Kitesurfing is a watersport where you use a board to glide over water and a kite to harness wind power that propels you. Even though the name suggests surfing, kitesurfing doesn’t require waves – the wind is the sole force that propels you forward.
An exciting watersport, like most sports it does come with the risk of injury. However, there are no definite guidelines regarding safety and best practices. Still, there are some tips you can implement to ensure you and others on the water minimize the risk of accidents.
First, never go kiting without proper training. Certified instructors can be found in many surfkiting locations. The necessary skills they will teach you include how to check weather conditions, kite and board control, self-rescue methods, and safety procedures. Also, anyone who will be assisting you in launching and landing when kitesurfing should be properly trained.
Another key tip is that you should never surf alone. Always kite with another person or at the very least carry a means of communication to a person in a boat or on shore. Also, stay within swimming distance from the shore, since equipment failure can occur. Additionally, assess weather conditions, including tides and wind, and only proceed if prepared.
Depending on the waters where you will surf, use an appropriately sized kite and board. You can check the sizes of the kites and boards others are using as a guide. It is also important to notify someone when you are leaving and the time you expect to come back.
A supply chain entails a network of corporations and individuals who create and deliver a product to customers. Supply chain complexity refers to the interconnectedness of different parts and how much they rely on each other. A change or event affecting one part can have a ripple effect on the rest of the supply chain.
Chris Jamroz, executive chairman and CEO of Roadrunner, a logistics company, explains supply chain complexity. He uses the example of a company that needs to find textiles in the Far East and wants to use these raw materials to make products that must ship to distant markets. Other factors, such as expanding product lines and evolving customer expectations, can also result in supply chain complexity.
As with any other logistics company, Roadrunner experienced supply chain complexities. Chris Jamroz realized the company had operational difficulties due to acquisitions and unrelated businesses. He sought to resolve this by streamlining the company and focusing on core operations. The company also aimed to improve connectivity by bypassing central hubs and directly linking locations. Additionally, reducing freight handling and repackaging helped minimize damage and loss.
Aside from Chris Jamroz’s recommendations and how he handled supply chain complexity at Roadrunner, there are other ways businesses can manage it. These include convergence, forward planning, reshoring, supplier base consolidation, and visibility. Convergence involves aligning procurement and supply chain, which improves collaboration and mitigates risks.
Forward planning involves demand forecasting to align supply with customer needs. Reshoring reduces reliance on distant suppliers by moving operations closer. Consolidating the supplier base requires minimizing it, while visibility helps map suppliers, identify bottlenecks, and improve efficiency.
Reverse logistics focuses on moving products from consumers back to producers or retailers. This process moves backward through the supply chain, starting with the end consumer and often including recycling, refurbishment, or resale. Effective reverse logistics requires careful management and optimization to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Organizations should begin by reviewing policies and agreements related to returns and repairs. Clear, well-structured rules that address common causes of returns and repairs can streamline processes. By handling these aspects effectively, businesses can differentiate themselves competitively.
Leverage data to refine operations. Analyzing return data helps identify patterns and reasons for product returns, enabling adjustments to forward logistics, product design, and sales strategies. These insights can reduce future return rates and improve customer satisfaction.
Centralize return centers to enhance efficiency. A dedicated return center simplifies sorting and determining the best action for returned goods. For businesses without resources for a separate facility, designate part of an existing plant or warehouse for returns to recover product value more effectively.
The Schulich School of Business, a Canada-based institution, emphasizes global approaches and flexible, diverse experiences for students. As of 2024, it partners with 80 management schools in 40 countries to host study abroad programs, and its staff come from over 30 countries. Students can even alter their courseload dynamically to accommodate working part or full-time,
Students can ask for advice from the Schulich School of Business’s over 36,000 alumni, spread across over 90 countries. Using the Schulich Alumni Hub, they can search for mentors with similar careers, and potential mentors can offer their expertise in a form that fits their schedules.
For instance, mentees who enter the Alumni2Student program meet with an alumni with at least three years of professional experience in their field. Mentors and students hold three 30-minute meetings over three months. Students can learn job search skills and transferable skills in communication and time management.
During Alumni Coffee Chats, Schulich students can meet with alumni with at least two years of professional experience in an informal setting. Students can network with an alum, while the alum can make a difference, even with a busy schedule.
The logistics management landscape has transformed, driven by evolving customer expectations and innovative technologies. The entry of automation and robotics has revolutionized warehouse operations, improving productivity.
Smart robots enhance accuracy by reducing errors as they execute routine tasks such as product sorting and packing with utmost precision. Industry experts predict that with increased warehouse automation investments, by 2026, smart robots will support 75 percent of large warehouses, completely redefining the future of logistics services management.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have become more widely used in the third-party logistics (3PL) industry. 3PL providers specialize in warehouse storage, inventory management, order fulfillment, returns processing, and haulage. AI and ML technologies analyze current and historical data trends to provide accurate predictions, thus avoiding excess inventory and shortages. Additionally, AI algorithms help develop optimal transportation routes by analyzing factors like the weather and traffic flow, leading to reduced costs and timely deliveries.
The role of big data and analytics in logistics management is increasing. Using advanced analytic tools, logistics companies can now analyze vast amounts of data for vital insights into market trends, customer behavior, and supply chain performance. For example, companies can leverage analytics to identify the most optimal efficient transportation routes to reduce delivery times and costs.
The Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity cuts costs, optimizes usage and boosts operational efficiency while strengthening operational security. The constant flow of data between logistics providers and internet-connected devices makes supply chains self-monitor. Smart sensors deployed in warehouses alert smart robots to pick and pack orders or replenish stocks. Onboard telematics in autonomous vehicles help optimize delivery routes. IoT-enabled technology also enables smart labels, impacting the logistics industry significantly.
Away from IoT, an increasing number of logistics providers are adapting to using cloud-based services. These cloud-based solutions offer logistics providers real-time visibility into every supply chain aspect and increased transparency that enables seamless inventory tracking. Cloud-based logistics helps optimize transportation routes and facilitate seamless collaboration between partners, leading to cost savings and improved efficiency. Also, cloud services offer real-time access to operations software and critical intelligence, enabling highly responsive scaling to demand shifts.
The logistics industry has benefited from the advent of decentralized ledger technology. For example, Blockchain technology has removed multiple layers of complexity by introducing transparent and secure transactional links. It has also cut out endless paperwork from transactions and reduced delays and fraud. Blockchain technology will continue to drastically enhance operations in the logistics management landscape, which has experienced excessive and frustrating bureaucratic complexity for many years.
An often challenging and expensive aspect of logistics management is the “last mile” delivery. Professionals have developed innovative solutions to optimize last-mile logistics. These include drone deliveries and collaborative delivery networks that enhance delivery times and boost and optimize last-mile logistics and customer convenience. Companies are also adopting autonomous delivery and AI-driven route optimization. Also on the rise are micro-fulfillment centers and subscription-based delivery models.
Finally, ecological and regulatory pressures push logistics management companies to improve cybersecurity measures and adopt greener fleets. As a big contributor to greenhouse gases, the logistics industry must keep exploring greener solutions such as electric vehicles and alternative fuels. Companies are also reshaping their strategies, exploring cost-sharing models, regional supply chains, and green financing to mitigate economic factors like trade protectionism and energy cost volatility.
Supply chains are undergoing a fundamental transformation as companies adapt to a new era of global commerce characterized by technological advancement, geopolitical uncertainty, and growing environmental concerns. This shift represents more than just a temporary adjustment—it’s a strategic rewiring of how businesses manage their operations and deliver value to customers.
One of the most significant changes is the move toward regionalization, with companies increasingly shifting from global to regional supply networks. Research shows that up to 96 percent of US CEOs are now committed to reshoring as a strategy to enhance supply chain resilience. This trend reflects a broader recognition that over-dependence on distant suppliers can create vulnerabilities during global disruptions. However, the transition isn’t happening as quickly as many might expect. While 92 percent of manufacturers express interest in regionalizing their manufacturing footprint, only 28 percent plan to have predominantly in-region operations by 2030. This gap between ambition and execution highlights the complexity of restructuring established supply chains.
Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a crucial tool for supply chain optimization. Supply chains that use AI are 67 percent more effective, with reduced risks and lower costs compared to traditional systems. The technology also has other benefits: autonomous supply chain planning can increase revenue, decrease costs, and reduce inventory. Despite these promising benefits, implementation remains a challenge. While most supply chain leaders see AI as key to driving improvements, only one percent have actually managed to eliminate manual spreadsheets from their operations.
Companies are adopting various strategies to navigate these changes, ranging from efficient flow for steady demand products to responsive approaches for customization and variable markets. Organizations must balance multiple priorities—cost efficiency, robustness, speed, and customer value—based on their specific market conditions and business objectives.
Environmental considerations are also becoming increasingly central to supply chain strategy due to consumer behaviors and growing regulatory standards. Research shows that more than half of US consumers fall into categories that are either actively concerned about environmental issues or regularly purchase eco-friendly products. Yet about 65 percent of companies still don’t have a net-zero carbon emissions goal, and only 6 percent reported increased commitment to climate change mitigation year-over-year. This gap suggests that sustainability will be a major focus area for supply chain transformation in the coming years.
The path forward requires a balanced approach to transformation. Organizations should focus on phased implementation of new technologies and processes while building partnerships to share costs and risks. Success demands clear communication and stakeholder involvement, coupled with the development of digital skills within the workforce. The integration of real-time data and AI-driven decision-making must be paired with risk management strategies to ensure resilience.
The challenge lies not just in adopting new technologies or restructuring supply networks but in doing so while maintaining operational efficiency and meeting customer expectations. Therefore, organizations need to balance innovation and stability, global reach and local resilience, cost efficiency and sustainability.
Looking ahead, supply chain leaders must prepare for a future where digital competency, environmental responsibility, and adaptability are not just advantages but necessities. The market size for AI in supply chains is projected to exceed $41 billion by 2030, while supply chain analytics is expected to triple to $13.5 billion by 2027. These projections indicate the scale of transformation ahead and the importance of preparing now for future changes.
Focused on quality and efficiency, Roadrunner Freight has been on an expansion track throughout 2024. Maintaining terminals across more than 40 metro markets, the less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier utilizes a Smart Network with AI and machine learning capabilities. This ensures direct routing, reliable and fast transit times, real-time tracking, and industry-leading custodial controls.
In January 2024, Roadrunner announced its most major expansion in five years. It expanded LTL service to the Canadian cities of Toronto and Montreal (via Detroit) for the first time. It also added services to Portland, Oregon, and 135 lanes to its nationwide network. This was built on the 2023 markets opening in Denver, Richmond, Kansas City, and Las Vegas. Its new lanes include service extending to Hawaii and Alaska, with transit times improved and better quote automation. The lane expansions have boosted freight handled by around 10 percent and required 150 additional drivers.
Also, in January, GLT Logistics named Roadrunner as the recipient of its Breakthrough Carrier of the Year Award. A key aspect of this was the company’s unparalleled direct freight connectivity across long-distance hauls, with rehandling eliminated or kept to a minimum across route schedules. Its metro-to-metro shipping lanes stand in contrast to other major LTL carriers, which maintain complex hub-and-spoke networks subject to rehandling and reloading, with associated losses, shortages, and damage.
In June 2024, Roadrunner Freight expanded further by acquiring an Atlanta terminal previously operated by YRC Freight. The terminal came on the market in late 2023 as part of the Yellow Corp. bankruptcy auction. The US urban trucking facilities remain scarce, with high new construction costs and repurposing old facilities a must.
Significantly increasing service network capacity, the Atlanta terminal spans two buildings and has 75 total doors, which enables efficient cross-docking operations. In addition, there is parking for 300 trailers on-site and a mechanical shop that encompasses an inspection lane and three bays. Contractors recently upgraded the on-site offices, adding features like gate access and electric security fencing.
Benefitting drivers, the new Flagship Driver Lounge replicates airport lounges in the amenities offered to Linehaul Independent Contractors (IC). These include a rest area and showers. The lounge model is also being deployed in hubs in other promising areas, such as Dallas and Commerce, California. The Atlanta terminal’s location is especially ideal for output and throughput, as it is situated just off major interstates serving the Southeast and surrounding areas.
Beyond its logistics capacities, Roadrunner Freight has added to its commitment to quality by introducing Guaranteed Service across select lanes. This has given several shippers a guarantee of date-specific delivery or a full refund of charges. The company also launched a one-day service for transit between Chicago and Southern California facilities.
Another area of improvement centers on reorganizing Roadrunner’s Rapid Response Team. The team has been restructured to provide fast, reliable support service 24/7 when breakdowns, fuel needs, and other issues requiring maintenance dispatch occur. With these coordinated expansions and service enhancements in mind, Inbound Logistics named Roadrunner Freight a Top 100 Trucking Company.
CEO of STG Holdings and executive chairman of St. Georges Logistics, Chris Jamroz is an accomplished logistics professional with more than twenty years of experience. Rising through the ranks and serving in multiple senior logistics positions, Chris Jamroz also serves as the executive chairman of Ascent Global Logistics.
Ascent Global Logistics, a leading supply chain and logistics solutions provider announced a new Board of Directors. New entrants included Jim Van Leenan, a former CEO of Flash Global Logistics and USPack Logistics, as well as Cordia Harrington, founder and CEO of The Bakery Cos. now Crown Bakeries. Other appointments to the board included Christopher L. Doerr who moved from the board of Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc. to the Ascent Board.
Under the leadership of Cordia Harrington, founder and CEO of The Bakery Cos., the company baked over eight million products on a daily basis. The bakery maintains staff of over 600 people who serve customers across the U.S., South America, and Caribbean. Her focus on sustainability, employee policies, regulation, culture and development have steered the company to an award-winning high-speed bakery enterprise. Jim Van Leenan who serves as an advisor to the USPack Logistics was previously a CEO of both USPack and Fleetgistics, as well as served as the executive chairman of the Board at Roadrunner. Announcing the changes, president of Ascent, Tom Stenglein, said he looked forward to the company offering the best value services for both clients and shareholders.
A highly respected logistics professional with more than two decades of experience, Chris Jamroz serves at the helm of multiple transport and logistics companies. Chris Jamroz serves as the executive chairman of both St. George Logistics and Ascent Global Logistics.
As part of its growth plan, Ascent Global Logistics announced the acquisition of Hageland Aviation Services, LLC, based in Alaska, as well as the launch of Rambler Air, LLC, a new service focused on providing reliable and safe air travel within Alaska. Rambler will offer its customers commuter flights, as well as passenger and cargo charters. Based in Anchorage at Lake Hood, Rambler Air is an initiative to expand Ascent’s On-Demand service and is expected to serve both Alaska’s businesses and communities. Alaska relies heavily on air transportation services, and both Rambler Air and the Hageland Aviation acquisition will help Ascent to offer quality, comprehensive, and customer-oriented services in Alaska.
According to Tom Stenglein, the president and CEO of Ascent Global Logistics, Rambler Air will begin operations in Alaska after more than four decades of successfully operating the 121 and 135 certified USA Jet airline in 48 states. The airline plans to bring its reliable service, excellent safety record, and operational excellence to Alaska. The move comes after COVID-19 resulted in a 45 percent reduction of Alaskan air services. Rambler Air expects to play a huge role in bridging the gap and meeting future demand.
Roadrunner Transportation Systems transforming into two independent companies: Roadrunner Freight, a leading national LTL carrier, and Ascent Global Logistics, a diversified global logistics provider
Chris Jamroz 