The Supply Chain Economy with Fexingo: Logistics, Shipping, and Goods Movement

Episode 61 of The Supply Chain Economy dives into the hidden crisis of pallet shortages across US supply chains. Lucas and Luna explore why the humble wooden pallet—not containers or chassis—has become the latest bottleneck, costing shippers billions and delaying everything from food to electronics. They break down the numbers: a 20% shortfall in the US pallet pool, rising repair costs due to lumber inflation, and the surge in pallet theft. With the latest trade data showing imports outpacing exports, the hosts explain how the imbalance is leaving pallets stranded at ports. Plus, they discuss the rise of plastic pallets and whether the industry can scale fast enough to fill the gap. If you're in logistics, manufacturing, or retail, this episode is essential listening. #SupplyChain #Logistics #PalletShortage #Shipping #GoodsMovement #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #ContainerImbalance #WoodenPallets #PlasticPallets #LumberPrices #TradeDeficit #Intermodal #Warehousing #Freight #InventoryManagement Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 60 of The Supply Chain Economy, Lucas and Luna dive into the quiet digital revolution happening at US ports. While headlines focus on trade deficits and tariffs, ports like Savannah and Long Beach are using AI-powered terminal operating systems, optical character recognition, and predictive analytics to slash container dwell times from four days to two. Lucas explains how digitization cuts costs for shippers and reduces congestion, while Luna questions why adoption isn't faster given the clear ROI. The hosts also connect to the latest trade balance data, showing how faster ports could help exporters. A must-listen for anyone in logistics or economics. #PortDigitization #ContainerDwellTime #SupplyChain #Logistics #MaritimeShipping #PortOfSavannah #PortOfLongBeach #AI #OCR #TerminalOperatingSystem #TradeBalance #Economics #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #ShippingTechnology #USPorts #ExportLag #DigitalTransformation Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The US trade deficit widened to $55.9 billion in April, driven by a surge in imports that outpaced export growth. Lucas and Luna drill into the structural factors behind the persistent gap—consumer demand, the strong dollar, and shifting global supply chains—and discuss what it means for manufacturers, logistics providers, and the broader economy. They reference the latest industrial production data and capacity utilization numbers to ground the conversation in real economic activity. Along the way, they explore whether near-shoring or industrial policy can meaningfully rebalance trade, or whether the deficit is simply a feature of a consumption-driven economy. A candid look at why the US buys more than it sells, and why that may not change anytime soon. #TradeDeficit #USImports #USExports #SupplyChain #Logistics #Manufacturing #IndustrialProduction #CapacityUtilization #StrongDollar #ConsumerDemand #NearShoring #GlobalTrade #EconomicIndicators #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #FederalReserve #TradePolicy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 57 of The Supply Chain Economy digs into the chassis shortage that's crippling US intermodal freight. Lucas and Luna break down how a shortage of the wheeled trailers that haul shipping containers between ports, rails, and warehouses is causing delays, raising costs, and widening the trade deficit. With new orders for manufactured goods up 4.8% in April 2026 and the trade deficit still at -$55.9 billion, they explore why the chassis pool hasn't kept pace with container volumes. They look at the structural issues — from deregulation in the 1980s that fragmented ownership, to the maintenance crisis that's sidelined 12% of the fleet. Listeners learn how a seemingly mundane piece of equipment became a bottleneck worth billions, and how new pooling models and digital tracking might finally unstick it. A focused, data-driven conversation about the hidden infrastructure that keeps goods moving. #ChassisShortage #IntermodalShipping #SupplyChain #Logistics #Freight #PortCongestion #TradeDeficit #Manufacturing #ContainerShipping #RailFreight #Trucking #PoolingModel #EquipmentShortage #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #SupplyChainEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 56 of The Supply Chain Economy: Lucas and Luna unpack the hidden crisis in pallet pooling — the wooden platforms that underpin nearly every shipment in the US. With over 2 billion pallets in circulation and pooling companies like CHEP and PECO struggling with shortages and price hikes, the hosts explain why a seemingly mundane logistics tool is suddenly a strategic headache. They dive into the April 2026 manufacturers' orders data showing a 4.8 percent increase, the capacity utilization rate stuck at 76.2 percent, and how pallet scarcity is now creating friction in an already tight supply chain. Lucas traces the problem back to lumber volatility and consolidation in the pooling industry, while Luna connects it to the broader export-import imbalance. If you've ever wondered why your toilet paper got delayed or why forklifts are idling, this episode will change how you see the humble pallet. #PalletPooling #SupplyChain #Logistics #CHEP #PECO #LumberPrices #Shipping #Manufacturing #CapacityUtilization #TradeImbalance #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #IndustrialProduction #Warehousing #Freight Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 55 of The Supply Chain Economy drills into the chassis shortage that's grinding intermodal shipping to a halt. Lucas and Luna break down why a seemingly mundane piece of equipment — the chassis that carries containers on trucks — has become the most constrained link in US logistics. They look at how the shortage started with the container imbalance, why railroads and truckers can't agree on a solution, and what it means for the broader economy as manufacturing orders rise but goods can't move. Specific data from April 2026 shows manufacturers' new orders up to $662.7 billion, but capacity utilization stuck at 76.2% — and the chassis gap is one reason why. This episode explains the bottleneck in plain language, with real numbers and no jargon. #ChassisShortage #IntermodalShipping #USLogistics #SupplyChain #FreightRecession #ContainerImbalance #RailFreight #Trucking #Ports #Manufacturing #CapacityUtilization #TradeDeficit #Exports #Shipping #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #LogisticsCrisis Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna unpack a hidden bottleneck grinding US logistics: the chassis shortage at rail ramps and ports. With industrial production up to 102.6 and capacity at 76.2%, freight volumes are rising, but the pool of chassis — the wheeled frames that move containers from rail to truck — has actually shrunk. Lucas explains how the 2021-2023 chassis glut led to consolidation, how the two largest leasing companies now control 70% of the fleet, and why that concentration creates perverse incentives: leasing rates have doubled since 2024, yet new chassis production remains flat. Luna points to the ripple effect on intermodal rail, where dwell times at Memphis and Chicago ramps have stretched from 24 hours to nearly 72. The episode uses the April 2026 trade data — imports at $4.42 trillion, exports at $3.53 trillion — to frame why empty container repositioning and chassis availability are tied together. A concrete look at a piece of infrastructure most people never see, quietly shaping the cost of everything on store shelves. #ChassisShortage #IntermodalShipping #USLogistics #SupplyChainBottleneck #RailFreight #PortInfrastructure #IndustrialProduction #TradeDeficit #ContainerShipping #FreightCosts #Memphis #Chicago #FexingoBusiness #Economics #Logistics #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #ShippingCrisis Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 53 of The Supply Chain Economy digs into a paradox that's costing US exporters billions: the same ports that are flooded with empty containers can't get those boxes back to farmers and manufacturers who need them. Lucas and Luna trace the problem from the container yards of Savannah to the wheat fields of Kansas, using fresh April 2026 data on the US trade deficit and industrial production. They explain why shipping lines prefer to reposition containers empty to Asia rather than pay US exporters to fill them, and what the new US-Iran peace deal might mean for shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. A focused, numbers-driven look at one of the most stubborn inefficiencies in global logistics — and why it's getting worse, not better. #EmptyContainers #USExports #TradeDeficit #ContainerImbalance #ShippingLogistics #PortSavannah #KansasWheat #IndustrialProduction #StraitOfHormuz #IranDeal #SupplyChain #Logistics #Freight #Exporters #GlobalTrade #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In Episode 52 of The Supply Chain Economy, Lucas and Luna dig into a massive hidden cost in global trade: repositioning empty containers. Each year, shipping lines spend billions moving empty boxes back to where exports originate. Using the latest trade data from April 2026—which shows U.S. imports outpacing exports by nearly a trillion dollars annually—they explain why this imbalance keeps getting worse. They break down the economics of the empty container problem, why exporters in the Midwest struggle to find boxes, and how carriers are starting to rethink their networks. A must-listen for anyone in logistics, trade finance, or manufacturing. #EmptyContainers #ContainerRepositioning #TradeImbalance #ShippingCosts #Logistics #SupplyChain #Exporters #Imports #Carriers #USPorts #OceanFreight #ContainerShortage #TradeDeficit #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

E-commerce has supercharged demand for small-parcel delivery, but the networks that carry those packages are hitting capacity limits. Lucas and Luna break down how the surge in sub-5-pound shipments—up 18% year-over-year by volume—is pressuring sorting centers, driver availability, and last-mile margins. They examine why FedEx and UPS are adding surcharges for residential delivery and how regional carriers like OnTrac and LaserShip are stepping in. With warehouse vacancy near zero, the bottleneck is shifting from storage to sortation. This episode explains the hidden logistics crisis inside your doorstep delivery. #SmallParcel #EcommerceLogistics #LastMileDelivery #FedEx #UPS #OnTrac #CapacityConstraints #ParcelNetworks #ShippingSurcharges #ResidentialDelivery #SortationCenters #SupplyChainBottleneck #Warehousing #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Logistics #DeliveryInfrastructure Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 50 of The Supply Chain Economy explores a costly mismatch: while US imports surge, exports are stuck in neutral. Lucas and Luna unpack new April 2026 data showing manufacturers' orders hit $662.7 billion and industrial production rose, yet export volumes lag. The culprit? A container imbalance leaving US exporters scrambling for empty boxes. They examine how this structural drag costs the economy billions, why it persists despite record import volumes, and what it means for trade policy and logistics strategy. Specific numbers include the $55.9 billion April trade deficit and the 76.1% capacity utilization rate. The episode ties the container shortage to broader trends in shipping, warehousing, and manufacturing. No clickbait—just sharp analysis of a real bottleneck. #TradeDeficit #ContainerShortage #USExports #ShippingLogistics #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #IndustrialProduction #CapacityUtilization #ImportSurge #ExportLag #ContainerImbalance #LogisticsBottleneck #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #TradePolicy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The Panama Canal, a vital artery for global trade, is facing an existential threat: water scarcity. In 2023, drought forced the canal to slash daily transits by 36%, stranding billions in cargo and driving up shipping costs. Now, in June 2026, the situation has not fully recovered, and the canal is investing $8.5 billion in a massive reservoir project to secure its future. But the problem isn't just Panama's — it's a canary in the coal mine for climate risk in supply chains. Lucas and Luna break down how the water crisis is rerouting trade flows, boosting alternative routes like the Suez Canal and the Northern Sea Route, and forcing logistics planners to rethink assumptions about reliable chokepoints. They look at the numbers: the canal's $2.5 billion annual revenue at risk, the 5% of global seaborne trade that transits it, and how higher tolls and transit fees are passing costs to consumers. This episode drills into a specific bottleneck that reveals the fragility of just-in-time global logistics. #PanamaCanal #WaterCrisis #Shipping #GlobalTrade #SupplyChain #Drought #ClimateRisk #Logistics #Chokepoint #ShippingCosts #TradeRoutes #SuezCanal #NorthernSeaRoute #Panama #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Infrastructure Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

SpaceX just became the world's most valuable company after its IPO, with a market cap topping $2 trillion. But behind the headlines about Elon Musk's new trillionaire status, there's a less glamorous story: the logistics of building rockets. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how SpaceX's supply chain — from rare earth magnets to aluminum-lithium alloys — is reshaping freight and industrial production. With US factory orders up 4.7% in April to $662.7 billion and capacity utilization still stuck at 76.1%, they ask: can traditional manufacturing keep up with a company that builds its own engines, welds its own fuel tanks, and demands near-perfect delivery windows? The conversation touches on the container imbalance problem from earlier episodes, and what happens when a single buyer rewrites the rules of procurement. #SpaceX #SPCX #SupplyChain #Logistics #Manufacturing #ElonMusk #IndustrialProduction #Freight #RareEarthMagnets #AluminumLithium #Aerospace #CapacityUtilization #FactoryOrders #Trillionaire #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into the latest trade balance data and a new twist on the container imbalance story: empty containers aren't just piling up at US ports, they're clogging rail yards and inland depots too. With April 2026 imports hitting record highs and exports still flat, the cost of repositioning empties is eating into logistics margins. Lucas shares new numbers from the Port of Los Angeles showing empty container dwell times up 40% year over year. Luna flags the secondary effect on rail freight velocity, and they discuss why this is becoming a structural cost problem, not just a seasonal one. No stock picks, no hot takes — just the real friction in the goods-moving system. #EmptyContainers #ContainerImbalance #LogisticsBottleneck #USPorts #TradeDeficit #Exports #RailFreight #SupplyChain #FreightEconomy #PortOfLosAngeles #ContainerRepositioning #LogisticsCosts #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #GoodsMovement #TradeData Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 46 of The Supply Chain Economy examines why US exports are stuck despite rising imports and factory orders. Lucas and Luna unpack the container imbalance costing exporters billions: how empty containers pile up at US ports while farmers and manufacturers can't get boxes to ship goods overseas. Using April 2026 trade data showing a $55.9 billion deficit and a 76.1% capacity utilization rate, the hosts drill into the structural disconnect between import-driven logistics and export needs. They explore why carriers prioritize returning empties to Asia rather than repositioning for US exports, and what that means for agricultural shippers, rail freight, and the broader trade gap. A specific case: how soybean exporters in the Gulf are paying premium rates for empty containers that could be moving grain instead. #ContainerImbalance #USExports #TradeDeficit #SupplyChain #Logistics #Freight #ShippingContainers #Exporters #Soybeans #CapacityUtilization #TradeBalance #Economics #Business #GlobalTrade #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #EmptyContainers Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into a hidden inefficiency plaguing the US trucking industry: empty miles. With the latest data showing industrial production up and new orders rising, you'd think trucking would be booming. But as Lucas explains, a staggering number of trucks are running empty on return trips, especially in regions where imports and exports are out of sync. They explore why this is happening, from the container imbalance at ports to the rise of reshoring, and what it means for rates, emissions, and the supply chain at large. A concrete look at a problem costing the industry billions. #Trucking #EmptyMiles #SupplyChain #Logistics #Freight #Imports #Exports #ContainerImbalance #Reshoring #IndustrialProduction #CapacityUtilization #TradeDeficit #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #Shipping #GoodsMovement Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 44 of The Supply Chain Economy explores a shift in US freight: while trucking struggles and ports clear, rail networks are hitting capacity. Lucas and Luna examine how a 3.2 percent increase in intermodal volume in April 2026, combined with crew shortages and aging infrastructure, is creating delays from Chicago to the West Coast. They look at the economics behind the squeeze—why rail rates are rising even as overall freight demand softens—and what it means for shippers and consumers. The hosts also touch on how the war in Iran is driving rerouting of container ships to West Coast ports, adding pressure. With concrete data from the Association of American Railroads and recent earnings calls, this episode gives listeners a clear picture of a hidden chokepoint. #RailFreight #SupplyChain #Logistics #Intermodal #FreightDelays #USRail #Bottleneck #Shipping #PortCongestion #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Transportation #Infrastructure #CrewShortage #WestCoastPorts #Trade #SupplyChainEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine why US factory output is rising but capacity utilization remains stuck at 76.1%, below the 80% threshold that historically triggers freight growth. They explain the paradox of rising industrial production without corresponding trucking demand — and what it means for the supply chain economy heading into mid-2026. #CapacityUtilization #IndustrialProduction #Manufacturing #Trucking #SupplyChain #Freight #USEconomy #FactoryOrders #Logistics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #IndustrialSector #ProductionCapacity #FreightDemand #MacroEconomics #FactoryOutput #SupplyChainEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 42 of The Supply Chain Economy with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna dig into a quiet crisis: empty shipping containers are flooding US ports faster than they can be shipped back to Asia. On June 10, 2026, the US trade deficit stands at -55.9 billion dollars for April, and imports far outpace exports. That imbalance leaves hundreds of thousands of empty containers stacked at ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Savannah — creating congestion, driving up storage costs, and tying up chassis and warehouse space. Lucas explains how the shift to bigger ships and imbalanced trade routes has turned empties into a multi-billion-dollar logistics headache. Luna asks why exporters can't just use them. The answer involves container ownership models, repositioning fees, and a market that pays more for empty boxes than full ones. A case study in how a seemingly mundane object — an empty steel box — can break a port's efficiency. #EmptyContainers #ContainerImbalance #USPorts #TradeDeficit #Logistics #SupplyChain #Shipping #Freight #PortCongestion #ContainerRepositioning #Exporters #ImportsExports #TradeBalance #Maritime #ChassisCrisis #EconomicIndicators #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The US trade deficit is shrinking, and that sounds like good news — except for the logistics networks built to handle a one-way flood of imports. In Episode 41 of The Supply Chain Economy, Lucas and Luna dig into the container imbalance that has trucking companies hauling empty boxes back to ports, warehouses sitting full of outbound goods that can't find export customers, and a $55 billion monthly deficit that is actually warping freight rates more than any tariff. With imports topping $4.4 trillion annualized and exports barely clearing $3.5 trillion, the system is optimized for a direction that's slowly reversing. The hosts use fresh April 2026 factory orders and industrial production data to show why the 'container bounce-back' — the empty leg of a container's journey — is now the single biggest cost hidden in the price of everything you buy. No policy prescriptions, just the math behind why your Amazon package costs what it costs. #USContainerImbalance #TradeDeficit #ShippingLogistics #FreightRates #EmptyMiles #TruckingEconomics #ContainerBounceBack #SupplyChain #IndustrialProduction #FactoryOrders #ImportExport #Logistics #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #ShippingCrisis Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 40 of The Supply Chain Economy with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna dive into the new container shortage hitting U.S. exporters in mid-2026. With imports from China surging — May shipments up 35% year-over-year per fresh data — containers pile up at inland warehouses while export-heavy ports like Oakland run empty. They break down why a 40-foot box that used to cost $1,500 to ship from Asia now costs $2,800, while the return leg to Asia is practically free. The hosts connect the imbalance to the trade deficit widening to over $60 billion in March 2026, and ask whether the container shortage is a logistical problem or a structural export crisis. #ShippingContainer #ContainerShortage #TradeDeficit #USExports #ChinaImports #SupplyChain #Logistics #FreightRates #OaklandPort #LosAngelesPort #TradeImbalance #Exporters #ContainerImbalance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #SupplyChainEconomy #GlobalTrade Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 39 of The Supply Chain Economy. Lucas and Luna explore the growing container imbalance in global shipping: how the surge of imports into the US is leaving empty containers piling up at ports while exporters face shortages and skyrocketing repositioning costs. They break down the numbers: US imports hit $4.42 trillion in early 2026 while exports lag at $3.53 trillion, creating a trade deficit that forces carriers to ship millions of empty boxes back to Asia. The hosts discuss how this imbalance drives up freight rates for exporters, hurts American manufacturing competitiveness, and why smaller ports are now seeing congestion from empty container storage. They also tie in the recent Iran war's lingering effect on shipping routes and the surprising role of AI-driven logistics startups trying to optimize container repositioning. A must-listen for anyone in logistics, trade, or supply chain management. #ContainerImbalance #TradeDeficit #USExports #GlobalShipping #SupplyChain #Logistics #EmptyContainers #PortCongestion #FreightRates #TradeBalance #Manufacturing #IranWar #ShippingRoutes #AIinLogistics #ContainerRepositioning #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In episode 38 of The Supply Chain Economy, Lucas and Luna dig into a puzzle buried in the latest trade data: imports are surging, but exports are barely budging. As of March 2026, the US trade deficit widened to $60.3 billion, driven by a jump in imports of goods and services to $4.42 trillion annualized. Exports are up too, but only to $3.53 trillion — leaving a gap that's reshaping freight flows and warehouse demand. The hosts explore why American exporters are struggling to capture overseas demand, from a strong dollar to shifting global supply chains post-Iran conflict. They also examine how this imbalance is creating opportunities for logistics providers focused on import-heavy corridors like Savannah and Charleston, while exporters in the Midwest face empty containers and rising costs. A sharp, data-driven look at a structural shift that most coverage misses. #TradeDeficit #USImports #USExports #SupplyChain #Logistics #Freight #TradeBalance #StrongDollar #ExportCompetitiveness #PortSavannah #PortCharleston #MidwestManufacturing #ContainerShipping #GlobalTrade #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dive into a surprising paradox: US factory orders and industrial production are both rising, but capacity utilization sits at just 76.1 percent—well below the 80-plus percent levels that historically trigger serious freight and logistics bottlenecks. They explore why that number matters, what it means for trucking demand and warehouse occupancy, and how the Iran war's disruption of energy and shipping routes is reshaping the gap between output and capacity. With trade deficits widening and imports surging, the hosts ask whether manufacturing is truly rebounding or just running in place with slack capacity. #CapacityUtilization #IndustrialProduction #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #TradeDeficit #Freight #Trucking #Logistics #Warehousing #IranWar #Imports #FactoryOrders #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #PodcastEpisode Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

With US warehousing vacancy at effectively zero and industrial production rising, you'd expect a building boom. But new construction starts are collapsing because of skyrocketing financing costs and uncertainty around the Iran war's impact on trade flows. Lucas breaks down the data: capacity utilization at 76.1 percent, factory orders up to $662.7 billion in April, yet warehouse construction loans are getting pulled. Luna pushes back on whether this is just a lagging indicator or a structural shift. They explore why landlords are hoarding space, how import volumes are shifting to smaller ports, and what happens when retailers can't secure storage for holiday inventory. The episode ends with a prediction about peak-season bottlenecks. #Warehousing #IndustrialRealEstate #SupplyChain #Freight #Logistics #TradeWar #IranWar #FactoryOrders #IndustrialProduction #CapacityUtilization #ConstructionStarts #PortCongestion #RetailInventory #HolidaySeason #VacancyRates #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 35 of The Supply Chain Economy dives into why US industrial real estate vacancy rates hit near-zero in 2026 — especially in major inland hubs like Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta. Lucas and Luna break down the structural forces behind the crunch: the post-Iran War shipping disruption, the surge in imports (imports hit $4.4 trillion in early 2026), and the shift to smaller ports like Savannah and Charleston. They explain how e-commerce giants and third-party logistics firms are pre-leasing warehouses years in advance, driving rents up 15-20% year-over-year. The episode also explores why smaller shippers are being squeezed out of prime space, forcing them to use costly interim storage — and how this adds hidden friction to supply chains, feeding into broader inflation concerns. A timely look at one of the least talked-about bottlenecks in the modern economy. #SupplyChain #Economics #Warehousing #Logistics #IndustrialRealEstate #USports #Imports #Shipping #Ecommerce #ThirdPartyLogistics #Inflation #IranWar #Freight #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LogisticsTrends #RealEstate #SupplyChainCrisis Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Supply Chain Economy, Lucas and Luna explore the record-low warehousing vacancy rates across the US in 2026. With industrial production up and factory orders surging, available warehouse space has virtually disappeared. The hosts break down the numbers: capacity utilization at 76.1% and manufacturers' new orders hitting $662.7 billion. They discuss the shift from just-in-time to just-in-case inventory strategies, the impact on smaller businesses, and the rise of speculative warehousing. Plus, they examine how rising import volumes are exacerbating the crunch and what it means for trucking and logistics costs. A must-listen for anyone in supply chain, real estate, or logistics. #Warehousing #SupplyChain #IndustrialRealEstate #VacancyRate #InventoryManagement #Logistics #Trucking #Freight #Economics #Business #JustInCase #SpeculativeBuilding #PortCongestion #Imports #TradeBalance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #IndustrialProduction Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a surprising logistics bottleneck: US warehousing vacancy rates have dropped to near-zero levels in 2026. With industrial production up 0.7% in April and manufacturers' new orders reaching $662.7 billion, demand for storage space has outpaced new construction. The hosts drill into a specific case—the struggle of a mid-sized 3PL in the Inland Empire that lost a lease renewal to a bigger player—and explain how this shortage is raising costs for importers, squeezing small retailers, and reshaping supply chain strategies. They also discuss the broader trend of 'chassis creep,' where containers sit on truck chassis for days because there's no warehouse slot to offload them. Finally, they tie the shortage to today's import surge and trade deficit, now at -$60.3 billion. The episode ends with a forward look at whether automation or multi-story warehouses can solve the crunch. #Warehousing #Logistics #SupplyChain #IndustrialRealEstate #InlandEmpire #3PL #ImportSurge #TradeDeficit #CapacityUtilization #ManufacturersOrders #ChassisCreep #RetailInventory #MultistoryWarehouse #Automation #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Industrial vacancies in the US have dropped below 3 percent for the first time on record, driving warehouse rents up 18 percent year-over-year. Lucas and Luna examine how e-commerce demand, nearshoring, and inventory hoarding are squeezing available space, and what that means for tenants and landlords. With industrial production at 102.5 and factory orders up 4.7 percent in April, the pressure on logistics real estate is intensifying. The episode digs into specific markets like the Inland Empire, where vacancies are near zero, and explains why small and mid-sized tenants are being priced out. The conversation also touches on the rise of speculative building and the risks of overdevelopment. A concrete look at a market that affects everything from shipping costs to consumer prices. #Warehousing #IndustrialRealEstate #Logistics #SupplyChain #Ecommerce #Nearshoring #InventoryHoarding #IndustrialProduction #FactoryOrders #RealEstate #VacancyRates #RentGrowth #InlandEmpire #SpecBuilding #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 31 of The Supply Chain Economy digs into a puzzle: US manufacturers' new orders hit $662.7 billion in April 2026, up 4.8% year-over-year, yet spot trucking rates are in the basement. Lucas and Luna explore why the link between industrial production and freight demand has broken. They look at the role of inventory destocking, the shift to rail and intermodal, and the rise of private fleets eating into for-hire trucking. Specific data from the Federal Reserve and Bureau of Economic Analysis grounds the discussion, including the widening trade deficit and what it means for truckers. The episode concludes with a look at how owner-operators are responding — and why the disconnect matters for the broader economy. #Trucking #FreightRates #SupplyChain #FactoryOrders #IndustrialProduction #InventoryDestocking #Intermodal #PrivateFleets #OwnerOperators #SpotMarket #TradeDeficit #Logistics #CapacityUtilization #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #TruckingCrisis Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna examine a surprising disconnect: US manufacturers' new orders jumped 4.8% in April, industrial production hit 102.5, and imports are surging — yet trucking spot rates are barely above operating cost. They trace the problem to a flood of new carriers that entered during 2020-2022, creating chronic overcapacity. Even as freight volumes grow, the number of trucks grew faster. The episode focuses on one owner-operator in Gary, Indiana, who is now hauling at a loss just to keep his rig financed. Lucas explains why this 'trucking recession' could persist through 2027 unless capacity exits the market. #Trucking #Freight #SupplyChain #Logistics #Overcapacity #OwnerOperators #IndustrialProduction #Imports #GaryIndiana #SpotRates #TruckingRecession #FreightVolume #DATFreight #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #Manufacturing #CapacityUtilization Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 29 of The Supply Chain Economy explores a puzzle: US factory orders and industrial production are up, but truck tonnage is flat. Lucas and Luna dig into the data — manufacturers' new orders hit $662.7 billion in April, imports are rising faster than exports, and the trade deficit widened to $60.3 billion in March. They connect these numbers to a structural shift: more goods are coming in by container, but fewer full truckloads are leaving warehouses. The hosts walk through how the import surge is creating empty miles for truckers, squeezing owner-operators, and why capacity utilisation at 76.1% isn't translating to freight demand. A specific look at the mismatch between factory output and trucking demand in mid-2026. #SupplyChainEconomy #TruckingCrisis #ImportSurge #TradeDeficit #FreightDemand #OwnerOperators #EmptyMiles #IndustrialProduction #FactoryOrders #Logistics #Shipping #USManufacturing #PortCongestion #CapacityUtilisation #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChain Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Port congestion has mostly moved out of headlines, but it hasn't disappeared — it's shifted. In this episode, Lucas and Luna examine how congestion that once clogged Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Savannah is now migrating to smaller ports like Charleston, Norfolk, and Houston. They break down the numbers: capacity utilisation at the top ten US ports hit 85% in April 2026, up from 78% a year ago, while dwell times for containers at secondary ports have stretched from three to five days. The hosts look at why this is happening — the reshoring of manufacturing, the shift to all-water routes through the Panama Canal, and the permanent changes in shipping patterns since the Iran war rerouted global trade. They also touch on the human impact: truckers waiting longer at smaller gates, and warehouse operators scrambling to find space inland. Specific, data-driven, and grounded in the real-world logistics shuffle of 2026. #PortCongestion #SmallPorts #SupplyChain #Logistics #Shipping #TradeRoutes #Reshoring #PortCharleston #PortNorfolk #PortHouston #ContainerShipping #DwellTimes #CapacityUtilization #PanamaCanal #Trucking #Warehousing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Manufacturers' new orders hit $630 billion in March 2026, up nearly 1.5 percent from the prior month. Industrial production is rising and capacity utilization is climbing back toward 76 percent. But trucking volumes are still stuck in neutral and spot rates are barely above operating cost. Lucas and Luna look at why the factory floor and the loading dock are telling two different stories, and what that means for owner-operators and small carriers still waiting for the rebound. #FactoryOrders #IndustrialProduction #CapacityUtilization #Trucking #Freight #SupplyChain #Logistics #OwnerOperators #SpotRates #Manufacturing #Economics #Business #Trade #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #LucasAndLuna #FreightRecession Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Supply Chain Economy, Lucas and Luna dig into a quietly devastating trend in American trucking: the rapid departure of owner-operators from the industry. With spot rates stuck below operating costs for nearly three years, thousands of small carriers have thrown in the keys. Using live data on industrial production and capacity utilization, they connect the macro picture to the micro reality of a trucker earning forty cents a mile after fuel. They also explore how large fleets are consolidating market share and what this loss of owner-operators means for supply chain resilience during the next demand spike. This is not another 'trucking is tough' story — it's a structural shift that could reshape freight pricing for years. #Trucking #OwnerOperators #SupplyChain #Freight #Logistics #CapacityUtilization #IndustrialProduction #SpotRates #CarrierConsolidation #TruckingRecession #SmallBusiness #FreightEconomics #SupplyChainEconomy #Fexingo #BusinessPodcast #Economics #LogisticsIndustry #FreightMarket Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Industrial production hit 102.5 in April 2026 and capacity utilization is rising, but the trucking industry is still mired in a recession that began in 2023. Lucas and Luna drill into why the recovery isn't reaching the road: oversupply of carriers, falling spot rates, and empty backhauls. They examine trucking employment data, the impact of the Iran War on diesel costs, and whether the industrial rebound will eventually trickle down or if structural changes in freight demand have permanently altered the landscape. A data-driven look at a persistent disconnect in the supply chain economy. #IndustrialProduction #TruckingRecession #CapacityUtilization #FreightRecession #TruckingIndustry #SupplyChainEconomy #DieselPrices #IranWar #SpotRates #CarrierOversupply #EmptyMiles #Logistics #Shipping #TruckingCrisis #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Industrial production and factory orders are up in early 2026, but the trucking industry is stuck in a mini-recession with spot rates below operating costs. Lucas and Luna explore why the divergence is happening, how the capacity glut from the pandemic boom still hasn't cleared, and what the latest Federal Reserve capacity utilisation data tells us about the real state of the goods economy. They examine the 'empty mile' problem from a new angle: how manufacturers' stronger output is actually making the trucking imbalance worse, not better. #Trucking #SupplyChain #IndustrialProduction #CapacityUtilisation #FreightRecession #SpotRates #FactoryOrders #Logistics #Economy #CarrierBankruptcies #FedData #GoodsMovement #TruckingCrisis #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #Manufacturing #June2026 Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna dig into the growing problem of empty miles in US trucking—when trucks drive without a load. They discuss how the trucking recession has worsened the issue, with data showing utilization rates stuck around 70%. The hosts reference recent import and export numbers from March 2026 and explore why the imbalance between inbound and outbound containers forces carriers to run empty. They also examine how smaller carriers are being squeezed, leading to a wave of bankruptcies, and what shippers can do to reduce waste. A specific case study of a Kansas City trucking cooperative using digital freight matching to cut empty miles from 25% to 12% illustrates the potential for improvement across the industry. #Trucking #EmptyMiles #SupplyChain #Logistics #Freight #Carriers #Shippers #DigitalFreightMatching #UtilizationRates #KansasCityCooperative #TruckingRecession #ContainerImbalance #Imbalance #Exports #Imports #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 22 of The Supply Chain Economy dives into the lingering bottleneck at the Port of Bandar Abbas, Iran's main container gateway, nine months after the conflict ended. Lucas and Luna examine why shipping lines have not resumed calls, how alternative routes via Jebel Ali and Salalah are absorbing the diverted volume, and what the delayed normalization means for oil-tanker availability and container repositioning in the Persian Gulf. With new data showing U.S. imports rising again in April and capacity utilization edging up to 76.1%, the hosts connect the missing Iranian port to broader shifts in trade flows, charter rates, and insurance premiums. A concrete look at one port that refuses to come back online — and why that still matters. #BandarAbbas #IranWar #ShippingRoutes #PersianGulf #PortBottleneck #ContainerShipping #SupplyChain #TradeFlows #OilTankers #JebelAli #Salalah #Logistics #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #PortCongestion #IranSanctions Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 21 of The Supply Chain Economy examines how the Iran war and subsequent Strait of Hormuz disruption have permanently altered global shipping routes. Lucas and Luna discuss the shift away from the Middle East as a major oil transit point, the rise of alternative energy supply chains from the US and Brazil, and the implications for tanker rates, port infrastructure, and maritime insurance. They reference recent export data and industrial production figures to ground the conversation in May 2026 realities. The hosts also explore how shipping companies are repositioning vessels and rerouting cargo, creating new bottlenecks in the Atlantic and Pacific. A must-listen for anyone tracking the long-term effects of geopolitical conflict on goods movement. #IranWar #StraitOfHormuz #ShippingRoutes #GlobalTrade #OilExports #SupplyChainDisruption #Logistics #MaritimeShipping #TankerRates #EnergySecurity #Geopolitics #Economics #Business #Shipping #Freight #TradeWars #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Supply Chain Economy, Lucas and Luna examine a surprising bottleneck emerging from the nearshoring boom: the severe shortage of industrial real estate in northern Mexico. With capacity utilization at 76.1% in the U.S. and factory output rising, more manufacturers are moving production across the border. But demand for warehouse and factory space in cities like Monterrey and Ciudad Juárez has driven rents up over 30% year-over-year in 2026. We break down why land is scarce, how infrastructure lags behind corporate commitments, and what this means for the reshoring narrative. A specific look at how one state—Nuevo León—has become the hottest industrial property market in North America. #Nearshoring #Mexico #IndustrialRealEstate #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #NuevoLeon #Monterrey #Logistics #WarehouseRents #Reshoring #USMCA #TradePolicy #CapacityUtilization #FactoryOutput #CrossBorderTrade #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Trucking rates have been flat or falling for two years, but one hidden cost—empty miles—is quietly stealing billions from owner-operators. Lucas and Luna break down why carriers spend roughly 20% of their miles driving empty, how the 2026 capacity glut makes it worse, and why digital freight-matching hasn't fixed the problem. They cite recent data showing industrial production ticked up while capacity utilisation remains below pre-pandemic norms, meaning more trucks chasing fewer hauls. The episode also touches on how shippers are squeezing contract rates, leaving small fleets with no leverage. A concrete look at an overlooked drain on the supply chain. #Trucking #EmptyMiles #Freight #OwnerOperators #SupplyChain #Logistics #Diesel #DigitalFreight #CapacityGlut #IndustrialProduction #FreightRates #Carriers #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #LucasAndLuna #Fexingo Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 18 of The Supply Chain Economy digs into a hidden squeeze: big buyers like automakers and big-box retailers are stretching payment terms to 90 or even 120 days, while small suppliers face rising borrowing costs. Lucas and Luna break down the numbers—manufacturers' new orders hit $630 billion but trade deficits widened—and explore how factoring, reverse factoring, and fintech platforms are reshaping who gets paid when. With capacity utilisation up to 76.1% but small firms struggling to finance inventory, this episode reveals why the 'payment term gap' is becoming the new bottleneck in American supply chains. #SupplyChainFinance #PaymentTerms #SmallSuppliers #WorkingCapital #Factoring #ReverseFactoring #Fintech #TradeCredit #Manufacturing #Retail #Automotive #InventoryFinancing #CashFlow #SupplyChain #Economics #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 17 of The Supply Chain Economy digs into an overlooked bottleneck in the goods-movement network: U.S. railroad capacity. Hosts Lucas and Luna explain how a decade of cost-cutting, Precision Scheduled Railroading, and reduced investment have left the Class I railroads with less slack than many shippers realize. They walk through the specific math: train-crew shortages are adding 8 to 12 hours to transit times on key corridors like Chicago to Los Angeles, and car-turn times have lengthened by nearly 20 percent since 2020. The conversation connects this to the broader industrial-production data released this week—factory output is up, but if railroads can't move the goods, the manufacturing recovery hits a speed limit. Lucas points to the tension between the railroads' high operating ratios (below 60 percent for the big four) and the shipper complaints piling up at the Surface Transportation Board. The episode closes on whether the next wave of automation—think autonomous locomotives or digital intermodal platforms—can break the logjam, or whether the industry is headed for a regulatory showdown. #RailroadCapacity #ClassIRailroads #UnionPacific #BNSF #PrecisionScheduledRailroading #FreightRail #SupplyChain #Logistics #ManufacturingRecovery #IndustrialProduction #SurfaceTransportationBoard #TrainCrewShortage #Intermodal #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #GoodsMovement Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Cargo theft has surged 40% year-over-year, with organized rings targeting high-value electronics and pharmaceuticals. Lucas and Luna break down how thieves exploit the same supply chain chokepoints that legitimate businesses navigate — and why the gray market for stolen goods has gone digital. They examine the role of port congestion, the rise of fictitious pickups, and the surprising data point that 62% of thefts involve insiders. A focused look at a multi-billion-dollar leak in the goods movement system. #CargoTheft #SupplyChainCrime #Logistics #Shipping #Freight #PortSecurity #OrganizedCrime #GrayMarket #Electronics #Pharmaceuticals #InventoryLoss #Trucking #Warehouse #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #SupplyChainEconomy #CargoSecurity Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Supply Chain Economy, Lucas and Luna explore why US retailers are stockpiling inventory at levels not seen since early 2023. With imports running hot and warehouse vacancy near historic lows, the hosts break down the numbers: manufacturers' new orders hit $630 billion in March, up 1.5% from February, while capacity utilization climbed to 76.1%. They discuss the strategic shift from just-in-time to just-in-case, the role of tariffs and port labor uncertainty, and what this means for shipping rates and consumer prices. Tune in for a grounded look at the forces behind the inventory buildup and its ripple effects across the supply chain. #InventoryHoarding #SupplyChain #Retail #JustInCase #Logistics #Warehousing #Tariffs #PortLabor #ShippingRates #Manufacturing #Imports #CapacityUtilization #IndustrialProduction #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #SupplyChainEconomy #USRetail Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Lucas and Luna break down why warehouse and logistics labor is getting scarce even as industrial output hits records. With factory capacity utilization at 76.1% and industrial production up to 102.5, the bottleneck isn't machines—it's people. Lucas cites a recent survey of 500 logistics managers finding that 68% struggle to fill entry-level warehouse roles, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing warehouse wages have risen 14% year-over-year while retention rates fell. Luna points out that the tight labor market is pushing companies to automate faster, with robotics orders up 22% this year. They discuss how this labor crunch is different from the pandemic-era shortage—structural demographics versus a disruption—and what it means for the cost of everything on a shelf. This episode gives listeners a concrete frame for why their Amazon orders might cost more and why the 'help wanted' sign at the distribution center isn't going away. #SupplyChain #LaborShortage #WarehouseWorkers #Logistics #IndustrialProduction #CapacityUtilization #BureauOfLaborStatistics #Automation #Robotics #WageGrowth #Retention #Demographics #Amazon #DistributionCenters #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #SupplyChainEconomy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 13 of The Supply Chain Economy examines the growing trend of US manufacturers shifting production and logistics hubs to Mexico, not as a cost play but as a nearshoring response to trade uncertainty. Lucas and Luna break down the latest trade balance data showing imports outpacing exports by $60 billion in March 2026, and how capacity utilization at US factories hit 76.1% — a sign of strain rather than strength. They focus on the specific case of a midsize Ohio auto parts maker that moved assembly to Monterrey, cutting delivery times from 30 days to 48 hours while avoiding tariffs. The conversation also tackles whether reshoring is real or just re-routing, and how logistics providers are adapting with cross-border rail and trucking networks. No hot takes — just the numbers and the decisions behind them. #SupplyChain #Nearshoring #MexicoManufacturing #TradeDeficit #Logistics #USManufacturing #CapacityUtilization #Monterrey #AutoParts #Tariffs #CrossBorderLogistics #Reshoring #IndustrialProduction #TradePolicy #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics #GlobalTrade Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In this episode of The Supply Chain Economy, Lucas and Luna examine the ripple effects of a major shipping chokepoint — the Panama Canal's reduced transit capacity due to drought. With the canal handling about 5% of global maritime trade, draft restrictions and fewer daily slots have forced container lines to reroute via Suez or around the Cape of Good Hope, adding days and millions in fuel costs. Using data from March 2026, they explore how this has widened the trade deficit (to -$60.3 billion) as US importers pay more for longer voyages, while exports suffer from container imbalances. They also discuss the 'southern route' shift boosting Gulf Coast ports like Houston and Mobile, and what this means for logistics real estate. Specific numbers: transit slots cut by 20%, average wait times jumping from 2 to 8 days, and spot rates from Asia to US East Coast up 35% year-over-year. A focused look at how a single infrastructure constraint is rewriting supply chain strategies. #PanamaCanal #ShippingRoutes #GlobalTrade #SupplyChain #Drought #Logistics #TradeDeficit #Ports #ContainerShipping #USImports #GulfCoast #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #SupplyChainEconomy #Maritime #LucasAndLuna #TradeBottlenecks Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

Episode 11 of The Supply Chain Economy digs into the growing imbalance of empty shipping containers that is leaving US exporters stranded. Lucas and Luna break down why American ports are flooded with imports but starved for empty boxes needed for outbound shipments, how container repositioning costs have surged 40% year-over-year, and what it means for agriculture and manufacturing exporters. They reference the latest trade deficit data showing goods imports outpacing exports by over $60 billion, and discuss why carriers prefer returning empties to Asia rather than moving them inland. The episode features a specific case: a soybean exporter in Iowa now paying $1,200 more per container than last year. #EmptyContainerCrunch #USExporters #ContainerImbalance #ShippingContainers #TradeDeficit #SupplyChainEconomy #Logistics #Freight #ExportSqueeze #ContainerRepositioning #IowaSoybeans #TradeImbalance #PortCongestion #ShippingCosts #AgricultureExports #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Economics Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo