Preview of Autonomous Truck Unveiled by Kodiak
Good morning! Happy World Red Cross Day! Today, as we honor the humanitarian efforts of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, we take a moment to reflect on the critical role of supply chain management in ensuring that life-saving aid and supplies reach those in need around the world.
Not to mention… it’s also National Have a Coke Day. As we raise a glass to Coca-Cola, we also take a moment to reflect on the impressive supply chain that keeps this beloved beverage stocked on shelves and flowing in fountains around the world. So crack open a cold one and let's dive in!
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Kodiak is a company dedicated to developing autonomous driving technology for long-haul trucking. Their newest innovation is an autonomous truck that operates on highways and controlled-access roads. The Kodiak autonomous truck uses cameras, radar, and lidar sensors to perceive its surroundings and make decisions in real time. This technology aims to improve long-haul trucking by enhancing safety, efficiency, and reliability. The Kodiak truck can operate 24/7 without rest breaks, increasing productivity and reducing delivery times. Furthermore, it can be programmed to drive in a fuel-efficient manner, lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
Although Kodiak has tested their autonomous truck in California and plans to expand to Texas, it's essential to note that autonomous driving technology is still in its infancy. There are significant regulatory, technical, and social obstacles to overcome before it becomes widely adopted in the trucking industry.
Check out today's featured article from Fleet Maintenance to learn about Kodiak's latest development, the newly equipped Peterbilt Model 579E incorporated with self-driving technology. Will Kodiak be the first to bring this groundbreaking idea into reality? Are self-driving semi-trucks still a distant dream, or is this technology becoming a near-future reality?
Featured Article:
Kodiak's autonomous electric truck a preview of trucking's future | Fleet Maintenance
“By equipping a Peterbilt Model579E with self-driving tech, Kodiak Robotics has broken new ground in the transportation space, but due to battery range, a product that could help long haul carriers remains elusive.”
Stats & Data 📊
Record Low Supply Chain Index Reached in April
The Supply Chain Index is a metric developed by Supply Chain Insights, a research and advisory firm, to evaluate the performance of supply chains across various industries. It is based on a combination of financial and operational metrics, providing a comprehensive overview of a company's end-to-end supply chain performance. By utilizing this metric, companies can benchmark their supply chain performance against peers, identify areas of improvement, and adopt best practices to enhance their operations. The Supply Chain Index is updated annually and includes data from industries such as retail, consumer products, healthcare, and technology. It is widely utilized by analysts, industry experts, and companies to assess the performance of supply chains across diverse sectors.
The Supply Chain Index is a valuable tool for companies to gain insights into how their supply chain performance compares with other industry players. Through this metric, they can identify areas of weakness and implement strategies to enhance their supply chain operations. The index helps companies to remain competitive, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive growth. Overall, the Supply Chain Index provides a comprehensive and comparative assessment of supply chain performance, allowing companies to stay ahead of the curve in a dynamic and ever-changing business environment.
American Politics & Regulations 🇺🇸
Oklahoma Congressman Proposes Bill to Halt Speed Limiter Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Speed Limiter Rule is a regulation that requires heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and buses, to be equipped with electronic speed limiters that restrict them from exceeding a specific speed while on the road. First proposed in 2016, the rule aimed to enhance highway safety by minimizing the risk of high-speed accidents involving commercial vehicles. Citing studies that showed speed as a contributing factor in a significant number of crashes involving commercial vehicles, the final rule was published in 2020. It mandates that all newly manufactured commercial motor vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds have speed limiters installed that restrict speeds to 60, 65, or 68 miles per hour. Additionally, the rule requires that existing vehicles be retrofitted with speed limiters if they are not already equipped with them.
Despite the FMCSA Speed Limiter Rule's intention to enhance safety, it has been a subject of controversy. Some industry groups have argued that the rule will have little impact on safety and may even create new safety risks such as causing traffic congestion or increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Nonetheless, supporters of the rule contend that it will improve safety on the nation's highways and reduce the risk of accidents involving commercial vehicles. Recently, a Republican congressman in Oklahoma proposed new legislation that would prevent the FMCSA from implementing the speed limiter rule on 18-wheelers.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
🚛 Cross-Border E-commerce Thrives Despite Concerns Over Trade Growth. The 2023-2024 report on cross-border commerce reveals that cross-border e-commerce is becoming increasingly diverse and globalized. However, the report also notes that 37% of respondents expressed concerns about deteriorating US-China relations, and 33% fear a growing trend toward protectionism. These factors highlight the challenges that businesses face in the global marketplace and the need to remain vigilant to safeguard their interests.
🛢️ Data Indicates Oil is En Route to China. Shipping data reveals that around 125 supertankers, each capable of carrying 250 million barrels, were en route to China by the end of last month, surpassing the country's oil import levels from the last two years. Further data suggest that additional shipments may be underway. Although China is still in the recovery phase, its position as the world's largest importer remains unwavering.
🇮🇳 Supply Chain Challenges to Benefit India, Experts Say. According to a survey conducted by the World Economic Forum, over 70% of economists believe that India will benefit from the global economic turbulence. Additionally, 100% of the surveyed economists agree that changes in the global supply chain structure are expected over the next three years. These findings indicate that the global economy is experiencing significant changes, which may provide new opportunities and challenges for countries like India.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
👨🏻🔧 April Sees Growth in the Service Economy. A services economy refers to an economy where the majority of the economic activity is focused on providing services rather than producing goods. In this type of economy, industries such as healthcare, education, finance, retail, transportation, and entertainment are the primary drivers of economic growth and job creation. Recently, the ISM announced an increase in the PMI of 0.7% over March's 51.2, indicating growth in the services sector.
👗 Lawmakers Express Concerns Over SHEIN's Supply Chain. A group of lawmakers has urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to delay the initial public offering of Chinese fast-fashion retailer, SHEIN, until it can be verified that the company does not use forced labor from the Muslim population in China. The lawmakers noted that certain SHEIN garments shipped into the US were made of cotton sourced from the Xinjiang region, and have asked the SEC to verify that the company does not use Uyghur forced labor. The letter was sent to the SEC chair as part of the lawmakers' efforts to prevent the exploitation of forced labor in global supply chains.
🔋 UAW Delays Endorsement of Biden Due to EV Concerns. The United Auto Workers (UAW) and their leaders have postponed endorsing President Biden until their concerns regarding the auto industry's shift to all-electric vehicles (EVs) are addressed. The union is calling for a "just transition" for workers, given that the government uses taxpayer money to subsidize the EV industry. The UAW is seeking assurances that workers' jobs and wages will be protected during this transition period.
Get Smart 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
👩💻 ASCM Introduces New Technology Certificate Program. The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) has announced the launch of a new Supply Chain Technology Certificate program. The program is designed to provide individuals with an understanding of emerging technologies in the supply chain space. Participants will engage in 20 hours of self-paced e-learning, which includes six courses and a final exam. The program aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage technology to improve supply chain operations.
💿 Approaching Software Solutions in the Supply Chain: Best Practices. Choosing the right supply chain software often leads to a debate between "Best-of-Breed vs ERP," with tension arising from the differing needs of various departments within a company. However, a recent survey found that most respondents simply wanted software applications that met their specific requirements, regardless of the provider type. Ultimately, companies should carefully evaluate their needs and consider factors such as cost, integration capabilities, and scalability when selecting supply chain software.
🧠 The Psychology of Negotiations in the Supply Chain. Supply chain negotiations often involve power imbalances between buyers and suppliers, leading to psychological challenges during negotiations. To overcome these challenges, negotiators in supply chain management use various psychological tactics such as building rapport, emphasizing shared interests, and framing the negotiation positively. In addition, strategies such as compromise, concession, and collaboration are used to reach mutually beneficial solutions.
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.