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. They also get into what’s driving demand shifts and cost pressure, including changes in consumer behavior, softer manufacturing signals, and uncertainty that keeps teams on their toes. Along the way, they share practical moves leaders can make right now, such as building a three-year roadmap, reducing spreadsheet dependency, locking in bids earlier, and operating like a shipper of choice when capacity gets tight. The result is a grounded look at what the data shows, what shippers are experiencing, and how to turn both into better decisions.   This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda…

As we conclude the celebration of Earth Month in 2024, hosts Kristi Porter and Nuria Sierra welcome you to this episode of Logistics With Purpose, as Chris Forbes, co-founder of The Cheeky Panda, discusses the company’s journey and commitment to sustainability. The Cheeky Panda, a UK-based startup, produces household products like toilet paper and baby wipes from bamboo, the world’s fastest-growing plant. Forbes explains that the idea was born out of a desire to create a sustainable, high-quality product that could easily replace everyday essentials. The company, which distributes in 27 countries, has faced challenges such as working capital and supply chain management. Listen and learn as Forbes emphasizes the importance of small, sustainable choices in everyday life, and encourages consumers to question their need for plastic and opt for recyclable alternatives.