On the final day of the Jump Start 2020 supply chain conference, conversation once again turned to transportation technology and transferring bill of lading information electronically. Panelists also discussed e-commerce logistics and the challenges that arise with final-mile deliveries.

Speaking on the first day of Jump Start 2020, Joe Thiesmann gave a rousing keynote address while conference chair Eric Stone, senior manager of domestic sourcing and supplier performance at Johnson & Johnson, ended his brief presentation by showing the audience how to create value in the freight transportation procurement process. While price is important, his team also considers the sustainability programs at their carrier partners, the diversity of those suppliers, and the companies’ commitment to new technology.

At the Jump Start 2020 supply chain conference, Heather Sheehan will discuss the increasing role of women in the freight transportation industry. As executive director of AWESOME, she knows a thing or two about advocating for female supply chain leaders. “Women have made progress in the supply chain field, but progress is slow, incremental and inconsistent,” she said. Sheehan recently took the time to talk about her advocacy role, providing a preview of her conference remarks.

In the late 1960s, three trucking businessmen banded together to provide airfreight cartage and freight trucking solutions in the underserved Portland, Oregon, market by creating Air-Go and Mark-7 Delivery. This initial partnership lasted for only four years, and in 1972, Glenn Wilson bought out his partners, solidifying his vision of creating a tight-knit company dedicated to treating its customers as another member of the family.

Speakers at SMC³‘s Jump Start 2020 supply chain conference, coming to Atlanta this January, will explore emerging trends, current challenges and new innovations in the supply chain. Eric Stone, Johnson and Johnson’s senior manager of domestic sourcing and supplier performance, recently took the time to discuss the current state of the transportation market, which previews his remarks from the Jump Start stage, as well as how he thinks shippers benefit from attending SMC³ conferences.

At the start of the new year, it’s common for freight shippers striving for an optimized supply chain to review their carrier options to make sure they use the ideal mix of freight transportation providers. In 2019, this procurement business has lasted the entire year, as shippers and 3PLs look to take advantage of a softer freight market to secure better pricing and service.