Logistics and Supply Chain, 1940 - 2040 with Jason Miller
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
Release Date: 08/10/2021
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
In “From Deal Flow to Data Flow: Investing in the Freight Market”, and , Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital, discuss the evolution of investment in the supply chain sector, highlighting the shift from traditional deals to a focus on leveraging data and technology for strategic growth. About Ben Gordon is the Founder and Managing Partner of . He draws on a career building, advising, and investing in supply chain companies. Benjamin has led investments in outstanding firms including , , , , and others. As CEO of BGSA Holdings, Benjamin has spent...
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In “The M&A Playbook for Logistics Leaders”, and , President & CEO of Tenney Group, discuss the current state of mergers and acquisitions in the logistics sector, offering key insights on how business leaders can navigate a more selective market, build value, and secure successful deals. About Spencer Tenney serves as President & CEO of Tenney Group, where he oversees the firm’s day-to-day effectiveness and long-term vision. Spencer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds the designation of Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor through...
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In “AI Literacy in Logistics with Gather AI's Andrew Hoffman”, and , CTO at Gather AI, discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming warehouse operations by using visual data from drones and other machines to identify issues, suggest next steps, and ultimately improve efficiency and accuracy. About Andrew Hoffman is the Chief Technical Officer at Gather.ai, an AI-powered intralogistics optimization firm that empowers 3PLs, manufacturers, and retailers to improve margins and on-time order fulfillment in the widest range of logistics environments - from ambient to cold chain storage....
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In “Intermodal Expo 2025: Unpacking Cargo Theft, AI, and M&A”, and , President & CEO of IANA, discuss the critical issues and forward-looking trends that are shaping the future of the intermodal freight industry. About Anne Reinke became the Intermodal Association of North America’s third President & CEO in December of 2024. Immediately preceding her appointment at IANA, Anne was President & CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association for four years. Anne has a long career in transportation policy, with a stint at the Association of American...
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In “Inside the DAT - Convoy Platform Deal: What This Acquisiton Means for the Freight Market”, and , EVP of Convoy Platform - DAT Freight & Analytics, discuss how the integration of the Convoy Platform's automation and AI technology with DAT's massive freight marketplace will help brokers combat fraud, increase efficiency, and focus on high-value work. About Bill Driegert is the EVP of Convoy Platform at DAT Freight & Analytics. He was previously the EVP of Trucking at Flexport and the co-founder and Head of Operations at Uber Freight, Uber’s logistics business. Bill began his...
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In “How Humanoid Robots are Shaping the Future of Logistics”, and , Head of Product at Apptronik, discuss how Apollo, a human-centered, AI-powered humanoid robot, is set to transform the industry by working alongside humans to fill labor gaps and perform a wide range of tasks in a safe and efficient manner. About Parker Conroy is the Head of Product at Apptronik, a leading developer of humanoid robots. Conroy has worked in robotics for more than a decade, guiding product management teams to design and deploy thousands of industrial robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, drones, and now,...
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In “The C.H. Robinson Perspective: Navigating the Next Era”, and , President of North American Surface Transportation at C.H. Robinson, discuss how the company's people-first culture and commitment to developing its employees drive its ability to solve complex logistics challenges and innovate for the future. About Michael Castagnetto was named president of North American Surface Transportation (NAST) in January 2024. Prior executive positions with the company include Vice President, Customer Success in NAST from January 2023 – January 2024 and President of Robinson Fresh from December...
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and discuss blind spots & bottlenecks: unmasking the hidden enemies of supply chain. Briana is the Vice President of Product Management for the 3PL market segment at SPS Commerce, the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. About Briana Birkholz is the Vice President of Product Management for the 3PL market segment at SPS Commerce. With a passion for overcoming supply chain and logistics challenges, Briana is committed to addressing the distinct needs of customers through comprehensive,...
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In “Project 61: The Mission to Give Truckers a Longer, Healthier Life”, and , the Founder and CEO of Project 61, discuss the shocking statistic that the average life expectancy of a truck driver is just 61 years and the organization's mission to address this health crisis. About Jeremy Reymer is a recognized leader and innovator in the trucking industry with over 20 years of experience as both a carrier and vendor. A frequent speaker and podcast host, he addresses critical issues such as driver recruiting, retention, compliance, and health and wellness. In 2016, Jeremy founded...
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In “The Dark Funnel Demystified: Unlocking Hidden Sales”, and , the CEO of Virago Marketing, discuss how businesses can drive measurable revenue growth by understanding and leveraging the invisible customer journey. About Jennie Malafarina is the CEO of Virago Marketing, a Cleveland-based agency helping transportation and logistics companies turn marketing into a revenue-driving engine. Since taking the lead at Virago in 2020, she has elevated the agency’s impact—guiding strategies that deliver measurable results aligned with client growth goals. With over a decade of experience in...
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Jason Miller and Joe Lynch discuss logistics and supply chain, 1940 - 2040. Jason is a professor of supply chain at Michigan State University, which is ranked as one of the top supply chain schools in the world.
About Jason Miller
Jason Miller (PhD The Ohio State University) is a tenured Associate Professor of Logistics and the John D. and Dortha J. Withrow Endowed Emerging Scholar at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business. His primary research stream examines firms' logistics operations, with an emphasis on studying motor carrier safety, productivity, pricing dynamics, and driver turnover. Jason has been recognized with multiple awards for research and teaching. He was recognized as the undergraduate faculty member who had the greatest impact on students based on the 2017 graduating senior survey. The website Poets & Quants has recognized him as one of the top 40 undergraduate professors.
About Michigan State University, Department of Supply Chain Management
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan. MSU was founded in 1855. Today, MSU is one of the largest universities in the United States and has approximately 634,300 living alumni worldwide. MSU’s Department of Supply Chain Management is the consistently ranked as the top supply chain management school in the country. The department educates students to succeed in careers such as procurement, manufacturing, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and customer service. Students graduate with foundational knowledge across all areas of SCM, positioning them to work in multiple capacities for the top global companies. The business world views Broad’s graduates and faculty as the voice of the SCM field.
Key Takeaways: Logistics and Supply Chain - 1940 to 2040
- Jason Miller is a tenured Associate Professor of Logistics at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business.
- In the podcast interview, Jason and Joe discuss the changes in logistics and supply chain from 1940 to 2040.
- In order to reduce the scope and make the topic more accessible, Jason and Joe use the iron skillet as an analog to represent all products that have a supply chain.
- In 1940, the iron skillet was manufactured in Wisconsin from iron ore mined from Michigan and Minnesota. The skillet was shipped via rail to a distributor who eventually sold it to a retailer.
- In 1980, the manufacturing locations were most likely still in the USA, but may have moved to the lower cost, non-union south. The skillet was shipped by truck (rather than rail) directly to the retailer.
- In 2020, the skillet was manufactured in China using Australian or Brazilian iron ore. The skillet was shipped via ocean and truck to a fulfillment center or retailer in the USA.
- In 2040, the skillet will most likely be manufactured in the USA or Mexico. The iron ore will come from a North America. The manufacturing process will be highly automated. The skillet will be transported via truck and the consumer will most likely buy via ecommerce or traditional retail.
- The discussion illuminates advancements and trends including: sustainability, global economy, nearshoring, infrastructure, information technology, growth of logistics, security, capital investments, automation, productivity, labor, security, and the circular supply chain.
Learn More About Logistics and Supply Chain - 1940 to 2040
MSU Supply Chain Management Program
Jason’s profile on MSU’s website
Supply Chain Basics with Jason Miller