Welcome to 2026 — and welcome to Supply Chain Now. In this episode, we kick off the new year by welcoming new listeners and sharing how you can engage with one of the world’s most active supply chain communities. We reflect on an incredible 2025, including our milestone of ranking in the top 1% of podcasts globally, and break down what makes Supply Chain Now unique — from three weekly podcast episodes to live streams, webinars, and conversations that bring supply chain professionals together from around the world. Looking ahead, we tease what’s coming next in 2026, including new miniseries, fresh formats, and a continued focus on innovation, connection, and meaningful industry dialogue. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or you’re just discovering the show, this episode is your invitation to plug in, join the conversation, and help shape what’s next for the global supply chain community.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.   Additional Links & Resources Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show: Learn more about our hosts Want more Supply Chain Now? We know you can’t get enough…

As the freight market tightens and costs rise, supply chain leaders must plan ahead, strengthen carrier ties, and stay agile. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Karin Bursa sit down with Bobby Holland of U.S. Bank and Nick Palmucci of Ferguson Enterprises to discuss the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for Q4 2025. They unpack what “freight market tightening” looks like in practice, with capacity shrinking, shipper spend climbing, and regional performance moving in different directions, from strength in the Northeast to weakness in the Southwest. They also get into what’s driving demand shifts and cost pressure, including changes in consumer behavior, softer manufacturing signals, and uncertainty that keeps teams on their toes. Along the way, they share practical moves leaders can make right now, such as building a three-year roadmap, reducing spreadsheet dependency, locking in bids earlier, and operating like a shipper of choice when capacity gets tight. The result is a grounded look at what the data shows, what shippers are experiencing, and how to turn both into better decisions.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda…