🔥💨🚛 Amazon’s Blaze of Glory, Coal’s Super Shift, & Flexport’s Platform Flex

---

---

Good morning! ☀️

It's Friday, and we're sprinting towards the weekend like a package on its last mile. Today's newsletter is hotter than a coal plant in Illinois – we've got news of fire drills at Amazon's doorstep, coal power plants throwing in the towel faster than anticipated, and Flexport's Convoy Platform gearing up for round two.

So grab your coffee, lace up those logistics boots, and let's dash through the headlines like it's the final leg of a relay race. ☕️

---

“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.”

— Dale Carnegie

---

Fire | Amazon | Evacuation

Fire Incident Sparks Evacuation Near Amazon Fulfillment Center in Illinois

Employees at an Amazon fulfillment center in Markham, Illinois, experienced an evacuation due to a nearby fire on Thursday morning. According to reports, an employee noticed the smell of smoke within the building. Although initially evacuated, employees later returned to work as the situation was assessed. Emergency services remained on-site, including fire trucks, though no ambulances were reported.

The fulfillment center, which opened in October 2021, accommodates thousands of employees. While details regarding the fire remain scarce, Amazon confirmed the evacuation was a precautionary measure. Operations resumed after receiving clearance from the fire department.

Read more about this at Fox Business >

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Any hiccups near fulfillment centers can impact the flow of goods. Evacuations and temporary shutdowns might throw off deliveries, altering the whole supply chain. Trucking companies need to be on their toes when incidents like this happen near fulfillment centers. They might need to change their routes or schedules to make sure deliveries still happen on time.

Delays caused by things like fires can also tick off customers. By keeping tabs on what's happening, logistics companies can chat with customers and manage expectations to keep everyone happy.

🔥 OUR HOT TAKE?

This situation definitely raises questions about workplace safety and emergency protocols. While it's good that the situation was handled swiftly, the fact that employees had to return to work without much clarity on the extent of the danger is concerning.

With thousands of employees and potentially hazardous situations like fires, ensuring the safety and well-being of workers should be the top priority. This incident highlights the need for companies like Amazon to prioritize transparent communication and robust safety measures to protect their employees, even in emergencies.

---

Coal | Shutdown | Power Plant

U.S. Coal Power Plant Shutdowns Outpacing Predictions

In the dynamic landscape of transitioning to cleaner energy sources, the latest clean energy report from BloombergNEF and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy reveals a surprising trend: U.S. coal-fired power plants are closing their doors at a swifter pace than previously anticipated.

Contrary to early projections, an additional 43 gigawatts of coal-fired capacity are slated for retirement by 2030. However, historical data indicates that this estimate might err on the side of caution. Currently, coal contributes approximately 15% of U.S. power generation, underscoring its significant role in the nation's energy mix. Yet, accurately forecasting the trajectory of fossil fuel demand proves to be an intricate and multifaceted challenge, underscoring the complexities inherent in navigating the transition toward a more sustainable energy future.

Read more about this on AXIOS >

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

As coal plants close shop, it could change up the energy scene. This might mean changes in the types of fuels used for transportation, which could throw a wrench into supply chains relying on specific fuel types. Brace yourselves for some infrastructure alterations. With the energy shift, trucking companies might need to tweak their setups, like adjusting fueling stations and maintenance spots.

Also - when coal plants close, it often comes with new rules to cut emissions. These rules can trickle down and affect trucking and logistics regulations, which might mean changes to fleet operations and how things are done to stay on the right side of the law.

🔥  OUR HOT TAKE?

Even though they're saying otherwise, it looks like another 43 gigawatts of coal power might be heading out the door by 2030. And who knows, that number could be even higher based on how things have gone in the past.

Coal's still chugging along, making up about 15% of the power we use in the U.S. But figuring out where things are headed with fossil fuels? Well, that's like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. This news throws a curveball into what we thought we knew about switching up our energy game and shows just how tricky it is to balance the environment with our wallets.

---

Flexport | Convoy | Platform

Flexport Re-Launches The Convoy Platform

Flexport has launched The Convoy Platform, a technology solution aimed at providing small carriers with access to freight while offering real-time competitive rates, shipment visibility, and on-time performance to shippers and brokers. Flexport's CEO, Ryan Petersen, emphasized the platform's role in simplifying global commerce by bringing together all parties involved in logistics.

Flexport acquired Convoy's technology and IP in November, enhancing its capabilities in domestic truck transportation. The platform expands carrier options for Flexport customers, with plans to offer more features for brokers in the coming months. The Convoy Platform enables carriers to book loads, manage paperwork, and track fleets hassle-free through the Convoy app.

Read more about this at Freight Waves >

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Small carriers now have a better shot at snagging freight gigs, thanks to this platform. That means there's a larger pool of carriers available, which could mean smoother and cheaper transportation options. Shippers and brokers get to peek at real-time rates, track their shipments, and check out how well things are running on the platform. This transparency helps everyone make smarter decisions and keeps supply chain operations running smoothly.

With features like fraud detection and automated performance scoring, the platform shows that the industry isn't afraid to embrace new tech. By jumping on board with digital solutions like The Convoy Platform, companies can stay ahead of the curve and keep customers happy.

🔥 OUR HOT TAKE?

Flexport's rollout of The Convoy Platform sounds like great news for small carriers and a simpler way to do business globally, but as expected - not everyone's cheering. Some folks in the industry are saying it could end up causing more problems than it solves. They're worried that by putting all our eggs in one basket with this platform, it could give too much power to just a few players and squeeze out the little guys.

And it's not just about who's calling the shots. There are also concerns about privacy and security when it comes to all that data floating around. Sure, the platform promises to make things easier and faster, but there's a big question mark hanging over what it could mean for the future of the industry. It's definitely got people talking!

---

Daily Riddle:

I connect nations, far and wide,

Bringing goods on a global ride.

From east to west, and north to south,

I move with speed, I have no doubt.

Some call me trade, others call me flow,

I'm essential wherever you go.

I bridge the gaps, I break the fence,

But beware, I come with consequence.

What am I?

Feb 22 Answer: Supreme Court

---