Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, CITP

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…

Stay up to date on all the latest conversations, interviews, and episodes we released this week here at Supply Chain Now! We kicked the week off with a special episode of Digital Transformers with host Kevin L. Jackson and Scott Luton. This episode also featured the Vice President of Strategic Customers at Ratelinx, Andrew Hooser. During this episode Andrew talks about how Ratelinx helps companies unite their data and take action. For This Week In Business History Kelly covers stories from plumbing inventors to a black woman holding incredible records for having a substantial amount of patents. For this episode of Supply Chain Now host Scott gets to chat with the CEO and co-founder of Tommy Run, Bernard Parks and Tandreia Bellamy. One topic that is discussed includes why logistics is an important part of EVERY business model because “everything has to touch a truck”. On Wednesday we released an episode of Logistics With Purpose with host Enrique Alvarez and Kristi Porter. This episode also features Audra Weddle, Shipping Director and Ryan Grabill, Director of International Disaster Service, for Convoy of Hope. This episode focuses on Convoy of Hope and the logistics of disaster outreach. For this special Thursday feature…