Dear Readers, If there’s one thing this past 6 months has reminded us, it’s that the ground beneath global trade rarely stays still for long. From the accelerating promise of AI to the very real disruptions playing out at chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, we’re navigating a world that is growing more regional, more complex, and – more unpredictable. And yet, that’s exactly what makes this work so fascinating.
This issue is really an invitation to pause before we race ahead. Because while the technology boom is full of opportunity, the smarter question isn’t can we use it – it’s how we use it well. That thread of intentionality runs through everything we’ve explored here: the power of orchestration, the case for diversity – in route plans, service providers, and fresh perspectives on old problems.
We dig into alternative procurement models, evolving contract structures, and some of the costs that rarely make the headline but absolutely should – like the financial weight of delayed decisions, or the quiet overhead of dark stores in e-commerce. There’s a lot to chew on, and I genuinely hope it sparks something for you. Enjoy the read.
