Supply Chain Now

The future of supply chain may depend on the things most people never think about.
Pallets, materials, unit load design, transportation systems, and sustainability decisions quietly determine how products move through the world, yet packaging is rarely treated as strategic infrastructure.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton is joined by Mike Jones, CEO of The Pallet Alliance, Dr. Laszlo Horvath, professor and department head at Virginia Tech’s Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, and graduating senior Marta Ghigo for a conversation on packaging innovation, workforce development, sustainability, and the future of supply chain leadership.
Dr. Horvath shares how Virginia Tech’s packaging program prepares students through hands-on projects and industry collaboration, while Marta reflects on entering the field with curiosity, creativity, and a focus on making sustainability practical without sacrificing performance or design. Mike brings the business perspective, explaining how The Pallet Alliance helps companies rethink pallet procurement, standardization, visibility, and long-term value.
Together, they discuss why packaging is far more central to modern commerce than it appears and why the next wave of talent in the field could reshape global supply chains at their core.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:21) Meet today’s packaging industry panel
(05:03) Graduation, family, and taekwondo stories
(08:30) Building Virginia Tech’s packaging program
(10:41) Marta finds her packaging passion
(14:10) Marta’s Unilever packaging internship experience
(16:24) Mike’s journey from weather to pallets
(18:59) Remembering Tyson Steffens’ industry impact
(21:02) Virginia Tech sustainable packaging programs
(23:12) Hands-on packaging projects and sustainability
(24:45) Marta’s Virginia Tech student experience
(26:32) Excitement about packaging industry careers
(27:31) Why packaging culture feels exciting
(28:16) Sustainable packaging without sacrificing design
(28:49) How Pallet Alliance supports manufacturers
(31:15) The hidden operational cost of pallets
(32:25) Why Virginia Tech graduates stand out
(34:25) Strong culture creates long-term employees
(38:02) Tyson Steffens’ humor and lasting legacy
(39:09) Tyson Steffens memorial scholarship program
(43:04) AI, sustainability, and packaging’s future
(47:36) Career advice for future packaging leaders
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Mike Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jones-a97797b5/
Connect with Dr. Laszlo Horvath: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laszlohorvathremeczki/
Connect with Marta Ghigo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-ghigo22/
Learn more about The Pallet Alliance: https://tpai.com/
Learn more about Virginia Tech: https://www.vt.edu/index.html
Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq
WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D
WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/investing-now-generation-supply-chain-leaders-1589

The data doesn't lie, and in Q1 2026, it's telling a story the freight industry hasn't seen in years.
In this special episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and Karin Bursa welcome Bobby Holland, Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Bob Costello, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at the American Trucking Associations, for a deep dive into the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for Q1 2026.
The episode unpacks seven critical takeaways from the quarter, including a historic 12.9% spike in freight spending, a rare supply-side recovery driven by tightening capacity and surging fuel costs, and regional breakdowns across the West, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast, with stops on tariff impacts, cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico, and what a $7.22-per-gallon diesel price in California means for the broader economy.
Together, they explore why this recovery is unlike anything we've seen since the pandemic boom, what the Goldman Sachs recession outlook gets right (and wrong), and how supply chain leaders can use real, verified freight data, not feelings, to make smarter decisions in an unpredictable 2026.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(03:29) Introducing the dynamic duo: Bobby Holland & Bob Costello
(06:23) Bobby's headline summary
(09:47) How industry leaders use the Freight Payment Index
(10:01) National-level results: spending jumps 12.9%
(10:54) A rare supply-side recovery
(13:10) West region: highest shipment levels since 2023
(17:20) Southwest region: 10th straight quarter of declines
(21:40) Midwest region: strongest quarter since Q1 2018
(26:05) Winter storms break the streak
(28:11) Canada & Mexico trade: tariff impact on cross-border freight
(33:20) Southeast region: the only region posting declines
(41:32) Goldman Sachs vs. economic reality
(44:28) Freight market forecast: what's ahead in 2026
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Bob Costello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-costello-444bb670/
Connect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/
Connect with Karin Bursa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinbursa/
Learn more about American Trucking Associations: https://www.trucking.org/
Learn more about U.S. Bank: https://www.usbank.com/index.html
Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq
WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D
WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Karin Bursa and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/analysis-q1-2026-us-bank-freight-payment-index-1588

In this episode of The Buzz, we explore the accelerating pace of supply chain transformation—from AI and automation to talent challenges, micro-fulfillment, and the evolving role of leadership in a volatile business environment. Welcome to The Buzz, powered by OptiLogic!
Hosts Scott Luton and Rick McDonald unpack some of the biggest developments shaping global supply chain today, including Amazon’s expanding supply chain services model, the growing pressure on traditional logistics providers, and the continued rise of AI-first operations. The conversation also dives into key takeaways from MODEX 2026, highlighting trends in warehouse automation, robotics, talent development, forecasting, and change management. Along the way, the episode draws leadership lessons from legendary Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox and explores what today’s supply chain leaders must do to stay resilient, competitive, and customer-focused in an era defined by disruption and rapid innovation.
Key Learnings & Takeaways
AI is reshaping supply chain strategy, forecasting, and operational decision-making
Amazon’s supply chain services expansion could significantly disrupt logistics markets
Warehouse automation and robotics continue to accelerate across the industry
Change management remains one of the biggest barriers to successful transformation
Companies must rethink hiring strategies to secure future-ready talent
Data only matters if it solves meaningful business problems
Micro-fulfillment and faster delivery expectations are redefining supply chain networks
Strong leadership, adaptability, and customer focus are more critical than ever

As supply chains face mounting complexity, rising customer expectations, and constant disruption, organizations that embrace innovation, invest in talent, and execute with agility will separate themselves from the competition. This episode delivers practical insights and forward-looking perspectives for leaders navigating the next era of supply chain transformation.

Additional Links & Resources:
Optilogic: https://optilogic.com/
Optilogic Webinar: Ahead of Disruption: https://bit.ly/AI-First-SupplyChainDesign
With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-17-May-2026
Bobby Cox Leadership: https://bit.ly/Bobby-Cox-Leadership
Supply Chain USA 2026: https://bit.ly/Reuters-Supply-Chain-USA-2026
Beyond the Robot: Why Software Is Driving the Next Wave of Warehouse Automation: https://bit.ly/4tFjJ8Y
Building the Next Generation of Supply Chain Leaders: https://bit.ly/4nBrJGx
Think Small to Win Big: Rethinking Supply Chain Design in the Age of E-Commerce: https://bit.ly/4dUkJjZ
How to Find Cost Reductions in Your Supply Chain: https://bit.ly/Finding-Cost-Reductions-In-Your-SupplyChain
There's No Finish Line in Leadership: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5330395/392D4899CF71F7895EAF22D08D987BA0
Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmcdonald82/
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq
WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D
WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf

This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Rick McDonald and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/the-buzz-supply-chain-leaders-must-adapt-faster-than-ever

Most organizations don't have a technology problem. They have a focus problem.
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton, together with co-host Kim Humphrey, President and CEO of AME, is joined by Rami Goldratt, CEO of Goldratt Group, for a practical, no-fluff deep dive into the Theory of Constraints and what it actually takes to drive breakthrough performance in today's business environment. From why most companies are automating what they can instead of what they should, to the danger of spreading resources thin across too many initiatives, Rami brings decades of real-world experience helping organizations across manufacturing, retail, automotive, engineering, and logistics unlock significant gains in throughput and lead time reduction. Kim adds her lens on why continuous improvement and constraints-thinking are more intertwined than ever, and why the principles Rami's father Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt pioneered are not just still relevant but urgently needed right now.
The conversation spans the full arc: inherent simplicity, managing uncertainty with buffers and fast feedback loops, the tug of war between local efficiency and global performance, and what it looks like when an entire engineering organization aligns behind a single constraint to achieve the impossible. The Mazda story alone is worth the listen. If you're navigating complexity, chasing results that keep falling short, or trying to build an organization that can actually adapt and execute, this one's for you.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(08:43) Rami's career journey and key lessons learned
(15:26) The legacy and simplicity of Dr Eliyahu Goldratt
(18:30) Biggest trends and challenges facing businesses today
(23:39) What is Theory of Constraints and the three fears
(28:09) Why forecasts keep getting less accurate over time
(31:35) Common TOC misconceptions and local vs global efficiency
(38:09) Why supply chain variety is destroying forecast accuracy
(47:15) The Mazda case study and TOC in action
Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Rami Goldratt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramigoldratt/
Learn more about Goldratt Consulting: https://goldrattgroup.com/
Connect with Kim Humphrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlee-kim-h-5977474/
Learn more about AME: https://www.ame.org/
Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq
WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D
WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/why-theory-constraints-more-relevant-than-ever-before-1586

Every year, Americans return nearly a trillion dollars’ worth of products. But once those items leave our hands, most of us never think about where they go—or what happens next.
In this Supply Chain Now Classic Episode, first published in early Februry 2026, host Deborah Dull takes listeners inside the little-known world of reverse logistics, where returned products are sorted, resold, recycled, repaired, or too often, discarded. What emerges is a complex and fragmented system struggling to capture more than $200 billion in lost value—along with critical materials that could power a more resilient, sustainable economy.
This special feature explores the people, processes, and infrastructure behind returns, revealing both the challenges and the massive untapped opportunity hidden in plain sight. From outdated systems and disconnected networks to innovative approaches reshaping how products are recovered and reused, Remade in America uncovers what’s really happening after “return” is clicked.
Along the way, Deborah asks a provocative question: Is “Made in America” still the right goal—or is the future about something more powerful?
What if the real opportunity isn’t just making more, but making better use of what we already have?
Through expert insights, real-world stories, and on-the-ground perspectives, Remade in America redefines how we think about returns, recovery, and the future of supply chains in a resource-constrained world.
This is a story about waste, value, resilience—and how reimagining reverse logistics could help reshape American industry for the next generation.

Additional Links & Resources:
Connect with Deborah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdull/
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
WEBINAR- Delivering Flawless Field Service with Predictive Insights and AI: https://bit.ly/4sXVZfV
WEBINAR- From AI Pilots to Performance: How Supply Chain Leaders Are Scaling Agentic AI: https://bit.ly/49hCqIq
WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D
WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf

This episode is hosted by Deborah Dull and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/remade-america-1541