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December 22, 2020

This Week on Supply Chain Now: December 14th – 19th

Want to hear the latest supply chain trends and industry news? Make sure to catch up on all the latest episodes, interviews, conversations, and livestreams right here! On Saturday, Scott Luton and Vector Global Logistics’ Enrique Alvarez welcomed Patrick Nelson, a decorated combat veteran whose received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart Medal, to hear his thoughts on what makes an effective leader in a challenging year like this.   On Monday, Scott welcomed Rod Sherkin with ProPurchaser.com back to the podcast to discuss one of our most asked topics: how to optimize the job search and truly stand out amongst the crowd.   On Tuesday’s podcast, we welcomed Sandro Natale with AT&T and Thomas Carter with TNS – Total Network Service to discuss digital engagement and digital transformations plus its role and purpose with your customers, employees, and partners.   On Wednesday, special guest Zachary Ramirez with Ally Logistics joined Scott and Greg to talk all about simplifying logistics in an ever more complex world.   On Thursday, Dale Wilkinson, Founder of goodgigs, joined us to share the trends he’s seeing among mission driven companies as the workforce remains virtual in the foreseeable future, the other media channels…
supply chain war room strategy
February 26, 2026

Inside the Supply Chain War Room: Max Garland on Backup Plans, Delivery Costs & the Human Side of Innovation

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…