Weeks after union dockworkers and port operators reached a tentative deal, ending the strike after just three days, some underlying issues remain. 

The union leader has been clear that it is seeking “airtight language that there will be no automation or semi-automation.” Meanwhile, port operators view automation as a necessity for increased efficiency and profits. 

In this episode of the MDM Podcast, MDM Editors Vesna Brajkovic and Mike Hockett discuss the sticking points on port automation that remain between the union representing 36 East and Gulf Coast ports from Maine to Texas and port operators.

And we have a special guest to explain what that could mean for distribution: National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) CEO Eric Hoplin.

NAW was one of nearly 200 associations, representing every corner of the supply chain from distribution and manufacturing to retailers and farmers, that sent letters to the White House calling for intervention. And NAW was perhaps the most vocal of the bunch in mainstream media.

Hoplin made several appearances on Fox News, was quoted by the Wall Street Journal, New York Post, The Hill, Politico and Roll Call, and post an op-ed in the Washington Times.

In this episode, he sits down with MDM Senior Editor in Washington, D.C. to discuss the impact of port distribution on wholesale distributors, the implication of lagging port automation and how NAW members (distributors) responded.

In speaking on why the port automation topic should concern distributors, Hoplin told the MDM Podcast: “This is important to distributors. This is important for the American economy. This is important for the American people. I understand what the dockworkers are saying — they’re afraid that their jobs are going to go. And so you have to have a heart about that and understand where they’re coming from. But you also have to think about the broader economic impact and where we’re headed.”

To learn more about how distributors large and small responded to the strike, check out our new series for MDM Premium subscribers. Logistics Liaison is a monthly briefing authored by MDM Senior Editor Vesna Brajkovic, which will dive into a supply chain-related topic and break down how it impacts distributors.

Listen to full conversation via the audio player above. And, you can find all of our past episodes here.