In Episode 19, co-hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins deliver an unfiltered breakdown of key global supply chain trends:
- Amazon vs. Walmart: How Amazon’s bold logistics investments and former Walmart talent helped it surpass Walmart in quarterly sales.
- Proposed Fees on Chinese-Built Ships: Potential fees of up to $1.5m per port call for Chinese-built vessels and its impact on U.S. shippers and national security.
- ILA Contract Ratification: Insights on the 2024–2030 agreement securing a 62% pay raise, job protections, and implications for future West Coast labor negotiations.
- Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Workshop: Why fostering long-term partnerships is essential for operational success-“Contracts define the WHAT, but SRM defines the HOW.” The workshop is led by KP Global Logistics Consulting, in collaboration with Stacey Kobayashi.
- Workshop Purpose: This workshop aims to help shippers move beyond transactional deals and foster collaborative, long-term partnerships that drive operational excellence.
- Why SRM Matters Now More Than Ever:
- Market Volatility: Fluctuating ocean freight rates and increasing geopolitical risks make resilient supplier relationships essential.
- Post-Negotiation Work: The real work begins after the contract is signed—ensuring negotiated terms translate into operational efficiency and service reliability.
- Strategic Value: Effective SRM enhances more than just cost savings—it provides leverage, reduces service failures, and strengthens KPI performance.
- Kevin’s Key Takeaway:
“Contracts define the WHAT, but supplier relationship management defines the HOW. Without ongoing engagement, shippers risk losing control over service delivery and missing critical performance metrics.”
