure everyone is where they need to be, when they need to be there. Mastering Organization & Efficiency From handling paperwork and managing correspondence to maintaining office supplies and databases, Administrative Assistants are masters of organization. ...

  Florida's "Free Kill" law is an unjust and heartbreaking legal loophole that prevents many families from seeking justice when their loved ones die due to medical malpractice. This law, officially known as Florida Statute 768.21( , states that if an adult patient over the age of 25 is unmarried and has no minor children, their family cannot file a wrongful death lawsuit against medical providers. As a result, negligent doctors and hospitals are effectively shielded from accountability, leaving grieving families without legal recourse. This law disproportionately affects vulnerable individuals, particularly young adults, seniors, and those without dependents. It creates a system where medical professionals are not held responsible for fatal mistakes, making Florida the only state in the U.S. with such an extreme restriction on medical malpractice claims. The devastating reality is that this law prioritizes protecting medical institutions over human lives. Repealing the ...

Logistics, shipping, and supply chain management are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct functions within the movement of goods. While they are interconnected, each plays a unique role in ensuring efficient transportation, storage, and delivery of products. Logistics: Logistics focuses on the detailed coordination of resources and processes involved in moving goods from one point to another. It includes warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, and transportation. Logistics ensures that the right products reach the right destination in a timely and cost-effective manner. It acts as the operational backbone of supply chain management, optimizing the flow of goods and information. Shipping: Shipping is a specific component of logistics that deals with the physical movement of goods. It involves selecting the appropriate mode of transportation—whether by truck, rail, air, or sea—to move products from manufacturers to warehouses, retailers, or customers. S...

 I am taking a moment out of my #Logistic posting and being real.... I lost a friend/sister.. One of my very first when I moved to Florida after being transferred... This grief is brutal, unpredictable, and exhausting. It comes in waves, some small, some big enough to knock you off your feet. But I know that I am not alone in it. We must take it moment by moment, and be gentle with ourselves. Grief.. I thought I was finally leaving you behind me.. Until the call came and they said she's gone. You were up and talking just hours before, laughing and missing your kitties and parents. Surgery went well; you were just a little sore. Grief, your bring these the all too familiar feelings... rage, my breath hitches and a wail I never heard before escaped. Different from every other pain I have felt... How can you grief??? Just rip me apart like this... How can this pain be fresh and new never felt like this, yet so familiar. Grief, I truly thought you couldn't break my heart more than...

       In August 2024, I completed my AAS in Management- Logistics and Supply Chain. Yes the very one I started in 1994, and never thought it would happen...      Now, I am considering pursuing my Bachelor's degree. The dilemma arises: should I stick with Logistics and Supply Chain or elevate my degree by incorporating Project Management into it? Reflecting on my extensive 25+ years in the industry and acknowledging the rapid pace of change in our lives has been my focus for the past six months.      The question persists: should I be content with my current position, enroll in additional professional courses, or seize the opportunity for further growth??

  If you've ever heard someone in the shipping world throw around the term TEU and felt a little lost, you’re not alone. It sounds technical, but it’s actually a simple way to measure cargo capacity in the world of containers. Let’s break it down. TEU: The Basics TEU stands for Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit —a fancy way of saying one standard 20-foot shipping container . Think of it as the building block of global shipping. A 20-foot container = 1 TEU A 40-foot container = 2 TEUs This measurement helps ports, shipping lines, and logistics companies standardize how much freight can fit on ships, trucks, and trains. Why TEUs Matter Understanding TEUs helps explain why some ports are busier than others . The capacity of a port is often measured in how many TEUs it can handle. Mega ports like Shanghai or Los Angeles can handle upwards of 120,000 TEUs at a time . Smaller terminals might only handle 17,500 TEUs before reaching full capacity. This difference impacts everything from ship...

  If you’re a freight broker or a truck driver, you know cargo claims are more than just a headache—they can eat away at your profits and reputation. Whether it’s damaged goods, lost freight, or delays, every claim comes with financial consequences. Let’s talk about how cargo claims affect your bottom line and, more importantly, what you can do to reduce your risk. The Financial Impact of Cargo Claims Cargo claims hit hard in multiple ways: Direct Costs – You or the carrier may have to pay for damaged or lost freight, which can add up fast. Lost Revenue – A claim can lead to disputes, delayed payments, or even loss of business if a customer walks away. Higher Insurance Costs – Frequent claims mean higher premiums, making it more expensive to stay covered. Damaged Reputation – Word spreads fast. Too many claims can make shippers hesitant to work with you. Best Practices to Mitigate Cargo Claims The good news? There are steps you can take to minimize the risk of claims and protec...

  As businesses navigate economic challenges, pay restructures have become a critical tool for maintaining financial stability while ensuring operational efficiency. The logistics sector, where workforce costs constitute a significant portion of the expenses, must carefully implement these changes to remain sustainable. When several states went into lockdown or experienced statewide closures due to weather conditions, even a few days without vessels and containers moving in and out of the ports resulted in significant financial losses. These closures revealed the immense economic impact of operational disruptions, with just a few days leading to millions in lost revenue. This, in turn, necessitated major restructures in pay scales, including adjustments to holiday pay, COOP leave, annual leave, and sick leave. It also required a reassessment of what counted toward overtime (OT) and what did not. For employees on shift work, these changes could lead to temporary shortfalls in their ...