Lawmakers Seek to Strengthen Youth Truck Driver Program
Good morning! As we approach the end of the week, we have curated a fresh batch of industry insights, trends, and news to kickstart your day. With the global supply chain landscape constantly evolving, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest developments that impact businesses and consumers alike. ☕️
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The DRIVE Safe Integrity Act, introduced by Reps. Rick Crawford and Henry Cuellar, aims to remove a requirement in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot program for drivers aged 18-20 to join the U.S. Department of Labor's registered apprenticeship program. The proposal has received strong support from the American Trucking Associations, who see it as a solution to the ongoing truck driver shortage. The bill also calls for a review of safety data and the establishment of permanent apprenticeship regulations for commercial drivers aged 18-20.
Check out today’s featured article from Freight Waves to read about the latest debate over the age of apprenticeship in the DOT’s driving program. Will the driver shortage finally receive the help it needs?
Featured Article:
Lawmakers look to bolster ranks of young truck-driver program | Freight Waves
“A proposal aimed at lowering barriers to the Biden administration’s under-21 truck driver apprenticeship pilot program has strong support from the nation’s big-carrier lobby.”
Shipping & Education 🚢
Maersk Innovation Center Launches to Drive Enterprise-Level Advancements
Maersk has inaugurated its new global Innovation Center, focusing on the entire logistics chain and utilizing emerging technologies to develop tools that enhance operational processes. The center will test potential ideas as pilots and introduce scalable solutions for customers if successful. Areas of concentration include supply chain transparency, resilience, predictive analytics, sustainability, transportation optimization, and warehouse automation. The center has already achieved significant milestones, such as research collaborations with MIT, implementing advanced technologies from partners like Fetch and Boston Dynamics, and acquiring electric-powered trucks for sustainable solutions.
Maersk aims to establish an innovative supply chain ecosystem by leveraging analytics, technology, research, engineering, and strategic partnerships to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Supply Chain & Logistics 📦
Blue Apron partners with logistics outsourcing to streamline supply chain
Blue Apron, a leading meal kit provider, is shifting to an asset-light operational model by partnering with FreshRealm, a provider of fresh meals to retailers. Under the long-term operations and logistics relationship, Blue Apron will transfer its operational infrastructure, including fulfillment centers and personnel, to FreshRealm. The move allows Blue Apron to focus on branding, product development, and its core direct-to-consumer business while leveraging FreshRealm's expertise in ready-to-heat and ready-to-cook meals.
The companies have signed a non-binding letter of intent, with Blue Apron expected to receive up to $50 million for the transfer of its operational infrastructure. Blue Apron will issue warrants to FreshRealm for 19.9% of the company's common stock. The transaction is set to be completed around June 9, 2023, enabling Blue Apron to enhance efficiency, accelerate profitability, and continue delivering innovative culinary offerings to its customers.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
🚢 Report Reveals Plummeting Demand for Asian Goods. New research from e2open reveals a persistent decline in demand for goods from Asia. The company's quarterly Ocean Shipping Index, based on data from its supply chain SaaS platform, indicates a reduction in global demand for Asian goods, as evidenced by shorter cross-ocean transit times over the past nine months. Notably, exports from Asia to North America experienced the most significant quarterly drop, while various cross-ocean journeys, including those from South America, also saw declines. Despite the challenging global ocean shipping environment, the report highlights a positive trend of decreasing booking-to-receipt times for shipments.
🇺🇸 Continuing Supply Chain Challenges Shift and Persist in the United States in 2023. The U.S. supply chain is gradually recovering from the initial shocks of the pandemic, but challenges persist even after three years. While transportation rates have decreased due to shifts in consumer spending, labor shortages, material scarcities, and increased demand for infrastructure projects continue to impact supply chains. Companies are implementing cost-cutting measures, investing in technology, and focusing on efficiency to mitigate ongoing challenges and improve supply chain performance.
🇨🇦 Canadian Trucking Officials Demand an End to the 'Scam' of Driver Inc. Canadian trucking officials held a news conference in Ottawa, urging the government to take action against the business model known as Driver Inc. This model involves trucking companies asking drivers to register as corporations and sell their services, allowing the companies to avoid taxes and withholdings. Officials argue that Driver Inc. is a tax scam, exploits vulnerable workers, and gives certain carriers an unfair advantage. They are pressing the country's Labour Program and the Canada Revenue Agency to enforce regulations and combat the use of Driver Inc., which costs the government at least $1 billion annually in lost tax revenue.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
👩💻 ChatGPT Expands its Role, Bringing AI to the Supply Chain. The Gartner Supply Chain Symposium was dominated by discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in the supply chain industry. Companies showcased their AI capabilities, emphasizing how AI, particularly generative AI like ChatGPT, can transform supply chain software solutions. IBM demonstrated its generative AI capabilities for tracking parts shortages, while other companies like LevaData and Overhaul unveiled their AI-powered solutions. However, despite the advancements in AI technology, many supply chain professionals still face challenges in adopting and integrating AI tools into their operations, highlighting the importance of change management and overcoming resistance to change.
🤝Intel Exceeds Expectations with Supply Chain Diversity Goals. Intel surpasses $2 billion in spending with diverse suppliers, achieving its target ahead of schedule. The company's commitment to an inclusive supply chain allows it to address social gaps and promote fair business practices. Intel attributes its success to processes and incentives that encourage diverse suppliers to work with them, as well as rapid manufacturing expansion, which has enabled them to engage more suppliers. Through initiatives, partnerships, and the establishment of the SEMI Manufacturing Owners Diversity (MOD) Working Group, Intel has led the expansion of diverse-owned suppliers in the semiconductor industry and established a diversity baseline for the supply chain.
😳 New York truck attacker sentenced to 10 life terms plus 260 years. Sayfullo Saipov, responsible for the deadliest terror attack in New York since 9/11, has been sentenced to 10 life terms plus 260 years in prison. He killed eight people and injured 12 others when he drove a truck into pedestrians and cyclists in Manhattan in 2017. Saipov showed no remorse during the trial, and despite being confronted by victims' families and survivors, he maintained his allegiance to the terrorist group.
🎗️ Supply Chain Excellence Recognized: John Rattay and Emily Weiser of Redwood Logistics Named 'Pros to Know’. Redwood Logistics' Chief Commercial Officer John Rattay and SVP of Sales Emily Weiser have been recognized as "Pros to Know" by Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Rattay's leadership has contributed to Redwood's growth and success in delivering innovative supply chain solutions, while Weiser has played a pivotal role in expanding Redwood's customer base and driving SaaS pipeline growth. The recognition highlights their customer-centric approach and positions them as influential leaders in the supply chain industry.
🤝 Osa Commerce Collaborates with Windward to Provide Insights Powered by Maritime AI. Osa Commerce has announced a strategic partnership with Windward, a leading Maritime AI™ company, to enhance its supply chain visibility and efficiency ecosystem. Through this collaboration, Osa Commerce's customers will have access to Windward's real-time maritime insights and analytics, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their global supply chain operations. The integration of Windward's advanced technology will provide end-to-end visibility, enable real-time monitoring of shipments, and facilitate actionable insights to mitigate risks and ensure the timely delivery of goods.
🍷 Rodrigo de Oliveira Appointed as Vice President of Supply Chain at Vintage Wine Estates. Vintage Wine Estates has appointed Rodrigo de Oliveira as Vice President of Supply Chain. De Oliveira brings extensive experience in operations and supply chain leadership, having previously held leadership positions in various consumer products businesses. The appointment is expected to drive operational efficiencies and cost reductions, as well as simplify product lines and reduce the production footprint for Vintage Wine Estates.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 27, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.