🚢🔋👏 Ship Happens, Price Shockwave, & Consulting Conundrum

Good morning! ☀️

Welcome to another edition of The Workday Dash, where the only thing moving faster than your shipments is the news shaking up the supply chain.

👉 Today, we’re navigating the choppy waters of rising economic nationalism in the U.S. as shipowners brace for the potential return of turbocharged protectionism.

👉 Meanwhile, Tesla’s playing hard to get with its Cybertruck, bumping up the price tag to a cool $100K—guess affordable EVs are stuck in traffic.

👉 And if you thought the hustle stopped there, think again—Gen Z consultants are rethinking their careers, opting to trade in the prestige of consulting for something with a bit more purpose and a lot more work-life balance.

It’s a jam-packed ride today, so let’s dive in!

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“In the long run, you make your own luck — good, bad, or indifferent.”

— Loretta Lynn

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Rising US Protectionism Worries Global Shipping Industry

Rising economic nationalism in the U.S. has shipowners on edge, and for good reason. Guy Platten, head of the International Chamber of Shipping, is sounding the alarm on a potential return of Trump's protectionist policies—only this time, they could be even more aggressive. This could seriously shake up global trade, and industry leaders are taking note. The Biden administration’s recent moves targeting Chinese shipping have added fuel to the fire, with some companies rushing to place orders before potential tariff hikes hit.

Platten points out that protectionism has a history of backfiring, costing more in the long run than it benefits. With both political parties in the U.S. pushing agendas that could disrupt global trade, the shipping industry is bracing for impact.

💡 Why does this matter? When big players like the U.S. start tweaking trade policies, it sends ripples through the entire logistics chain—think higher costs, more red tape, and potential delays. If the U.S. rolls out more tariffs or ramps up protectionism, expect freight rates to spike and shipping lanes to get tangled. This isn’t just about international trade; it could hit your bottom line, whether you're moving goods across borders or just around the corner.

🔥 Our hot take? Protectionism might seem like a quick fix, but in logistics, it’s like throwing a roadblock on a highway—it slows everyone down and drives up costs.

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Tesla's Cybertruck Pricing Shift: What's Going On?

Tesla just made a big move—it's no longer taking orders for the $61,000 Cybertruck. Now, if you want one, the cheapest option on their site is a cool $100,000. This shift has left many potential buyers and investors scratching their heads about the future of Tesla’s electric pickup.

Elon Musk had high hopes for the Cybertruck, planning to crank out 200,000 units a year. But with delays and sky-high prices, some customers are starting to have second thoughts. Remember when Musk promised a $40,000 truck with a 500-mile range? Well, that’s now a distant memory. The current models offer less range and a much heftier price tag. Analysts are even hinting that demand might be lower than expected, with Tesla holding onto a sizable inventory of these premium trucks. Despite the hurdles, the first Cybertrucks finally started rolling out in November 2023—after several years of delays.

💡 Why does this matter? Tesla’s shift in Cybertruck pricing and production hiccups could be a sign of bigger issues in the EV supply chain. If Tesla, with all its resources, is hitting bumps in the road with supply chain and demand forecasting, it’s a warning sign for anyone counting on EVs for their fleet.

🔥 Hot Take: If Tesla’s having trouble getting its EV trucks out the door, it might be time to rethink just how ready the industry is for a full-scale electric shift—especially in logistics.

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Gen Z's Take on Consulting: A Launchpad, Not a Lifelong Dream

Meet Ezra Gershanok, a Penn State grad who had his sights set on a consulting career. He snagged offers from big names like McKinsey, thinking the prestige and perks were unbeatable. But reality hit hard—his first project felt more like babysitting than solving big problems. Two years in, he walked away to start his own business.

Ezra's story isn't unique. Many Gen Z consultants are using consulting as a stepping stone, not a destination. They love the experience and connections, but the work often feels hollow, with little work-life balance. Sure, consulting gives you security and a shiny résumé, but the high-pressure, long-hour grind has them looking for something more meaningful.

💡 Why does this matter? Consulting trends are shaping how young talent views their career paths. If Gen Z sees consulting as just a pit stop, they might be eyeing roles where they can make a real impact—like in logistics, where innovation and problem-solving are at the heart of the industry.

🔥 Our hot take? As Gen Z moves away from consulting in search of purpose, the logistics industry might just be the perfect place for them to drive real change and find that sense of fulfillment.

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Daily Riddle:

I’m what gives direction,

Without me, goals fade.

I’m the reason you strive,

In every plan you’ve made.

What am I?

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Previous Riddle Answer: Capacity

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