Guest: Chris Tang of UCLA on product and supply shortages; LTL executives share business concerns; California's AB5 labor law may soon go into effect

Our guest on this week's episode is Christopher Tang, the UCLA distinguished professor and Edward W. Carter Chair in Business Administration and also the faculty director of UCLA's Center for Global Management. We have all seen product shortages this summer, including a well-publicized shortage of infant meal formula. Professor Tang discusses what is causing shortages, both from supply chain issues and domestic supply problems, and what steps companies can take to mitigate future risks to their product supplies. Attendees at this week's SMC3 Connections conference in San Diego discussed many issues facing transportation companies. Executives of less-than-truckload (LTL) companies pointed out that inflation and labor issues are their biggest concerns. We find out what they had to say and what remedies might work and which probably will not work. This week the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear a challenge to California's controversial AB5 law, which was approved in 2019 but has been stuck in appeals courts ever since. The law requires transportation and delivery companies (as well as Uber and Lyft) to treat drivers as employees instead of contract workers. This sets the stage for the law to now take effect. How will this affect trucking firms and will other states adopt similar legislation?DC Velocity's sister publication CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly  offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane.  It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. The second season has now launched and focuses on supply chain digitalization.  Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe.Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:UCLA Center for Global ManagementLogistics industry is skeptical of proposed gas tax holidayInflation and labor challenges top LTL business leaders concernsLabor groups cheer Supreme Court decisions to let AB5 standVisit DCVelocity.com for the latest news. Visit Supply Chain QuarterlyListen to Supply Chain Quarterly's Top 10 Supply Chain Threats podcastListen to CSCMP and Supply Chain Quarterly's Supply Chain in the Fast Lane podcastSend feedback about this podcast to [email protected] sponsored by: Honeywell IntelligratedOther linksAbout DC VELOCITYSubscribe to DC VELOCITYSign up for our FREE newslettersAdvertise with DC VELOCITYTop 10 Supply Chain Management Podcasts