Logistics Matters with DC VELOCITY
Guest: Helaine Rich of ePost Global on Rising Fuel Costs; Truck Stops Work to Accommodate Women Drivers; Changing Shopping Patterns
Why It Matters
Understanding fuel‑price pressures and evolving logistics costs helps businesses and consumers anticipate price changes and make smarter shipping choices. Highlighting women‑friendly truck stops promotes safety and inclusivity in a growing segment of the trucking workforce. The shift toward omni‑channel shopping signals that supply chains must stay flexible to meet fluctuating demand, especially amid geopolitical disruptions.
Key Takeaways
- •Fuel surcharge hikes pressure parcel carriers and shippers.
- •Multi‑carrier networks help absorb USPS 8% rate increase.
- •Women‑friendly truck stops prioritize lighting, security, 24/7 services.
- •Omni‑channel shopping resurges, demanding agile inventory planning.
- •Iran conflict disrupts air freight, shifting shipments to ground.
Pulse Analysis
Rising diesel and kerosene prices are reshaping the economics of parcel delivery. Helene Rich of ePost Global explained that carriers are feeling the pinch from fuel surcharges, especially after the U.S. Postal Service announced an 8% rate increase that will run through January 2027. ePost leverages a multi‑carrier network to route shipments through the most cost‑effective partners, allowing shippers to avoid passing the full surcharge onto consumers. This flexibility helps brands maintain margins while navigating volatile fuel markets and the broader geopolitical shock of the Iran‑Israel conflict, which has forced many air routes to be rerouted or cancelled.
At the same time, the industry is addressing a growing demographic shift: women now represent roughly 9.5% of truck drivers. The American Trucking Association’s Women in Motion Council, together with TruckerPath, identified three top‑ranked, women‑friendly truck stops—Compass Travel Center in Indiana, Garden Inn Truck Plaza in Missouri, and Talent Truck Stop in Oregon. Their criteria focus on well‑lit parking, bathrooms, lounges, showers, laundry facilities, 24‑hour maintenance, and on‑site security, creating safer, more comfortable rest points for female drivers. These improvements signal a broader commitment to diversity and safety across the trucking ecosystem.
Consumer behavior is also evolving. A recent 09 Solutions survey shows that only about 12% of Gen Z and 9% of Millennials plan to shop exclusively online this summer, while 69% will blend in‑store and digital experiences. This omni‑channel resurgence pressures retailers to sharpen demand sensing and accelerate inventory rebalancing. Supply chains must remain agile to accommodate sudden shifts, especially as geopolitical tensions continue to affect air freight capacity. By integrating real‑time data, flexible routing, and diversified carrier options, logistics providers can meet the dual challenges of cost volatility and changing shopper expectations.
Episode Description
Our guest on this week's episode is Helaine Rich, Vice President of Strategic Sales and Administration at ePost Global. As the war against Iran is in its seventh week, fuel prices continue to rise. And it is getting to the point where carriers can no longer just simply absorb those costs. So, how have those unexpected costs affected supply chain companies? Senior News Editor Ben Ames discusses with our guest how companies are coping and trying to adjust to these latest uncertainties.
Each year, the number of women taking the wheel is rising. Right now, women make up about 9 1/2 percent of truck drivers, according to the Women in Trucking organization. Senior Editor Victoria Kickham reports that as women continue to impact the industry, truck stops are looking to make life on the road better for these women drivers. She shares the top three truck stops nationwide that are tops for best accommodating women truckers.
Shoppers can sometimes be fickle. Just a few years ago, most retailers were losing traction with in-store shopping, forcing malls nationwide to close. Now we see a new trend where younger shoppers are returning to store shopping. Ben Ames reposts on a consumer survey he saw this week that found that only 12% of Gen Z and 9% of Millennials this summer plan to shop entirely online this summer, while the rest of shoppers are omnichannel, meaning that 69% of Americans are planning to shop both in-store and online. What does this mean for how companies manage their inventories?
Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:
ePost Global
Industry identifies the top three women-friendly truck stops
Younger consumers stay omnichannel, shun fully digital shopping
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Visit Supply Chain Xchange
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This podcast episode is sponsored by: Werner
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