The Buzz: World Cup Logistics, PepsiCo’s Autonomous Future, & Forklift Safety Innovation

On this episode of The Buzz, powered by APL Logistics, hosts Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson break down the latest developments shaping global supply chains, transportation, technology, and workforce safety. From geopolitical developments impacting global shipping lanes to autonomous trucking, World Cup logistics, and innovative warehouse safety solutions, this conversation delivers timely insights on the trends supply chain leaders need to understand.

The discussion begins with a look at workforce wellbeing and the growing importance of addressing stress, burnout, and employee health in today’s fast-paced business environment. Scott and Richard then explore the implications of a developing U.S.-Iran peace agreement and what it could mean for global shipping, trade flows, and the Strait of Hormuz. The conversation shifts to PepsiCo’s expanding use of autonomous trucking technology and the continued evolution of automation across supply chain operations. Later, the hosts examine the immense logistics required to support the 2026 FIFA World Cup before discussing emerging threats to the beef supply chain from the resurgence of the screwworm pest. Finally, special guest Brodie Cook, President of Fork Mule and winner of the MODEX 2026 Startup Solution of the Year Award, shares insights on warehouse safety, material handling innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of automation.

Key Takeaways

• Why workforce health and burnout prevention remain critical leadership priorities.
• How developments in the Middle East could impact global trade routes and shipping activity.
• What PepsiCo’s investment in autonomous trucking signals for the future of transportation.
• The massive logistics operation required to support the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• How labor shortages and biological threats continue to challenge agricultural supply chains.
• Why warehouse safety innovation remains a major opportunity for supply chain improvement.
• Lessons entrepreneurs can learn from ForkMule’s journey from idea to award-winning solution.
• The growing role of automation and AI in warehouses, material handling, and fleet operations.

If you want a practical look at the trends reshaping supply chains—from autonomous transportation and AI-powered operations to workforce safety, global trade, and entrepreneurship—this episode delivers valuable perspectives from industry leaders and innovators. You'll gain actionable insights on how technology, resilience, and execution continue to drive supply chain success.

Additional Links & Resources:

• APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/
• With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-14-June-2026
• From 10% chance of success to $2 trillion market cap: SpaceX’s historic IPO: https://cnb.cx/3S9zo3o
• EasyPost Case Study:https://bit.ly/2M-Saved-and-Fewer-Late-Deliveries
• Big Peanut: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/13562
• Webinar: https://bit.ly/PepsiCo-And-AutoScheduler-Webinar
• PepsiCo expanding autonomous truck use in its supply chain: https://bit.ly/PepsiCo-Expands-Autonomous-Trucks
• David's Post: https://bit.ly/Logistics-Behind-WC
• How Texas Ranchers Are Fighting a Long-Eradicated Cattle Killer: https://on.wsj.com/3SI8xvm
• Closing the Gap Between Planning and Execution: https://www.apllogistics.com/responsibility/apll_fixes_the_gap
• ProMat: https://www.promatshow.com/
• Fork Mule: https://forkmule.com/
• From Automation to Autonomy: How AI Robotics Are Reshaping the Warehouse: https://bit.ly/Josh-Cloer-Nomagic
• Connect with Brodie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brodie-cook-6a51a1122/
• Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddonaldson/
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes: https://supplychainnow.com/brands/supply-chain-now/
• Subscribe to Supply Chain Now: https://linktr.ee/Supplychainnow
• Check out the Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/
• Work with Us! Download the Supply Chain Now 2026 Media Kit: https://supplychainnow.com/media-kit/
• Upcoming Live Programming: https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/
• WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Richard Donaldson. For additional information, please visit the dedicated shoaw page at: https://supplychainnow.com/the-buzz-world-cup-logistics-pepsico-autonomous-future-forklift-safety-innovation-1598

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