Day # 3 – Practical Tips and Advice from the Pros
Protecting Your IC Model
The final day of the conference kicked off with a keynote called “ IC Final Mile Volatility ” by Attorney Greg Feary , a partner at Scopelitis , Garvin , Light , Hanson & Feary . Feary has deep experience in the logistics space . “ In dealing with drivers , last-mile companies want to make sure they know what ’ s happening at the dispatch level to help keep on the right side of IC issues ,” he counseled . “ You want to make sure the courts regard your drivers as independent contractors if needed .”
Sustainability Issues and New Business
In a fireside chat , conference participants got the inside scoop on the critical role environmental , social and governance ( ESG ) issues are playing in new business acquisition . Aaron Hall , Transportation Solutions Manager , for DHL Supply Chain and Kelly Gilroy , Vice President Sustainable & Natural Products for Univar Solutions shared candid observations about the key role ESG is already playing in their selection of vendors .
“ The emphasis on meeting environmental , social and governance standards is not going away . If last-mile carriers haven ’ t seen it in contracts , they will soon ,” cautioned panel moderator Shawn Stockman , Vice President , Sustainability Solutions , OnePak . “ Every major company is under the same pressure to consider these factors when they pick vendors , and it will trickle down to you .”
Wrapping Up with Observations from the Top
The conference topped off with an open mic session with some of the last-mile ’ s most influential thought leaders . The star-studded fireside chat included frank remarks by Akash Agarwal , CTO , Beans . ai ; Daniel Byrne , Transportation Sector Consultant , Ernst & Young ; Wendy Greenland , CEO , Openforce ; Spencer Tenney , President & CEO , Tenney Group and Tyler Thatcher , CEO , Western Peaks Logistics . Led by CLDA President , Jason Burns , the panel discussed issues including :
2023 CLDA FINAL MILE FORUM
• Identifying and focusing on your ideal customer
• Pricing and rate conversations
• Responding to the stresses on the industry
• Keeping up with the M & A environment and the factors driving consolidation
• Sustaining growth
• Taking on an uncertain environment . spring 2023 I customized logistics & delivery Magazine 51