• 1 hour 9 minutes
    The Apparel P&L Has Broken: Tariffs Just Exposed What Was Already Failing

    Most apparel companies don't have a demand problem. They have a lead time problem.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott W. Luton and Scot Case welcome Maithili Shenoy, Founder and CEO of La Naia Collective, for a frank, frameworks-forward look at why the global apparel operating model is cracking under its own weight and what it would actually take to rebuild it. From the Multifiber Agreement's unraveling in 2005 to the speed at which TikTok now dictates what sells, Maithili draws a clear line between the world the industry was built for and the one it's operating in today. She breaks down why long lead times convert forecast error into stranded inventory, how the markdown machine erodes billions in gross margin dollars annually, and why the financial damage runs deeper than most balance sheets reveal. Scot adds a sustainability lens that sharpens the conversation, connecting the landfills of Ghana's Kantamanto Market to the same structural misalignments driving poor financial returns.

    The conversation builds into Maithili's 4S architecture: Strategize, Segment, Structure, Sustain, and the regenerative loop that ties them together. Real-world examples ground every layer: Inditex running 57.8% gross margins with inventory costs half the industry average, Abercrombie & Fitch going from 1% to 15% operating margins by abandoning markdown dependency, and why companies still anchored to gross margin rate alone are running out of runway. If you're trying to understand why so many smart people keep making decisions that produce irrational collective outcomes and what a better model actually looks like, this conversation earns its time.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:19) Meet Maithili Shenoy

    (03:47) From classical dance to global supply chains

    (06:28) Career experiences that shaped her perspective

    (09:23) The hidden cost of apparel overproduction

    (13:06) Why today's apparel operating model is broken

    (14:23) How globalization changed fashion supply chains

    (19:56) Why costs keep rising across the industry

    (21:30) The biggest flaws in the current operating model

    (23:55) Four ways the current model destroys value

    (29:14) Introducing the 4S architecture

    (30:10) Strategize with the right business metrics

    (33:09) Segment products by demand and speed

    (37:50) Align incentives with business outcomes

    (40:41) Building a model that can adapt over time

    (45:02) The metrics every apparel leader should track

    (49:57) What Zara, Abercrombie, and Ralph Lauren do differently

    (55:47) Why apparel returns are becoming more expensive

    (01:01:06) Predictions for the future of apparel retail

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Scot Case, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/appareal-pandl-broken-tariffs-just-exposed-what-already-failing-1620

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    10 August 2026, 4:00 am
  • 54 minutes 50 seconds
    The Buzz: The Procurement Mindset Shift That Modern Businesses Need

    From rising diesel prices and geopolitical instability to new defense sourcing requirements and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, procurement and supply chain leaders are navigating a business environment where the traditional playbook no longer works.

    In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Toyota Automated Logistics, hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens welcome James Meads, founder of Entrepreneurial Procurement, for a timely discussion on the forces reshaping procurement and global supply chains. The conversation explores major investments in domestic manufacturing, the growing tension between lean inventory and supply chain resilience, and the ripple effects of diesel shortages and commodity inflation.

    The panel also examines new Pentagon sourcing and traceability policies, including the challenges of reducing dependence on critical materials from countries such as China and Russia. James explains why procurement teams must move beyond a process-driven, support-function mindset and begin operating more like entrepreneurial business partners. He also shares practical AI applications that can eliminate repetitive work, improve research, and help procurement professionals focus on higher-value decisions without automating broken processes or relying on poor data.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Why companies such as GE Aerospace and General Motors are investing heavily in domestic production, supplier resilience, and access to critical components
    • How geopolitical instability is forcing businesses to reconsider just-in-time inventory strategies and qualify additional suppliers
    • Why higher diesel prices can create widespread inflation across transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer goods
    • The opportunities and risks associated with new defense sourcing, supply chain mapping, and material traceability requirements
    • Why procurement leaders must advocate for investment, communicate their value, and adopt a stronger ownership mindset
    • Practical AI use cases that can reduce manual work in procurement, including data entry, supplier research, category strategies, RFPs, and RFQs
    • Why technology cannot successfully orchestrate broken processes or unreliable data
    • How procurement teams can choose technology based on specific business problems instead of getting distracted by product demos and industry hype

    Procurement is no longer simply about controlling costs or processing transactions. It has become a critical source of resilience, innovation, risk management, and competitive advantage. Tune in to hear practical guidance on building stronger supplier strategies, selecting technology that solves real problems, and preparing your organization for a more uncertain and fast-moving global business environment.

    Additional Links & Resources: 

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Allison Giddens, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/thebuzz-procurement-mindset-shift-modern-businesses-need-1619

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    7 August 2026, 4:00 am
  • 53 minutes 1 second
    Macro Trends and Micro Moves: Inside the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2026

    The annual release of a major industry index always sparks intense debate, but the true value lies in the core strategies driving the world’s top performers.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by regular co-host Mike Griswold, Vice President Analyst at Gartner, and special guest Laura Rainier, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner, to break down the defining macro trends from the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2026.

    The panel explores how leading organizations navigate global volatility by moving past tech experimentation to deliver true enterprise value. They dive into the realities of the autonomous workforce era, detailing how top-tier supply chains prioritize human-machine collaboration and systems thinking over simple digital literacy. Highlighting standout examples like Unilever’s shared forecasting and Schneider Electric’s disciplined process optimization, the discussion illustrates what it takes to build a resilient, network-centric operation. Laura Rainier also addresses critics directly, explaining why qualitative community opinion remains the ultimate "secret sauce" for capturing true excellence, while Mike Griswold wraps up by challenging leaders to leverage the supply chain as a primary engine for strategic growth. 
     

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Introduction

    (00:44) Gartner's 2026 Top 25 preview

    (02:23) Meet Gartner analyst Laura Rainier

    (04:46) Laura's future supply chain research

    (07:28) Three supply chain macro trends

    (11:26) Network-centric strategies and orchestration

    (15:46) Top 25 companies leading change

    (21:41) Fix processes before deploying AI

    (24:30) What defines a Supply Chain Master

    (26:49) Why leaders invest in people

    (27:34) How Supply Chain Masters stay ahead

    (29:07) New and returning Top 25 companies

    (31:09) How companies earn their return

    (34:03) Why Schneider Electric ranks first

    (40:34) Walmart's rise and retail momentum

    (42:41) Why community opinion matters

    (47:38) 2027 ESG methodology changes

    (48:25) Gartner events and upcoming summits
     

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/macro-trends-micro-moves-inside-gartner-supply-chain-top-25-1618

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    5 August 2026, 4:00 am
  • 51 minutes
    Introducing The Collective

    Most supply chain discussions get bogged down in hype and theoretical buzzwords. In this episode, they get stripped back to reality.

    In this debut episode of The Collective on Supply Chain Now, a powerhouse panel of battle-proven commerce veterans comes together to dive deep into the forces currently reshaping the global trade landscape. The panel features Kim Reuter (Chief Advisor and Leader at CSG Consulting), Derreck Travers, Jack Mowreader (Founder & Principal at Ascendant Business Solutions), and Kerry Gibson-Morris (VP of Global Sourcing & Product Development at BDA, LLC). 

    Drawing on their extensive experience building foundational programs at Amazon and scaling operations across air cargo, trucking, luxury retail, and finance, the team breaks down the critical shifts in modern supply chain management and where the industry is heading next.

    Kerry kicks off the conversation with a frank look at AI in smart sourcing, warning against the trap of treating technology as a total labor replacement rather than a strategic amplifier. She emphasizes the critical need for "checking the checker," maintaining strict data hygiene, and exercising executive oversight to avoid costly operational mistakes. Jack pivots the focus to the financial volatility of modern trade, breaking down how rapid tariff changes, shifting de minimis policies, and shorter planning cycles are forcing companies to abandon hyper-lean "just-in-time" models in favor of strategic safety stock and bonded warehousing. Finally, Derreck unpacks the massive wave of industry consolidation, highlighting CMA CGM's acquisition of FedEx's supply chain unit, and analyzes why M&A deals often fail to deliver customer value, drive up costs, and open doors for nimble market disruptors.

    If you're looking for an unvarnished, real-world breakdown of where supply chain, leadership, and modern trade are actually heading, this conversation earns its time.
     

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:44) Introducing The Collective

    (05:15) AI and smart sourcing

    (11:22) Checking the checker: Data integrity & oversight

    (14:39) The financial risks of AI

    (17:08) Tech hype vs. system architecture

    (21:06) Tariff volatility and financial risks

    (27:36) Domino effects in alternative sourcing markets

    (28:47) Re-evaluating just-in-time inventory

    (32:46) Foreign trade zones and bonded warehousing

    (34:16) Carrier consolidation (CMA CGM & FedEx)

    (38:19) What industry consolidation means for e-commerce

    (49:53) Looking ahead: agentic commerce

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Kim Reuter and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/introducing-collective-1617

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    3 August 2026, 4:00 am
  • 50 minutes 31 seconds
    The Buzz: Why Supply Chain Resilience Depends on Judgment, Data, and Action

    Global supply chains are facing no shortage of complexity from shifting tariffs and changing consumer behavior to rapid advances in artificial intelligence. But having more technology and data does not automatically create a more resilient operation. What matters is how leaders interpret that information and turn it into action.

    In this episode of The Buzz, powered by Zebra Technologies, host Scott Luton is joined by guest co-host David Shillingford and Shannon Vaillancourt, founder and president of RateLinx. Together, they explore the latest developments affecting global trade, grocery spending, freight operations, supply chain resilience, and AI adoption. The conversation examines why resilience is ultimately a leadership challenge, how poor data can undermine even the most advanced technology, and where human judgment remains essential as organizations automate more decisions.

    Key Takeaways

    • Why increased tariffs create additional complexity and uncertainty for global trade and supply chain teams
    • How consumer spending pressures, food waste, inflation, and changing purchasing habits may be influencing grocery sales
    • Why supply chain resilience requires action, not simply visibility, risk documentation, or additional technology
    • How experienced leaders use patterns, information, and anticipation to make stronger decisions
    • Why AI often exposes existing data-quality problems rather than creating new ones
    • Which routine supply chain tasks are best suited for AI and where human oversight remains critical
    • How technology can eliminate repetitive work and help teams focus on higher-value decisions
    • Why conversations, collaboration, and real-world experience remain powerful sources of supply chain insight

    Supply chain leaders do not need more information for information’s sake—they need the ability to recognize patterns, evaluate risks, and act with confidence. Tune in to hear practical perspectives on using AI responsibly, strengthening operational resilience, improving decision-making, and preparing your organization for the next disruption.

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and David Shillingford, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. Fort additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/thebuzz-why-supply-chain-resilience-depends-on-judgment-data-and-action

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    31 July 2026, 4:00 am
  • 57 minutes 59 seconds
    Review of the July 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index - Rates Edition

    Freight rates have entered a new phase, and the signals pointing to it have been hiding in plain sight for anyone willing to look past the headlines and into the data.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by Jake Barr, Chris Caplice, Chief Scientist at DAT Freight & Analytics, and Bobby Holland, Vice President/Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, to dig into the newly launched U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index Rates Edition, a joint report combining U.S. Bank's $46 billion in annual freight payment processing with DAT's database of more than a trillion in freight market transactions.

    Chris breaks down why this tightening cycle isn't the surprise so many transportation executives believe it to be, explaining how capacity, not demand, is the real driver this time around, fueled by driver shortages, tighter regulations, and unprecedented data center build-out. Bobby brings the numbers to life, showing how spot rate movement has historically preceded shifts in contract rates and why shippers should treat that signal as an early warning system rather than an afterthought.

    The conversation lands on what shippers can actually do about it: stress-testing budgets, segmenting freight into dedicated, contract, and dynamic buckets, and using data to answer the question every CFO eventually asks, is it me, or is it the market? Jake closes with a blunt prediction for the shipper side and a challenge to turn the last few years of smooth sailing into real, productive reinvestment. \

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:54) What is the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index Rates Edition

    (05:18) What DAT Freight Analytics does

    (06:28) The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index explained

    (08:47) Is the truckload market really turning

    (11:24) Why this cycle is capacity-driven, not demand-driven

    (17:57) Carriers gain pricing power in a tightening market

    (20:53) What's changed in the market since January

    (23:16) Why spot rates lead contract rate shifts

    (28:01) Elephants vs goldfish: how shippers and carriers remember the market

    (37:52) Prescribed actions: segmenting your freight network

    (55:23) Final predictions and one key takeaway for shippers

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Jake Barr, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/review-july-2026-us-bank-freight-payment-index-rates-edition-1615

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    29 July 2026, 4:00 am
  • 53 minutes 27 seconds
    Beyond the ERP Tradeoff: Building AI-ready Operations

    Enterprise technology has long promised to unlock operational potential, but the trade-offs between monolithic ERP systems and fragmented best-of-breed stacks continue to slow organizations down in ways most leaders don't fully account for.

    In this episode of Enterprise Unleashed on Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Wiley Jones (Co-founder at DOSS) are joined by Jindra Zitek (Partner and Head of Scale at Stripes), a former McKinsey consultant and C-level operator whose career spans Chobani, HelloFresh, and a range of board and advisory roles across industry. Together, they unpack what it actually takes to build operations that are truly AI-ready, and why the answer starts with people long before it reaches technology.

    Jindra draws on firsthand experience leading through hypergrowth and crisis to make the case that both ERP consolidation and best-of-breed ecosystems carry a hidden coordination tax, one that only gets more expensive the longer organizations avoid naming it. He challenges leaders to stop framing AI as a job automation tool and start treating it as a lever for dignity and purpose, giving people the ability to focus on the work that actually requires human judgment.

    The conversation lands on what separates organizations that experiment successfully from those stuck in pilot purgatory: shared business objectives, cross-functional coalitions, and guardrails that free people to move fast without losing control. Wiley grounds the discussion in what Doss is seeing in practice, where the complexity of edge cases is finally collapsing, and where the real work of comprehension still cannot be skipped.

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro 

    (02:29) Jindra Zitek’s background across McKinsey, Chobani, and HelloFresh

    (04:16) Lessons from family, farming, and leadership

    (06:09) Why people should come before systems

    (10:28) The trade-off between ERP and best-of-breed tools

    (15:24) The hidden cost of technology choices

    (17:09) How company DNA shapes technology strategy

    (20:57) Eliminating the human tax of broken systems

    (21:49) Automation should enable people, not replace them

    (25:57) The rise of agentic operations

    (28:57) Building trust and control with AI systems

    (31:34) Measuring real ROI from AI investments

    (35:17) Building cross-functional teams for AI success

    (37:30) Creating guardrails for enterprise AI adoption

    (40:40) The first workflow to transform with AI

    (42:10) Finding business problems AI can solve

    (47:56) How AI changes workflow design and implementation

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Wiley Jones, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/beyond-erp-tradeoff-building-ai-ready-operations-1614

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    27 July 2026, 4:00 am
  • 53 minutes 4 seconds
    The Buzz: AI, Freight Volatility, and the Hidden Power of Yard Operations

    From rising diesel prices and China's evolving economy to Boeing's continued turnaround and the growing role of AI in logistics, this week's episode of The Buzz, powered by Zebra Technologies, covers the biggest stories shaping global supply chains. Scott Luton is joined by special co-host Blythe Milligan (Everything is Logistics) and featured guest Matt Yearling, CEO of YMX Logistics, for a timely conversation on freight markets, infrastructure, innovation, and what leaders should be paying attention to now.

    The discussion begins with the latest freight and economic headlines, including diesel price volatility, shifting global trade patterns, China's export performance, and what these trends mean for supply chain professionals. Scott and Blythe also explore Boeing's ongoing recovery and why trust remains one of the industry's most valuable currencies.

    Later, Matt Yearling joins the show to discuss an often-overlooked area of supply chain operations: the yard. He shares why yard management has become a strategic differentiator, how AI is driving measurable operational improvements, and why successful digital transformation requires more than simply adding new technology. Throughout the conversation, the panel emphasizes practical innovation, operational excellence, and the importance of people in every supply chain.

    Key Takeaways

    • Diesel prices, freight rates, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to pressure transportation costs.
    • China's manufacturing and export trends are reshaping global trade and nearshoring strategies.
    • Boeing's recovery demonstrates that rebuilding trust takes years—but is essential for long-term success.
    • AI delivers the greatest value through practical, incremental improvements rather than flashy automation.
    • Yard operations remain one of supply chain's biggest untapped opportunities for improving efficiency and reducing costs.
    • Technology succeeds when paired with operational expertise, strong processes, and empowered people.

    Whether you're navigating freight volatility, evaluating AI investments, or looking for new ways to improve operational performance, this episode delivers practical insights from experienced supply chain leaders. Tune in for thoughtful analysis of today's biggest headlines and actionable ideas you can apply across your own organization.

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Blythe Milligan. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episodes page at: https://supplychainnow.com/thebuzz-ai-freight-volatility-hidden-power-yard-operations-1613

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    24 July 2026, 4:00 am
  • 43 minutes 20 seconds
    How AI Is Transforming Supply Chain Jobs, Skills, and the Future Workforce

    The AI hype cycle is over. The scaling race has begun.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton welcomes special guest co-host Marina Mayer, Content Director of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Co-Founder of the Women in Supply Chain Forum, for a wide-ranging conversation on how AI is actually reshaping global supply chains, manufacturing, and the workforce behind them. Marina unpacks data showing the AI in logistics and supply chain market is set to grow from just over $20 billion to nearly $196 billion by 2034, and explains why the real driver isn't AI adoption itself but companies learning to target it to the specific parts of the business where it belongs. From there, the two dig into a 2026 AI Skills Enterprise Benchmark from Workera, revealing that manufacturers committed to structured upskilling are hitting 79% workforce readiness scores, and why employee confidence, not just capability, is the missing piece in so many transformation efforts.

    The conversation builds into how KPMG research shows 73% of businesses are now planning a comprehensive overhaul of their supply chain operating model within the next three years, up from just 11% a year prior, and what that means for hiring, training, and the next generation of talent entering the industry. Marina and Scott also explore how mid-sized businesses are using AI to manage expenses and detect fraud, and revisit a conversation on putting frontline AI directly into the hands of workers on the floor to speed up onboarding and decision-making. Along the way, Marina previews the 2026 Women in Supply Chain Forum in Charleston, including its new mentorship program and self-advocacy theme. If you want a grounded, data-backed read on where AI in supply chain is headed next, this conversation delivers.

     

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:25) Meet Marina Mayer

    (02:00) Balancing work and sports mom logistics

    (05:28) The 196 billion AI supply chain boom

    (06:05) Why AI adoption needs a targeted approach

    (10:36) The 2026 AI Skills Enterprise Benchmark

    (13:02) Building employee confidence with AI

    (16:18) Lessons from MODEX and workforce transformation

    (19:38) Why 73 percent are overhauling operating models

    (25:47) Mid market businesses tackle AI and expenses

    (28:35) Putting frontline AI in workers hands

    (35:27) Women in Supply Chain Forum 2026 preview
     

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/ai-transforming-supply-chain-jobs-skills-future-workforce-1612

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    22 July 2026, 12:24 pm
  • 1 hour 8 minutes
    Inside Shipium's Plan to Turn Freight Audit Into Real-Time Monitoring

    Freight audit is one of supply chain's most stubborn cost centers, and the traditional model of catching errors months after the fact is no longer good enough.

    In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Marty Parker are joined by Jason Murray, CEO at Shipium, and Tim Meester, Vice President, Network Performance & Intelligence at Shipium, to discuss the shift from reactive freight audit to always-on, AI-native monitoring.

    The panel explores why the freight audit industry keeps growing at a 14.2% CAGR even as billing errors persist at 2 to 6% of all parcel invoices, and why every dollar lost to those errors can take 19 to 20 new revenue dollars to recover. They address how delayed, after-the-fact reconciliation lets small pricing mistakes snowball into major margin loss, outlining a vision for continuous, agentic auditing that catches issues before invoices even arrive. By leveraging live data, simulation, and autonomous AI agents, shippers can detect root causes in real time and act on them immediately rather than weeks later. Jason Murray concludes by challenging operators to start building a data-first culture now, before the competitive gap becomes impossible to close.


     

    Jump into the conversation:

    (00:00) Intro 

    (02:40) Meet Jason Murray and Tim Meester of Shipium

    (08:36) Jason's journey from Amazon to founding Shipium

    (12:30) Why freight audit keeps growing yet errors persist

    (12:47) Auditing as reconciliation hell and the GLP-1 analogy

    (17:55) Always On Audit reframes reconciliation as monitoring

    (22:08) Reframing leakage and loss spend as a margin tax

    (26:47) Where the money actually leaks in parcel billing

    (33:16) Always on audit versus traditional after the fact review

    (46:18) Why the data layer has to come first for AI

    (50:37) Real world use cases where AI catches hidden savings

    (56:21) Holistic differentiation and the next 24 months for audit

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Marty Parker, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/inside-shipium-plan-turn-freight-audit-into-real-time-monitoring-1611

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 July 2026, 4:00 am
  • 53 minutes 32 seconds
    The Buzz: Manufacturing Momentum, AI Reality & Leadership That Lasts

    On this episode of The Buzz, powered by Zebra Technologies, hosts Scott Luton and special guest co-host Amber Salley are joined by Rich Carey of MFG.inc to break down the biggest headlines shaping global supply chain. From the future of the USMCA and the health of U.S. manufacturing to separating AI hype from real-world value, this conversation delivers practical insights for supply chain leaders navigating constant change.

    What does the latest manufacturing data really tell us? Is AI bringing meaningful transformation to supply chains or just creating more noise? And how can organizations build resilient operations while developing stronger leaders?

    Scott, Amber, and Rich tackle these questions by exploring North American trade policy, manufacturing growth fueled by AI infrastructure investments, energy challenges, and the realities of autonomous supply chains. Rich also shares actionable leadership lessons from decades of operational excellence work, emphasizing servant leadership, trust, quick wins, and developing frontline leaders who can successfully lead change. If you're looking for practical strategies, not just buzzwords, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

    Key Takeaways

    • Why the annual review of the USMCA matters for supply chain planning and business certainty.
    • What recent U.S. manufacturing data reveals about growth, hiring, and AI-driven demand.
    • The difference between real AI applications and the growing "AI noise" across the supply chain industry.
    • Why autonomous supply chains still face significant hurdles around data, governance, and decision-making.
    • How servant leadership, trust, and quick wins accelerate successful operational transformation.
    • Why investing in frontline leaders is one of the most effective ways to improve manufacturing performance.

    Whether you're leading supply chain strategy, manufacturing operations, procurement, or digital transformation, this episode provides thoughtful perspectives on today's biggest industry trends while offering practical leadership advice you can apply immediately. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of where the industry is headed and how great leadership remains the competitive advantage that technology alone can't replace.

    Additional Links & Resources:

    This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Amber Salley, and produced by Trisha Cortes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated episode page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-manufacturing-momentum-ai-reality-leadership-lasts-1610

    The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.

    For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]

    © 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved.


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    17 July 2026, 4:00 am
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