Milestones: Behind the Freight Curtain

When Ports Become Headlines (9/2/25)

Ellie and Steve dissect three modern catastrophes that brought ports and supply chains to a standstill: the Tianjin and Beirut explosions and the collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge. They examine the causes, failures in safety and infrastructure, and the vast ripple effects in global logistics. The episode exposes both technical and human lessons from these large-scale disasters.

America's $100 Billion Truck Parking Problem (8/26/25)

Ellie and Steve dig into the hidden crisis of truck parking in America, uncovering its true costs and why simple fixes are harder than they seem. From driver safety challenges to tech-driven solutions, they reveal how inefficient parking hurts both freight efficiency and every consumer’s wallet.

Panama's Ports Crossroads and Crypto Ambitions (8/19/25)

Steve and Ellie dive into the fast-moving legal and political drama embroiling Panama’s vital canal ports, the international contenders vying for control, and the bold new push for Bitcoin-powered shipping discounts. The episode breaks down what’s at stake for trade, global influence, and the future of logistics in Latin America.

Bridging the Talent Gap in Supply Chain (8/12/25)

Ellie and Steve unpack the massive challenge of supply chain workforce recruitment and how the industry is responding— from purpose-driven storytelling, to innovative university programs, to real-life partnerships like O-SCAN. Discover why awareness, inclusivity, and strategic collaboration could shape the next generation of logistics leaders.

Railroad Giants Merge (8/5/25)

Ellie and Steve dive into the monumental Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger and its potential to reshape American logistics. They break down industry reactions, labor concerns, regulatory obstacles, and what’s at stake for shippers, workers, and the U.S. economy.

Parcel Power Plays and Pricing Shocks (7/29/25)

Ellie and Steve dig into the big moves rocking U.S. parcel delivery in 2025: the Postal Service's high-stakes carrier switch, skyrocketing shipping costs, and fierce summer hiring surges. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at contracts, fees, workforce strategies, and how businesses and consumers can adapt.

Tariffs, Turbulence, and the Port Surge (7/22/25)

Ellie and Steve unpack the dramatic June shipping spike at the Port of Los Angeles, the scramble by importers to beat looming tariffs, and the ongoing volatility in global freight. From shifting trade routes to rising costs, this episode explores how policy and geopolitics disrupt the supply chain—and what it means for business and consumers.

Transforming India Post (7/15/25)

This episode explores India Post's ambitious transformation from a traditional postal network into the world's largest, tech-driven logistics powerhouse. Steve and Ellie break down how innovations in digital tools, air cargo, and dedicated employees are reshaping India's postal landscape.

Strait to the Problem (7/8/25)

Ellie and Steve unpack the escalating situation around the Strait of Hormuz, exploring its global impact on oil markets, supply chains, and geopolitics. They break down the latest developments, expert warnings, and what this chokepoint means for freight and the world economy.

Robots Take the Loading Dock (7/1/25)

Ellie and Steve dive into the rapid rise of robotic automation in truck loading and unloading, exploring the latest tech, industry leaders, and the impact on workers. From AmbiStack’s AI to Boston Dynamics’ Stretch, this episode unpacks how these advances are reshaping supply chains and warehouse jobs.

The 2025 CSCMP State of Logistics Report (6/24/25)

Ellie and Steve unpack the 2025 CSCMP State of Logistics Report, exploring how geopolitical tensions, rising costs, and technology are reshaping the logistics landscape. From U.S.-Mexico trade to the growing role of AI, the episode reveals how supply chains are adapting for the future.

AI Realities in Retail (6/17/25)

Steve and Ellie dive into how AI is redefining inventory management, the hype versus the real hurdles in tech adoption, and the next wave of personalized shopping tools. With retail giants experimenting and startups innovating, they unpack what’s working, what isn’t, and what the future holds.

Spot Rate Surge (6/10/25)

Steve and Ellie dig into the recent, dramatic rise in global container spot rates, unpacking its causes, effects, and what industry leaders and analysts predict will happen next. From the Far East to the US and Europe, they explore how tariffs, capacity, and market volatility are shaping the freight landscape.