Alex Haines

The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for 3Q 2021 has been released, and one thing remains clear: spend is up. More specifically, year over year, quarterly freight spend showed the second largest increase ever – rising 32.6% from 3Q 2020. What’s driving the dollars, and what can this increase tell us about the state of the supply chain across the country? Supply Chain Now co-hosts Scott Luton and Greg White recently sat down with Bobby Holland, Director, Freight Data Solutions at U.S. Bank, and Patricia Gabriel, Vice President US Customer Service & Logistics, at Mondelez International, to find out. Let’s review highlights from their discussion of the report – and take a look at what you need to consider moving forward. But first, what is the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index? The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index is a free report you can download each quarter to keep your finger on the pulse of freight shipping volumes and spend from both a national and regional perspective. The report uses actual transaction payment data, de-seasonalized and calendar adjusted for maximum comparability. How do I use it? When you’re asking the question, “What happened last quarter?” the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index…

Written by Karin Bursa, Founder and CEO of NIRAKIO and Supply Chain Now Host If you know me, you know I’m a supply chain nerd. I love talking about it, thinking about what’s next, and sharing success stories to inspire others who may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. So, when I stepped into the moderator’s chair for our recent Supply Chain Now livestream, I knew we were in for a powerful conversation. Five extraordinary women — each leading global supply chains at some of the world’s most iconic brands — came together to share how they are navigating disruption, embracing innovation, and shaping the future of supply chain leadership. As a fellow Woman in Supply Chain for over 30 years, I had to resist acting like a true ‘Fan Girl’ — I could have talked with them for hours. The world we live in is the “Never Normal.” Volatility is constant. Technology is advancing faster than our operating models. Yet, what struck me most during our panel was the optimism and resilience each leader displayed. These women are proof that even in the face of complexity, supply chains can be transformed into engines of business growth, agility, and…