Share:

The Supply Chain Buzz for October 11th

Join us for this week’s episode of The Buzz, as we dive deep into the recent developments in labor negotiations affecting U.S. ports, specifically the tentative agreement between the ILA and USMX, which has temporarily averted a significant strike.

Hosts Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor welcome special guest Jon Gold, VP, Supply Chain and Customs Policy for the National Retail Federation (NRF) to the show, and discuss the implications of this agreement, including a 62% wage increase over six years and the critical topic of automation that could become a sticking point in future negotiations.

Listen in as the conversation continues and covers:

  • The need for continuous learning to retain talent and adapt to changes in the manufacturing workforce
  • Cybersecurity Awareness Month, highlighting the critical importance of protecting supply chains from increasing cyber threats
  • The upcoming NRF 2025 conference and key themes like AI’s role in supply chain management and strategies for diversifying operations outside of China that will be focused on
  • The significance of engaging younger generations in manufacturing through educational tours and programs to foster interest in the industry

Join us for this episode, and gain insights into current market dynamics and the strategies that can help navigate the complexities of supply chain management in today’s rapidly changing environment.

 

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor, and produced by Amanda Luton.

 

 

Additional Links & Resources

Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show:

 

Want more Supply Chain Now?

We know you can’t get enough Supply Chain Now! Don’t miss a single episode, livestream, or webinar:

 

More Podcast Episodes

operations
play-button-podcast
podcast-blue-microphone
Podcast
June 9, 2025

Five Key Tips for Driving Organizational Success in 2025

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton sits down with Billy Ray Taylor, CEO and President of LinkedXL, to explore the foundational principles behind high-performing supply chain organizations. Drawing on his decades of leadership at Goodyear and his work with industry teams today, Billy Ray shares how speed, clarity, and connected systems drive real, measurable change. He breaks down five timeless yet urgent considerations for modern leadership—from rethinking KPIs as KPAs, to cultivating ownership and alignment across the organization, to architecting operating systems that empower people at every level. As Billy Ray says, “Speed is the currency of leadership”—and in today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s not just a competitive edge, it’s a necessity.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton, 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: Watch NOW on YouTube Connect with Billy Ray Taylor Learn more about LinkedXL Learn more about our hosts   Want more Supply Chain Now? We know you can’t get enough Supply Chain Now! Don’t miss a single episode, livestream, or webinar: Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes…
play-button-podcast
podcast-blue-microphone
Podcast
June 19, 2024

Sync Up for Success: Tips to Tackle Peak Season

Prepare your supply chain for peak season success with actionable insights from industry experts…