Figuring it out one blog at a time.

  As we reach Volume 30 of Logistics at a Crossroads , it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the journey that the logistics industry has taken—how we've weathered the storms, adapted to shifting tides, and risen above every challenge that came our way. From the impact of global tariffs to seasonal slowdowns, the landscape of logistics is constantly evolving. And yet, one thing has remained constant: the resilience of the people at the heart of the supply chain. Today, we find ourselves in the midst of a complex and multifaceted challenge—a challenge that demands not just our expertise but also our ability to innovate, adapt, and rise to the occasion. The Current Landscape: A Perfect Storm There’s no denying that the global logistics sector is navigating turbulent waters. As discussed in previous blog entries, the impacts of trade policy shifts, labor shortages, and technological disruptions have been felt far and wide. From tariff wars to the slowing of global ports, it seems like ea...

#GallbladderRecovery – Day 9 The original #ManChild came home for Memorial Day weekend — so naturally, I grabbed some Donut Connection and made my way to see my baby boy (who, let’s be honest, isn’t so much a baby anymore… more like a young man carving out a life in NC). Got some long-overdue Hunter hugs and even lounged in the pool — doctor-approved, of course. No roughhousing allowed (although I’m not sure surprise pool noodle attacks count as “lounging”). The dogs got a bath — much to their dismay. They were downright offended that their “authentic outdoor aroma” wasn’t appreciated. We ended the evening with a delicious dinner and dessert from Outback, and by the time I got home, I crashed — fully cocooned in my pillow fort, yoga bolster and all. It was the most fresh air and activity I’ve had since surgery on the 14th… and it felt like a victory. It was a good day.   #GallbladderRecovery – Day 10 I woke up to thunder and a flicker of lightning — but y’all, more importantly… I...

  🕊 On Hallowed Ground In memory of one who never made it home—but never left my heart. I stand on hallowed ground— rows of white headstones stretch as far as the eye can see. My hands tremble as I trace the cold marble, your name carved deep. Dates of service. Semper Fi below. Father. Brother. Son. Friend. Loved forever—and a day. I sink to my knees. The coins left behind tell their own story: A quarter—bright and clean— from the boys who broke down because they couldn’t get you out in time. A nickel—Skinny Bones must have come by. Still carrying that nickname from boot camp, I bet. No dime yet— maybe your crew in the sandbox hasn’t made it home. But the pennies? Your sister and mama were here. They always are. And me—I leave this rock. My symbol. My weight. My love. Even now, tears stream down my face. Because you were the one who taught me how a heart can burst with joy— and then shatter into pieces. You were my strength. You taught me faith could st...

#GallBladderRecovery – Day 8 (GREEN MEANS GO) Officially cleared to return to work on Monday — and let me tell you, after a week of stir-crazy confinement, it feels like winning the golden ticket back to society! Originally, my doctor’s note said June 26th — cue the panic. I marched back in today, head down and channeling my best “please fix this” face. Thankfully, they corrected it. The itching from healing stitches? Started around Day 4 and hasn’t let up. Why does healing have to itch like this? Absolute madness. But all is well. I’ve been released with zero conditions, just a few reminders: no going crazy lifting over 25 lbs., (you know listen to your body) ease back into things, and yes — I can finally lounge in a pool (not lakes or oceans though… something about amoebas and algae blooms that chlorine helps keep at bay). Grateful for a fantastic care team — and ready to return to the office to share the workload with my incredible coworkers who’ve held it down this past week. (Oka...

#GallstoneRecovery Day 7 Update 2: Not cleared for takeoff just yet — my return-to-work green light won’t come until Tuesday, May 27th. As for the Freddy Krueger-level pain, Dr. Thomas suspects it’s likely trapped air still lingering in my body (rude). But the tenderness in my back had him saying, “Let’s play it safe” — so we’re adding another 5-day round of antibiotics to the mix. Fun fact (or not-so-fun, depending on your perspective): I made his Top 10 List for Gallstone Size. 4 cm 3 cm And apparently a few smaller ones just for flair. No wonder I was in so much pain. Turns out, my gallbladder didn’t want to exit stage left either — which is why surgery took longer. Thanks for the drama, internal organs. Oh, and the bruising on my arms? When he asked what happened, I just said one word: TRIDENT. He nodded and said, “Hydration might help.” ...He has jokes. I asked about side-sleeping (because I miss it dearly), and he hit me with the ever-helpful: “If it still hurts, don’t.” Thank...

  The logistics world is moving fast—but not always in the ways we expect. In Episode 28, we explore three forces shaping our industry in 2025: faster, smarter rail systems; a global shipping sector learning to adapt mid-storm; and the rising digital visibility of women leaders in logistics. Let’s take a ride—along the tracks, across the sea, and into the virtual spaces where the future is already being built. 🚆 Rail Reimagined Over the past five years, rail has quietly transformed from a legacy freight solution into a tech-forward backbone of modern supply chains. With advanced GPS, IoT sensors, and real-time data, rail is shedding its “slow and outdated” reputation. Yards are automating. Trains are running faster. Dedicated freight corridors are helping us avoid delays caused by passenger traffic—and the results are real. Today’s rail isn’t just moving faster. It’s moving smarter . Predictive analytics reroute trains before problems arise. Documentation is standardized. Processe...

  The road ahead is changing fast. Autonomous trucks are no longer a futuristic concept—they’re already rolling out in Texas, with companies like Aurora testing completely driverless freight on public highways. No safety driver. No human in the cab. Just a machine in motion. And as exciting as the technology may be, I can't help but ask: Where does that leave the people? This episode of Logistics at a Crossroads takes a raw, honest look at what automation could mean for the 3.5 million truck drivers across the U.S.—those who’ve spent their lives behind the wheel. We talk about safety concerns, real-world crash data, refueling logistics, and the quiet question that haunts every innovation: What happens to the humans it replaces? Yes, technology can make us faster and more efficient. But will we slow down long enough to make sure it’s also just? 🎧 Stream LAAC at : https://logisticsatacrossroads.buzzsprout.com 📢 Let’s keep this conversation going—because at the intersection o...

  Blank Sailings: A Seasonal Reality with Lasting Impacts Each year, shipping schedules shift. Blank sailings are the manifestation of the summer slowdown , a pattern that disrupts operations even as it becomes almost expected. The vessels still arrive, but in fewer numbers, which means less cargo space, higher prices, and longer wait times. For logistics professionals, this creates a challenging paradox: there are still goods moving, but fewer opportunities to run standard containerized freight . This leaves many in the industry scrambling to adjust. Truckers may switch from handling containers to livestock or out-of-gauge freight . For some, this is a time to take a break—forced off the road until mid-September when regular schedules pick up again. It’s a difficult balancing act. Global supply chains need to adapt, and logistics providers need to find new ways to manage their capacity and resources as opportunities shrink. Tariffs, Port Congestion, and Global Implications Whil...