Chain Reaction - The Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast

The UK's leading podcast focussing on supply chain and logistics.

Chain Reaction - The Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Michael Ostroumov, with 48 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Michael Ostroumov hosts Chain Reaction - The Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast, a business show with 48 episodes published.

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  Chain Reaction - The Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast

  Ep. 48 - The Secret to Keeping Supply Chains Moving - Jonathan Torres

  Aug 28, 202633 min

  Customs compliance often operates behind the scenes, but when something goes wrong, the consequences become visible very quickly. Missing paperwork, incorrect classifications, system failures, regulatory changes, and new tariffs can leave trucks, containers, and shipments stuck at borders, disrupting operations across the wider supply chain. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: Why shipments get delayed at borders and what compliance teams do about it How changing tariffs and regulation create operational challenges How AI, automation, and system integration are changing trade compliance In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Jonathan Torres, Compliance Manager at Mevotech, for a practical discussion on what customs and trade compliance actually involves. Jonathan shares how an unexpected visit to a customs officers' recruitment event led him into a career spanning more than 20 years, and explains what happens behind the scenes when businesses need to move goods across borders. The conversation covers customs documentation, HS code classification, changing tariffs, automotive parts, border delays, stakeholder communication, AI, automation, and the shift towards paperless and increasingly integrated customs processes. Jonathan also explains why AI can help compliance professionals work faster, but why knowledge and experience remain essential for validating its answers and understanding the regulations behind them. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wsDJwdtw3AY TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:53) - How Jonathan entered customs compliance by mistake (3:45) - What trade compliance actually involves (5:53) - What keeps a compliance manager awake at night (8:16) - What are the biggest headaches when it comes to compliance (10:51) - Staying flexible when regulations change (14:06) - Trade compliance challenges in the automotive industry (16:58) - Technology and automation in compliance (20:08) - Could reliance on AI weaken compliance skills? (22:26) - Why AI is a lens, not a brain (23:34) - Jonathan's unexpected career journey (25:39) - The future of customs and trade compliance (29:04) - Magic wand question: getting everyone to understand the process CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Jonathan Torres - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-torres-bba-ctcs-ccs-scm-6a58b8121/ CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ Related Service Page: https://flox.is/for-lsps/3pls ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores the operational reality of customs and trade compliance with Jonathan Torres, Compliance Manager at Mevotech. The discussion covers why shipments get held at borders, the impact of tariffs and regulatory change, customs classification, automotive supply chains, AI, automation, and system integration. It also examines why better understanding across different business functions can reduce mistakes, improve compliance, and help the entire supply chain move faster and more efficiently. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #TradeCompliance #Customs #Logistics

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  Chain Reaction - The Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast

  Ep. 47 - What Makes a Great 3PL Partner? - Leo Rodriguez

  Aug 14, 202637 min

  Getting a product from a warehouse to a customer might look simple from the outside. In reality, successful fulfilment depends on everything from packaging and item setup to inventory data, exception management, technology, forecasting, and the relationship between a brand and its 3PL. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: Why fulfilment problems often begin before inventory reaches the warehouse How strong 3PL relationships depend on transparency, communication, and accountability How WMS, TMS, automation, and AI are changing fulfilment operations In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Leo Rodriguez, Vice President at River Plate, a Los Angeles-based fulfilment and logistics company with more than three decades of experience. Leo shares how a summer job on the warehouse floor became a 17-year career in logistics, before exploring what happens behind the scenes of modern fulfilment. He explains why accurate item setup, packaging, labelling, barcodes, dimensions, weights, and inventory data need to be right before goods even reach the warehouse, as well as how 3PLs manage exceptions such as incorrect configurations, rework, repacking, and changing retailer requirements. The conversation also explores what makes a strong relationship between a brand and its logistics provider. Leo explains why mistakes are inevitable, but identifying problems early, communicating transparently, taking accountability, and putting things right can build long-term trust. Michael and Leo also discuss the technology supporting modern 3PL operations, including WMS and TMS platforms, carrier rate shopping, automation, robotics, AI, and how better data and forecasting can help logistics teams anticipate problems rather than simply react to them. This episode is particularly relevant for 3PLs, fulfilment providers, ecommerce brands, retailers, warehouse operators, and supply chain leaders looking to improve operational visibility, client relationships, and fulfilment performance. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/27tA_KLE37o TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:20) - Leo's accidental journey into logistics (3:45) - Growing River Plate and scaling its fulfilment operations (6:43) - What differentiates River Plate as a 3PL (10:42) - Volatility and operational challenges in fulfilment (15:31) - Managing exceptions, packaging issues, and incorrect inventory (21:11) - Protecting client relationships when things go wrong (25:12) - The role of technology in modern 3PL operations (32:06) - Magic wand question: solving demand forecasting CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Leo Rodriguez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-rodriguez-ab4a3943/ CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ Related Service Page: https://flox.is/for-lsps/3pls ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores the operational reality behind modern third-party logistics with Leo Rodriguez, Vice President at River Plate. The discussion covers warehouse receiving, packaging and item setup, exception management, value-added services, client relationships, WMS and TMS technology, automation, AI, and forecasting. It highlights why great fulfilment depends on far more than moving boxes from A to B, and why information, visibility, accountability, and collaboration are fundamental to building a scalable logistics operation. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #3PL #Fulfilment #Logistics #Warehousing

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  Chain Reaction - The Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast

  Ep. 46 - Is your 3PL Killing Your Brand? - Phil Rees

  Jul 31, 202643 min

  Finding the right logistics partner is one of the biggest decisions an eCommerce business can make, yet many brands approach it too late or choose based on price alone. The result is poor service, operational headaches, limited scalability, and unnecessary cost. Selecting the right fulfilment partner requires far more than comparing quotes. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: How brands should choose the right 3PL partner Why outsourcing logistics can accelerate business growth How AI is changing fulfilment, matchmaking, and logistics operations In this episode of Chain Reaction Podcast, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Phil Rees, Founder of Shipmax, to discuss the realities of modern fulfilment and why choosing the right logistics partner has become a strategic business decision. Phil shares his journey into logistics, explains how Shipmax helps brands find suitable 3PL providers, and discusses why due diligence, operational fit, and long-term scalability matter far more than simply finding the lowest price. The conversation explores outsourcing versus in-house fulfilment, warehouse selection, operational risk, financial stability, international expansion, AI productivity, and how technology is helping logistics businesses become more efficient without replacing people. They also discuss the importance of trusted partnerships, data quality, and why sustainability remains one of the industry's biggest long-term challenges. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_aY6KYAw-hY TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:44) - Phil's journey into logistics and founding Shipmax (6:59) - The biggest supply chain mistakes brands make (8:29) - Outsourcing vs in-house fulfilment (12:16) - How to choose the right 3PL partner (15:28) - Why financial stability and due diligence matter (21:20) - What brands are asking for today (25:23) - When Businesses Outgrow Their 3PL (31:19) - How Shipmax uses AI across the business (37:43) - Magic wand question: making logistics more sustainable CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov – https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Phil Rees – https://www.linkedin.com/in/international-ecommerce/ CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ Related Service Page: https://flox.is/for-buyers/warehousing ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores how brands can build stronger, more resilient supply chains by choosing the right fulfilment partner. Phil Rees, Founder of Shipmax, discusses outsourcing strategy, warehouse selection, operational due diligence, financial stability, international expansion, and the growing role of AI in logistics. The conversation provides practical insight into how businesses can avoid costly fulfilment mistakes, scale more effectively, and build partnerships that support long-term growth. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #Logistics #Fulfilment #3PL #Warehouse #eCommerce #ArtificialIntelligence #SupplyChainManagement #LogisticsTechnology

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  Chain Reaction - The Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast

  Ep.45 - The Most Complex Delivery on Britain's Roads - Kevin McAlonan

  Jul 17, 202628 min

  Every wind turbine begins long before it starts generating electricity. Behind every completed wind farm is a highly coordinated operation involving ports, heavy cranes, specialist transport, route planning, weather windows, police escorts, and thousands of moving parts that all have to come together at exactly the right time. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: The logistics behind transporting and installing modern wind turbines How planning, weather, permits, and infrastructure shape renewable energy projects Why technology is transforming wind operations, from drones to digital planning In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Kevin McAlonan, Head of Wind Operations at Global Wind, to discuss the operational reality behind modern wind energy projects. Kevin explains how wind farms are planned, built and maintained, sharing first-hand insight into the logistics of moving enormous turbine components, coordinating specialist equipment, and overcoming the operational challenges that sit behind renewable energy infrastructure. This episode is particularly relevant for logistics professionals, infrastructure operators, renewable energy businesses, transport providers, heavy lift specialists, and anyone interested in how large-scale engineering projects are delivered. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v_Zx_giboMo TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:21) - Kevin's journey into the wind industry (3:23) - What it takes to build a modern wind farm (4:27) - The biggest logistics challenges in wind operations (6:38) - Planning projects around weather, permits, and resources (10:51) - Port storage, just-in-time delivery, and project coordination (12:00) - How drones, AI, and digital planning are changing wind operations (18:21) - Maintaining and replacing major turbine components (20:20) - The future of wind energy and larger turbine technology (25:07) - Magic wand question: reducing planning delays and bureaucracy CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Kevin McAlonan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mcalonan-b4bb5a168/ CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ Related Service Page: https://www.flox.is/for-lsps/transport-providers ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores the logistics behind modern wind energy with Kevin McAlonan, Head of Wind Operations at Global Wind. The discussion covers the complete lifecycle of a wind farm, from port operations and specialist transport through to installation, maintenance, major component replacement, and future technologies. It also explores how larger turbines, drones, AI, battery storage, and grid infrastructure are reshaping renewable energy, while highlighting the planning and logistics challenges that underpin every successful wind project. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #RenewableEnergy #WindEnergy #Logistics #HeavyLift #Infrastructure #WindFarms #CleanEnergy

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  Chain Reaction - The Supply Chain and Logistics Podcast

  Ep. 44 - Inside Britain's Smart Factory - Zen Gregory

  Jul 3, 202640 min

  Manufacturing is changing rapidly as AI, robotics, and intelligent automation move from theory into everyday operations. But successful transformation isn't driven by technology alone. It depends on clean data, continuous improvement, strong leadership, and a culture that embraces change. KEY CONCEPTS COVERED: How AI employees and robotics are transforming manufacturing operations Why people, culture, and data are the foundations of successful automation Practical ways manufacturers can use AI to improve efficiency and decision-making In this episode of Chain Reaction, Michael Ostroumov is joined by Zen Gregory, Head of Supply Chain and Automation at British Rototherm, to explore what it really takes to build an intelligent factory. Zen introduces the Alien Dreadnought framework and explains how his team is using AI agents, autonomous robots, predictive analytics, and lean manufacturing principles to modernise a 170-year-old business without replacing its people. This episode is particularly relevant for manufacturing leaders, supply chain professionals, operations managers, automation specialists, and anyone interested in the practical application of AI in industrial environments. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/610J_MUVjec TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction and guest overview (1:36) - Zen's journey from Amazon to supply chain automation (4:13) - What is the Alien Dreadnought Intelligent Factory? (8:51) - The Alien Dreadnought Automation System explained (13:48) - AI agents, automation, and practical business applications (15:15) - AI employees and intelligent decision support (21:49) - Introducing automation into a 170-year-old manufacturer (25:40) - How AI helps to overcome physical and technological challenges (31:01) - How robotics and AI improve operations (34:46) - Measuring ROI from automation and AI (37:44) - Magic wand question: creating a culture of experimentation CONNECT WITH THE HOST & GUEST: Michael Ostroumov – https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostroumov/ Zen Gregory – https://www.linkedin.com/in/zen-g-b04ab28b/ CONNECT WITH FLOX: Website: https://www.flox.is/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flox-logistics-services/ Related Service Page: https://flox.is/for-buyers/e2e-visibility ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, Chain Reaction explores how AI, robotics, and intelligent automation are reshaping manufacturing with Zen Gregory, Head of Supply Chain and Automation at British Rototherm. The discussion covers AI employees, autonomous robots, predictive analytics, lean manufacturing, data quality, change management, and the practical framework behind the Alien Dreadnought Intelligent Factory. It demonstrates how combining people, technology, and continuous improvement can help manufacturers build smarter, more resilient operations. #ChainReactionPodcast #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #ArtificialIntelligence #Automation

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