Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Supply Chain Logistics . . . But Were Afraid to Ask

The Omaha Bugle-Global News Network

Despite their vast knowledge about many important topics, Adam and Jeff are forced to admit that they know virtually nothing about supply chains and the logistical networks that facilitate the transport of goods from point of manufacture to point of sale. As a result, they have called upon eminent supply chain and ocean shipping tech space expert Caroline Weaver (who coincidentally has the same last name as one of the hosts) for an explanation as to how supply chains work. There is a special urgency to this podcast as several containers of highly desirable Omaha Bugle swag are sitting in containers in China awaiting shipment to the United States for the upcoming gala celebration of the 100th podcast of the Omaha Bugle Global News Network. Caroline patiently describes the various actors who are involved in trans-ocean shipping and lists several factors can causing shipping prices to gyrate wildly. Caroline also points out that shippers are having to confront renewed piracy attacks in the Red Sea which is causing most container ships to be diverted around the southern coast of Africa. Unfortunately, these pirates are rather grubby individuals and not at all lovable like Captain Jack Sparrow of the Disney Pirates of the Caribbean series. Adam learns that container ships--which may contain 15,000 or even 20,000 40-foot containers--do not welcome tourists aboard to cross the ocean because of the risks that the containers could shift and fall on top of the lounging tourists while they are sipping their cocktails. Caroline also advises Jeff that the Omaha Bugle should not employ smugglers to bring the company swag to the United States because of the possibility of confiscation and criminal prosecution.