Why are U.S. ports still struggling with labor disputes and slow to adopt automation?
In this episode, we talk with maritime law expert Lauren Beagen, founder of the Maritime Professor and host of By Land and By Sea. We cover port strikes, the future of labor and automation, tariff chaos, FMC rulings, and why understanding maritime regulations helps all freight stakeholders—from trucking to warehousing.
Key takeaways:
• 93% of ports globally are not fully automated, despite the narrative.
• The FMC’s role is flag-neutral but laser-focused on protecting U.S. importers and exporters.
• Tariffs are less about policy and more about political posturing.
• Diversifying ports of entry is critical—but not always feasible due to specialized infrastructure needs.
• Labor/tech tensions stem from generational divides, safety, and global competitiveness.
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A podcast for the thinkers in freight. Everything is Logistics is hosted by Blythe Brumleve, founder of Digital Dispatch, and we’re telling the stories behind how your favorite stuff (and people!) get from point A to B. Industry topics include freight, logistics, transportation, maritime, warehousing, intermodal, and trucking along with the intersection of technology and marketing within the industry. Rated as a top 5% podcast out of all industries and growing. Follow along to stay curious and become a better thinker in freight.
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