• Inland Distribution
  • September 25- 27, 2023 | The Westin Chicago River North

Cathy Morrow Roberson

S&P Global

Trade Analyst, Journal of Commerce

Cathy Roberson joined the JOC in July 2020 and covers parcel, air cargo, and last-mile and reverse logistics. Based in Atlanta, she is also founder and head analyst for Logistics Trends & Insights, which provides customized logistics research and consulting services utilizing a global network of trusted and experienced analysts. Services include whitepapers, reports, surveys, case studies, and more. Roberson has more than 15 years of experience in the logistics market, including 10 years with UPS Supply Chain and several years with specialized consulting firms. In addition to being quoted in numerous publications, Roberson has published numerous articles in various business and logistics publications and speaks regularly at industry events.

Sessions With Cathy Morrow Roberson

Tuesday, 26 September

  • 11:45am - 12:30pm (CST) / 26/sep/2023 04:45 pm - 26/sep/2023 05:30 pm

    Inland Market Report: Redrawing the Map

    The inland distribution map changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic and is evolving even more rapidly as shippers shift freight among US ports. New distribution points, inland ports, and transportation hubs are emerging, but warehousing and distribution space is still hard to come by, even as inventories are drawn down. The costs of construction have increased alongside interest rates, and zoning restrictions create road (or rail) blocks for companies. How are distribution networks being redrawn in 2023? Where is demand strongest, and where will the hot markets be in 2024?

  • 02:15pm - 02:45pm (CST) / 26/sep/2023 07:15 pm - 26/sep/2023 07:45 pm

    Designing the Warehouse for the Future
    Shippers, carriers, and providers are redesigning and reoptimizing warehouses to address evolving market dynamics that necessitate improved efficiencies such as faster fulfillment, efficient yard management, data analytics to measure existing tasks and forecast future expectations, the embracement of the circular economy, and more. This session will explore the changing market dynamics that are driving warehouse changes and the technology behind them. 

Wednesday, 27 September

  • 11:30am - 12:00pm (CST) / 27/sep/2023 04:30 pm - 27/sep/2023 05:00 pm

    When Expedited Shipments Add Up to Savings
    Expedited shipments are often perceived as expensive and used as a last resort. But, done correctly, these types of shipments can bring cost-effective and sustainable changes to an organization. Understanding the outcome needed instead of focusing on the mode of transportation is important. Shippers need solutions that cross all modes and that fill all the gaps within their supply chains. This session will explore what expedited services are, how and why they should be included in transportation strategies, and ways to use expedited services in a sustainable manner. 
  • 01:35pm - 02:15pm (CST) / 27/sep/2023 06:35 pm - 27/sep/2023 07:15 pm

    Returns in the Circular Economy
    Managing returns has always been a problem for shippers: They’re difficult to quantify and costly. However, in today’s environment of cost cutting and the embracement of sustainability practices, returns management is floating to the top of many strategic agendas. This session will explore the growth of returns, the use of technology to manage reverse processes, best practices in cost mitigation, and how returns fit within the circular economy and in shippers’ sustainability strategies.  
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