As the freight market tightens and costs rise, supply chain leaders must plan ahead, strengthen carrier ties, and stay agile. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Karin Bursa sit down with Bobby Holland of U.S. Bank and Nick Palmucci of Ferguson Enterprises to discuss the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for Q4 2025. They unpack what “freight market tightening” looks like in practice, with capacity shrinking, shipper spend climbing, and regional performance moving in different directions, from strength in the Northeast to weakness in the Southwest.
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Building the New Manufacturing Workforce
As strategic forces push manufacturing back to America, one obstacle threatens progress: finding the right people with the right skills. Before new factories can produce anything, they must be built—requiring a new generation of skilled tradespeople such as electricians, welders, and technicians. And once these modern facilities are operational, companies report an unexpected challenge: the biggest talent gaps aren’t just technical, but also in core soft skills like leadership, critical thinking, and communication.
What’s New at MODEX 2026 & Why It is a Must Attend Event
As manufacturing and supply chain industries evolve, events like MODEX 2026 are key in connecting professionals, driving innovation, and showcasing trends. With growing demands for efficiency, sustainability, and advanced tech, face-to-face gatherings offer vital opportunities to learn, compare solutions, and build relationships. MODEX stands as one of the largest platforms in North America, uniting exhibitors, educators, and live demos in a way hard to replicate elsewhere.
The Buzz: AI and the Two-Day Work Week Debate
The pace of change in global supply chains isn’t slowing down — and on this week’s episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker are back to break down the headlines, trends, and real-world implications leaders need to watch.
Owens Corning’s Roadmap to Fuel Cost Visibility and Savings
Owens Corning, one of the world’s largest manufacturer of roofing shingles, insulation, and doors, needed a fundamental shift in how they managed fuel costs.
The Buzz: Supply Chain Predictions for 2026
The future of supply chain is entering a defining chapter, and today, we dig into the signals, shifts, and strategic decisions shaping what’s ahead in 2026. From ongoing trade volatility and labor disruptions to the accelerating role of AI and integrated planning, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on what leaders must prepare for now. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by EPG!
The Buzz: Exploring the Technologies Transforming Operations Today
Today we’re breaking down the biggest forces reshaping global supply chains and the future of manufacturing, and exploring why companies are shifting from global collaboration to regional, domestic-first strategies—especially across the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem. Welcome to The Buzz!
Building a Bold New Roadmap Forward for the U.S. Manufacturing Industry
Tariffs, trade uncertainty, and shifting energy demands are colliding with rapid advances in AI, medtech, and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, companies are racing to fill hundreds of thousands of open roles, rethink how they attract talent, and modernize permitting and policy frameworks that haven’t kept pace with innovation. The result is a U.S. manufacturing sector on the verge of a new chapter, but only if leaders can unlock the right mix of policy, people, and technology.
4 Ways to Optimize Your Supply Chain Planning in 2026
Supply chain planning is undergoing a profound shift in a landscape shaped by rising geopolitical pressure, accelerating disruption cycles, and unprecedented investment in AI. Organizations are being pushed to deliver growth while navigating higher volatility, tighter margins, and increased expectations for speed and adaptability.
The Buzz: Why U.S. Imports From China Are Plummeting — and What It Means for 2026
The future of supply chain is accelerating, and on today’s episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens are unpacking the global trends, disruptions, and economic shifts shaping what’s next for leaders everywhere. From declining imports to AI’s growing pains, this episode cuts through the noise to bring clarity to fast-moving industry headlines. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OMP!
Building Agility in 2026 As Uncertainty Becomes the New Certainty
In a year defined by trade turbulence, rapid innovation, and record levels of uncertainty, global supply chains are being tested like never before. From shifting tariff policies to evolving manufacturing strategies and breakthrough technologies, 2025 has challenged leaders to balance agility with long-term vision.
Analysis of the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index – Q3 2025
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter welcome Bobby Holland, Vice President/Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Heather Shilt, Director, Global Logistics at Fortive, to unpack Q3 2025 findings from the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index, one of the industry’s most referenced trucking indicators, informed by tens of billions in transactions.