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…

Early purchase order visibility can be the difference between staying ahead of disruption and scrambling to catch up. In this episode, Mike Wiggins, Senior Vice President of Solution Design and Deployment, and Nayeli Valladares, Vice President of Solution Design and Deployment at DP World, discuss why early purchase order visibility matters more than ever as supply chains face disruption, sourcing shifts, and greater complexity. They explain how purchase orders can give teams an earlier read on demand, risk, and pressure across suppliers, carriers, brokers, and internal teams, leading to better forecasting and smarter planning around inventory, capacity, and transportation. They also explore how companies are using technology and closer coordination to make faster, more informed decisions. From tariff-driven sourcing changes and seasonal demand swings to stockout risk and communication gaps, Mike and Nayeli show how stronger visibility helps teams act sooner, reduce surprises, and build more resilient operations.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, 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: Connect with Mike Wiggins Connect with Nayeli Valladares Learn more about DP World Upcoming…