Global Trade This Week

John Gould of 10 Tanker on Aerial Firefighting - Uptime Logistics

10 Tanker is leading the way in aerial firefighting using DC-10 Air Tankers. On this episode of Uptime Logistics our host Doug Draper of Acme Distribution interviews John Gould, President of 10 Tanker Air Carrier. John’s experienced leader in firefighting and wildfire management.

Doug and John explore the basic question of what Aerial Firefighting really means as well as the history of the industry - When, how, and why certain equipment and aircraft are used for certain situations. They also discuss different suppression methods such as water or a purpose-built retardant.

 

They discuss the business and coordination of aerial firefighting both nationally and regionally. The importance of operational uptime handling A.O.G. situations and emergency parts in “game time” scenarios to keep aircraft operating smoothly. The end the show out, they discuss future trends of Aerial Firefighting including using better fire intelligence from satellites and on the ground coordination. Thanks to John, 10 Tanker, and the entire firefighting coordination podsystem for all that they do to help manage and protect lives from wild fires.

Learn more at 10 Tanker’s Website: https://www.10tanker.com/

And follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to keep up to date with their important work in fighting fires!

Watch the video at www.caplogistics.com/uptime-logistics-blog/05/07/21/john-gould-of-10-tanker-on-aerial-firefighting-uptime-logistics

Mark LaCour & The Oil and Gas Global Network - Uptime Logistics

On this episode of Uptime Logistics our host, Doug Draper of Acme Distribution interviews oil market expert and fellow podcast host, Mark LaCour of the Oil & Gas Global Network. Mark details the “double-black swan” events of 2020 and how industry has been impacted globally. Mark and Doug make predictions for the future of the market and how to navigate the unique challenges experts face today. Learn about the future of drilling and processing operations in the US and around the world including infrastructure development in the Congo basin. Oil and Gas Global Network (OGGN) is the world's largest network of oil and gas podcasts. A host of 11 podcast shows helps bring out the stories of the companies and people behind the Energy Industry. Over the last 4 years, OGGN has become a platform for entrepreneurs, industry stalwarts, and trailblazers to voice their opinions and share their inspiring stories. Through honest reporting and journalistic integrity, OGGN envisions to transform the world’s view of the Oil and Gas Industry. OGGN has earned appreciation and recognition from leading organizations in the industry and is considered a trendsetter for some of the most fun and meaningful conversations. https://www.caplogistics.com/uptime-logistics-blog/2021/02/22/oil-and-gas-global-network-uptime

CalPortland & Innovations in Cement Production - Uptime Logistics

On this episode of Uptime Logistics our host, Doug Draper of Acme Distribution hosts two experts from cement producer CalPortland. Tina McIntyre and Bill Jerald of CalPortland discuss new trends in the cement production industry including a basic overview of the process, sustainability efforts, and material science.

Headquartered in California and founded in 1891, CalPortland has provided innovation and technology to the world of cement production for over a century. This summer, CalPortland announced a new line of sustainable and renewable cement products called Advancement. In addition to more sustainable materials, CalPortland’s Bill Jerald explains the energy requirements of cement production and the revolutionary ways cement kilns will be fueled in the future!

MineConnect & Advanced Mining Technologies - Uptime Logistics

Today on Uptime Logistics, Doug Draper meets with Paul Bradette - Executive Director of MineConnect - to discuss advanced mining technologies. In addition to important safety and productivity improvements, these newer technologies are also playing a role in green and sustainability initiatives. Listen to today’s show to learn more!

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are improving the uptime of operating underground. In addition to electrical charging, regenerative braking can help even further. Research & development is pursuing safer battery chemistry to further reduce risk in the prevention of fires. Paul sees more innovation and technology transfer happening - technologies that become developed for mining industry could also be very useful for above ground vehicles moving forward on the surface.

• Internet of things - the intelligent monitoring of people and equipment throughout the mine site can dramatically improve safety, efficiency, and insights into what piece might need planned maintenance or immediate replacement. These insights are helpful for maintaining operational uptime and improving the bottom line. CAP Logistics can reduce the time between failure and recovery, and you can learn more about Uptime Logistics here.

• Green initiatives are important in the mining industry, as it has been for many other industries. Through BEVs and other technologies, there’s been substantial progress on reducing energy usage and improving air quality. Lower costs on aspects like energy-intensive vehicles directly through operation - in addition to the fact that heat is reduced and less energy needs to be spent on air circulation. The advanced mining technologies also help the economics of accessing deeper deposits than would otherwise be possible. While the cost upfront will be more, the importance of safety and improved access to resources help drive the bottom line.

  Based out of Ontario, MineConnect is made up 190 companies collectively employing around 9,000 individuals and producing around $3.5 billion a year. Coming up soon, they are looking to open a location in Elko, NV to develop that bilateral relationship. MineConnect members’ expertise can help Nevada operators in transitioning from open pit methodology to under ground hard rock mining and Nevadans can help Canadians with open pit. Collaboration will help drive mutual success. As for future looking trends, Paul sees an increase in autonomous and telerobotic mining. There will be less need for people to be underground if they can control machines from the surface, or potentially from home through the internet.

https://www.caplogistics.com/cap-logistics/2020/12/21/mineconnect-advanced-mining-technologies-uptime-logistics

A Project Manager's Perspective on Concrete - Uptime Logistics

Today on Uptime Logistics, Doug begins exploring the world of cement and concrete with a true aficionado - Brian Armstrong, Project Manager with Kiewit Infrastructure Co.

Watch or listen today to learn all about concrete from the basic terminology, how concrete mixes work, and some different types of concrete. They also go into the process of planning, pouring, and testing concrete in infrastructure projects. The conversation then turns to a specific update on the I-70 project here in Colorado. The interview wraps up with a look at some trends and innovations that will rock the concrete world in the upcoming years.

https://www.caplogistics.com/cap-logistics/2020/12/10/a-project-managers-perspective-on-concrete-uptime-logistics

 

Restructuring & Reimagining: Leading a Post-Pandemic Workplace with Wayne Cascio - Uptime Logistics

Today on Uptime Logistics, Doug looks at the human resources side of uptime - especially now in a post-pandemic workplace. There’s an interesting dichotomy right now of companies fighting to survive and others that can’t seem to grow fast enough. In either case there are some lessons to be learned, and Dr. Wayne Cascio is the perfect person to communicate the latest insights.

They explore the recent research of 4,000 companies that highlights 6 factors that senior leadership need assess with downsizing or growing workforce. They also discuss recruitment/retention/training, how things have changed during this pandemic crisis, and what the future may bring.

Dr. Wayne Cascio is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Business School of the University of Colorado-Denver. He’s also an author and award winning researcher. Most recently, a 2020 recipient of the Ulrich Impact Award from HR Division of Academy Management for a career in research that ties theory to practical applications.

https://www.caplogistics.com/cap-logistics/2020/12/4/restructuring-reimagining-leading-a-post-pandemic-workplace-with-wayne-cascio-uptime-logistics

Wheeler Machinery on Keeping Heavy Equipment in Production - Uptime Logistics

Wheeler Machinery supports its customers with heavy equipment and parts. They are primarily an official Caterpillar dealer, though they also carry other complementary product lines to support production.

Chris Williams and Justin Semadeni with Wheeler Machinery discuss how they provide their customers uptime while helping balance their equipment inventory. What do you do when a part isn’t available? That’s where high levels of relationships and problem solving really come into play to keep or get the customers up and running.

Heavy machinery serves many different important roles in various industries including power generation, mining, and construction. The common thread is production. If those machines aren’t running, those projects aren’t producing and those people aren’t earning money. That’s why it’s important to put that piece of equipment back to work. Looking ahead, Chris also discusses the future of heavy equipment parts, advanced analytics, and even how technologies like 3D printing can take the supply chain to a next level in the next 5 to 10 years.

https://www.caplogistics.com/cap-logistics/2020/11/10/wheeler-machinery-uptime-logistics

FreeWave Precision Ag: Connecting Farm Operations

FreeWave Technologies’ Precision Ag solutions help connect farm operations in an intelligent way. John Stratton, Software Product Line Manager, joins Doug Draper to discuss these emerging technologies. FreeWave’s remote and rugged condition monitoring and communication tools use long range radio equipment, edge computing devices, and comprehensive data analytics to improve decision making cycles and operational success.

What is Precision Ag? John describes how data monitoring sensors implemented throughout farm operations can reduce expensive inputs while improving decision making and increasing yields and ROI. With much of the Industrial Internet of Things there is a cloud component, though with the remote locations of many areas of a farm’s operation and the lack of a reliable internet access there, it also makes sense to use edge computing where appropriate - analyzing data at the edge of the network.

Farm operations are diverse, and so are the applications of this technology. In terms of productivity and profits, precision ag solutions help with retrieving data that people never previously had access to, or making data much easier to gather - and update the data much more frequently. As a result, this helps with improving and shortening decision cycles.

Some examples might be in herd management, where each cow might have a collar with RFID or GPS to track their location, temperature, etc to improve feeding consistency and reducing stress on the animals. During growing season, monitoring soil moisture can help improve the effectiveness of center pivot irrigation and remote well pads. One study by Machine Design found that using automated equipment might be able to reduce agrochemical inputs by 90%. For harvested plant product storage, monitoring and maintaining targets temperatures and humidity levels is a crucial application, whether it’s for keeping hay from spontaneously combusting or keeping grains and potatoes in perfect condition for market.

“The great thing about remote monitoring is that you can tell yourself what you need, without having to tell everyone else.” Individuals can get custom information specifically relevant to what they are responsible for handling, increasing insights without drowning in irrelevant noise.

Farming is always evolving with technology, and the future holds more opportunity in connecting real world data with edge or cloud based services for analysis. Hybrid connectivity is possible for certain types of data and ranges in order to build more resiliency. Having this data available at your fingertips makes a difference by helping farmers make better decisions, and faster. Instead of weeks, decisions can be made within the same day an issue arises, supporting operational uptime and productivity, shortening the decision cycle or even making it automatic.

 

See the video podcast at https://www.caplogistics.com/cap-logistics/2020/10/15/precision-ag-connecting-intelligent-farm-operations

What's the Deal with Water? Water Management, Rights, and Conservation

Jim Whitt with Purpose Unlimited comes onto the Uptime Logistics Podcast to discuss water rights and water conservation. Coming from an agricultural background working with cattle and oil businesses, he consults with clients both on purpose driven leadership and water rights, water conservation, and water management.

Water management is about stewarding our most important natural resources. “Without water, we do not survive.” It plays into the economy and our daily lives through many pathways. One example they explore is the 174,000 square-mile Ogallala aquifer that rests below seven states: South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. That aquifer irrigates a large percentage of our crops for food production here in the US and around the world. This region produces $20 billion worth of food annually. Despite the current challenges of droughts, Jim discusses several water conservation strategies that have been showing exciting potential for the future.

They also discuss the 50 year water vision put forward in the state of Kansas. They created water conservation areas where people with water rights were given the choice to accept more freedom in moving water around as long as they agreed to pump less water overall. They also created water technology farms as a a demonstration to test and showcase new opportunities to increase or maintain yields while reducing water consumption. People are realizing that farms are worth much if they don’t have access to water, so there’s increasing willingness to join in creative and cooperative policies, behaviors, and technologies.

As for technology, Jim describes one tested solution called Dragon Lines from Teeter Irrigation as a major improvement to pivot irrigation. With traditional pivots, a lot of water is lost to evaporation. Adding in advanced drip line techniques can improve pivot performance dramatically, saving at 20-50% of water use among other benefits. “It’s one of the biggest things technology wise I’ve seen in my lifetime.”

After watching or listening to the show, check out more about the Kansas Water Vision and Jim’s documentary film here: https://kwo.ks.gov/water-vision-water-plan/water-vision

Watch the episode here: https://www.caplogistics.com/cap-logistics/2020/10/1/water-management-water-rights-and-conservation

CDOT Oversize and Overweight Permitting – Lessons Beyond the Pilot Car

What is involved with oversize and overweight shipments? Craig Hurst is the Manager of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Freight Office. He and Doug Draper dive in to the impacts and considerations that go into permitting oversize and overweight transportation. They also discuss the analytics, including why oversize loads are not only useful for those directly involved in the shipment, but also the wider economy for the whole state of Colorado. This supports a case for repairs and investments in proper structure designs that can support the large and heavy freight loads.

As a commodity overview, the top 5 single trip oversize/overweight permits last year were: 1.) Construction equipment, 2.) Oil field equipment, 3.) Construction Materials, 4.) Wind Energy, and 5.) Farm Equipment.

They also explore the geographical regions that see the most oversize and overweight traffic - watch or listen to find out this and much more insightful information from Craig Hurst and Doug Draper on the Uptime Logistics Podcast!

Watch the podcast here.