Logistically Speaking

Scott Case

Logistically Speaking is a supply chain focused podcast that is committed to exploring global and domestic supply chains through the eyes of a former practitioner and industry thought leader and currently practicing customs and transportation lawyer.

  1. MAR 13

    Logistically Speaking...What are the top issues in air cargo?

    In this episode of Logistically Speaking, Scott Case and Cameron Roberts sit down with Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association, at AirCargo 2025 in Dallas. Brandon shares his insights on the current state of the air cargo industry, critical challenges facing forwarders, and emerging opportunities in a changing global landscape. This episode was recorded on Sunday, March 2nd and at the conference, the imposition of Canadian, Mexican and Chinese tariffs were discussed, came into existence and then in the case of Canada and Mexico, were partially removed two days later on USMCA-qualifying goods. Key Topics: The evolution of the air cargo industry and the shift to multimodal transportation Impact of potential tariffs on trade with China, Mexico, and Canada Changes to de minimis regulations and their effect on e-commerce Air cargo security developments since 9/11 Infrastructure challenges at U.S. airports and the AfA/NCBFAA white paper initiative Future of air cargo including autonomous aircraft and the need for freighter capacity About Brandon Fried: Brandon Fried was appointed Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association in November 2005. He began his career as a sales representative in Los Angeles before moving to Washington DC, where he owned and operated the Washington office of a global freight forwarder specializing in time-definite air cargo transportation. Brandon joined the Air Forwarders Association in 2000 and was elected Chairperson in 2001, serving for two consecutive terms. He has served on the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, COAC, the CNS Advisory Board, and numerous other industry associations. Brandon brings decades of hands-on experience in the forwarding industry and continues to be a leading voice for air cargo interests in Washington.

    51 min
  2. MAR 1

    Logistically Speaking...What's It Like To Lead A Port?

    In this episode of Logistically Speaking, hosts Scott Case and Cameron Roberts welcome Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, to discuss: The upcoming TPM (Trans-Pacific Maritime) Conference and its significance for the port industry Long Beach's initiatives in sustainable cargo movement and zero-emission technologies Adapting to larger vessel sizes and improving port infrastructure The impact of tariffs and changing trade patterns on port operations Efforts to increase exports and address trade imbalances The role of foreign trade zones in mitigating tariff impacts Updates on detention and demurrage issues following OSRA 2022 Challenges and opportunities in reshoring manufacturing Mario Cordero's Bio: Mario Cordero is the Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, a position he has held since 2017. His career in Long Beach began as a member, vice president, and president of the Long Beach Board of Harbors Commission. In 2011, President Obama appointed Cordero as a Democratic commissioner at the Federal Maritime Commission, where he served until 2017, including as the agency's chairman from 2013 onwards. Cordero's leadership has been instrumental in the Port of Long Beach's status as part of the largest container trade gateway in the United States, handling trade valued at $200 billion annually and supporting 2.6 million jobs across the nation. Under his guidance, the port has made significant strides in environmental initiatives, achieving remarkable reductions in emissions and implementing innovative green energy projects.

    59 min
  3. JAN 24

    Logistically Speaking...Tariffs, Anyone?

    In this episode of Logistically Speaking, hosts Scott Case and Cameron Roberts sit down a day after President Trump's second inauguration to discuss the flurry of Executive Orders and trade rhetoric with Carlos Sesma, Senior Partner at Mexican law firm Sesma, Sesma & McNeese. The conversation explores the complex interplay between politics, trade, and regional economic integration. Key Topics Discussed Recent Policy Changes President Trump's announcement of potential 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada Changes to Mexico's IMMEX program affecting chapters 61, 62, and 63, introducing a 35% duty rate Impact on e-commerce companies using Mexico as a distribution hub Relationship between trade policies and immigration concerns Mexico-US Trade Relations Mexico's critical dependence on US trade (86% of exports) Analysis of Mexico's strategic position between US and China Discussion of USMCA renegotiation possibilities Impact of potential tariffs on regional manufacturing and supply chains Infrastructure Development Major Mexican infrastructure projects: The Mayan Train project connecting the Yucatan Peninsula Trans-isthmic railway development as Panama Canal alternative New Tulum Airport with cargo capabilities Focus on developing Mexico's southern regions Regional Integration Evolution of North American trade relationships Role of rail infrastructure in regional connectivity CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) railway expansion plans Impact of new administrations in all three countries Looking Forward Preparation for potential USMCA negotiations Changes in Mexican governance and judicial system Importance of maintaining business relationships despite political rhetoric Regional economic development strategies   Source Material: America First Trade Policy Mexico Issues 35% Tariff on Textiles

    51 min
  4. 12/23/2024

    Logistically Speaking...What's the future of US Trade and Tariffs?

    In this episode of Logistically Speaking, co-hosts Scott Case and Cameron Roberts sit down with Paul Bingham, Director of Global Intelligence and Analytics, Transportation Consulting for S&P Global Market Intelligence, to dissect the potential impact of sweeping new tariff proposals following the November 2024 U.S. presidential election. The discussion centers on how proposed tariffs - ranging from a global 10% import duty to targeted levies of up to 200% on specific trading partners - could reshape international commerce and supply chains. Bingham reveals how S&P Global has recalibrated their economic models to account for these dramatic policy shifts, offering insights into what businesses might expect in 2025 and beyond. The conversation explores the ripple effects these tariff changes could have throughout the global economy, from consumer prices to fuel costs, and examines how different sectors might adapt to this new trade landscape. Cameron details the means by which the administration can promulgate some of these proposals on day one based on the power vested in the Executive Branch by Congress. Bingham shares detailed analysis on how these policies could impact critical trade relationships, particularly with Mexico and Canada under USMCA, while also addressing concurrent challenges in global shipping, including Red Sea disruptions, evolving air cargo capacity, and the ongoing transformation of international supply chains. The discussion further examines the intersection of tariff policy with other key economic factors, including the CHIPS Act implementation, de minimis trade rules, and the potential responses from BRICS nations. About Paul Bingham: Paul Bingham serves as the Director of Global Intelligence and Analytics, Transportation Consulting for S&P Global Market Intelligence. With decades of experience in economic and transportation analysis, Bingham is a recognized expert in global trade patterns and supply chain economics. He regularly provides strategic guidance to both public and private sector clients on transportation and trade policy issues. His work at S&P Global includes leading teams that develop economic forecasts and analyze global trade trends, helping organizations navigate complex international market dynamics and policy changes. Bingham is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events, including the recent WESCCON gathering of customs brokers and freight forwarders. Relevant Links: USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) https://ustr.gov/usmca S&P Global Market Intelligence https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/ International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information CHIPS and Science Act https://www.commerce.gov/chips Section 232 Trade Investigations https://www.bis.doc.gov/232 De Minimis Trade Rules & Section 321 https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/e-commerce/section-321-value-increases Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) https://www.fmc.gov/ TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association) https://www.tiaca.org/ Suez Canal Alternative Routes https://www.suezcanal.gov.eg/ BRICS Economic Coalition https://infobrics.org/

    45 min
  5. 10/28/2024

    Logistically Speaking...What's the future of de minimis?

    De minimis, originating from Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930, has evolved from its humble $5 threshold (equivalent to $85-90 today) to become a cornerstone of modern e-commerce imports. While the 2015 Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act's increase to $800 grabbed headlines, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) notes that the average de minimis shipment value remains around $55-60. The real story isn't the threshold increase, but rather how the pandemic accelerated e-commerce adoption, leading to an unprecedented surge in these shipments—from hundreds of thousands just a handful of years ago to 1.4 billion in fiscal year 2023. The implications of de minimis extend far beyond simple duty exemptions. This provision has reshaped supply chains, particularly for high-duty products like apparel and footwear, by enabling companies to fulfill orders directly from overseas warehouses or through facilities in Mexico and Canada. While this has benefited consumers through lower prices and faster delivery times, it's created significant challenges for CBP's enforcement capabilities, particularly in screening for counterfeits and illegal substances like fentanyl. In this episode, we explore: The various methods of processing de minimis shipments, including Type 86 entries, manifest clearances, and the unique advantages of different transportation modes How the Consumer Product Safety Commission's upcoming e-filing requirements in 2025 could reshape the landscape for apparel and children's products The political battle between government agencies seeking stricter controls and private sector entities defending current practices Potential regulatory changes, including CBP's proposed $2 per package fee and the possible exclusion of "import-sensitive" products The evolving role of customs brokers in this changing landscape, transitioning from data entry to strategic advisors The impact of artificial intelligence and technology on customs processing and compliance Guest: Tom Gould, Principal of his own consultancy, licensed customs broker, Certified Customs Specialist, and current member of the public-private COAC committee, appointed by Treasury Secretary Yellen and DHS Secretary Mayorkas in 2022. Join us for an in-depth discussion on this crucial topic that's reshaping international trade and e-commerce. Source Material:  US bipartisan FIGHTING for America Act aims to close de minimis loophole  White House De Minimis Fact Sheet  Blumenauer Legislation Announcement  WSJ: Trade 'Loophole' Used By China Should Be Closed, House Democrats Tell Biden (paywall)  CBP Trade Enforcement and Trade Facilitation Act of 2015

    51 min
  6. 09/19/2024

    Logistically Speaking…What's real and what's vaporware in supply chain technology?

    In this episode of Logistically Speaking, hosts Scott Case and Cameron Roberts sit down with Eric Johnson, Senior Editor of Technology at the Journal of Commerce, to discuss the current state of technology in the supply chain and logistics industry. They explore what innovations are truly transforming the sector versus those that may be more hype than substance. Key topics covered: The evolution of supply chain technology and how it's impacting daily operations Artificial intelligence: its potential applications and limitations in logistics Blockchain's rise and fall in the industry - lessons learned Cybersecurity concerns as supply chains become more digitized The role of venture capital and private equity in driving tech innovation Challenges in developing and adopting new logistics technologies How regulatory requirements influence technology development The future of automation in supply chain processes Whether you're a logistics professional looking to stay ahead of tech trends or a supply chain leader evaluating new solutions, this episode provides valuable insights to help separate the truly transformative innovations from the hype. Source Material: Gartner Magic Quadrant: https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-03-20-gartner-identifies-top-trends-in-supply-chain-technology-for-2024 DHL Logistics Trend Radar: https://www.ajot.com/news/dhl-logistics-trend-radar-7.0-unveils-emerging-ai-trends-and-sustainable-solutions Bypassing Airport Security Through SQL Injection: https://ian.sh/tsa CBP ACAS Implementation Guide: https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/ACAS%20IG%20v2.3.1_508.pdf

    52 min

About

Logistically Speaking is a supply chain focused podcast that is committed to exploring global and domestic supply chains through the eyes of a former practitioner and industry thought leader and currently practicing customs and transportation lawyer.

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