Jim Fechner

At Manifest 2026, Scott Luton shared a cup of coffee with Max Garland, Senior Reporter at Supply Chain Dive, an Informa TechTarget publication, for a boots-on-the-ground perspective from one of the industry’s most plugged-in observers. Garland covers freight, logistics, retail fulfillment, and parcel delivery: the parts of the supply chain where strategy meets reality. And after a bruising 2025, he sees an industry that’s not just reacting anymore. It’s recalibrating.   From Plan B to Plan D If 2025 had a theme, Garland says it was contingency planning. “Last year was when a lot of companies were putting together those Plan B’s, Plan C’s, and Plan D’s,” he explained, pointing to tariff upheaval and shifting trade policy that forced leaders into constant reaction mode. Companies prioritized flexibility: diversifying sourcing, adjusting procurement strategies, and preparing for fires wherever they might spark. In 2026, that flexibility remains. But the tone has shifted. Now companies are “firming up their plans, fine-tuning, making sure those back-up plans are cost-effective as well.” It’s no longer just about avoiding disruption; it’s about operating efficiently within it. In other words, supply chain leaders aren’t just jumping over candlesticks anymore (like Jack from the old nursery rhyme). They’re…

Another great week here at Supply Chain Now! Did you catch all the episodes? If not, you can check them all out here: We kicked off the week with This Week in Business History, where Scott looks back at some of the biggest historical events in business history for the week ahead. Supply Chain Now · “This Week in Business History for June 29th: The U.S. Interstate Highway System”   Then on Tuesday, Scott and Greg welcomed Cynthia Curry with the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Jasmine Crowe with Goodr to the podcast for a conversation about redirecting excess prepared food and so much more.   Supply Chain Now · “Feed More & Waste Less: Jasmine Crowe with Goodr”   On Wednesday, we continued our new series, TECHquila Sunrise with Greg White, where Greg shares the latest investments, acquisitions, innovations, and glorious implosions in Supply Chain Tech every week.   Supply Chain Now · “Top 25 Startup Ecosystems, Inclusive Investing, & Big Deals: TECHquila Sunrise with Greg White”   On Thursday we published the Supply Chain Buzz, where Greg and Scott discussed the top supply chain news of the week.   Supply Chain Now · “Supply Chain Buzz for June 29th:…