Robots are already unloading trailers by themselves. Warehouses are starting to run 24 hours a day with nobody on the floor. And most people in logistics are barely paying attention.
That’s the warning at the center of this episode. Jason Burns sits down with Angela Strand, a 15-year veteran of the electric truck world, to talk about the two forces about to reshape last mile: automation and electrification, and what they mean for the operators who’ll either get ahead of them or get run over.
She describes a robot in Austin that unloads an entire trailer on its own, so the warehouse never stops, no shifts, no callouts, no injuries. Delivery vans with a robot inside that walks the package to your door. Shipyards overseas running full tilt without a single human in sight. Her blunt take: it’s only a matter of time before the machines are as good as we are, if not better.
Then they get into the money. Why going electric isn’t a someday bet anymore and can save an operator from day one with fuel prices where they are. The three things that actually decide whether electrifying a fleet works. Where the industry really sits on the adoption curve. And why the people who bet early on technology everyone calls too expensive and too soon are usually the ones who end up ahead.
If you run a fleet or work anywhere in last mile, this is a look at where the whole industry is heading, before it gets there.
About Last2First:
Last2First is the podcast for the people moving the last mile forward. Host Jason Burns sits down with the operators, founders, and innovators shaping the future of transportation and logistics, from freight and final mile to the technology changing how it all works. Real conversations, hard-won lessons, and the strategies behind going from last to first.
Listen to more episodes of the Last2First Podcast, and find the full video version on the Last2First YouTube channel.
What is Last2First Podcast?
Welcome to Last 2 First, the podcast dedicated to exploring the final mile in logistics and the unique challenges faced by business owners in this vital industry. Each episode features insightful conversations with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who share their experiences, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of final mile delivery.
Join us as we dive into topics like optimizing delivery routes, enhancing customer satisfaction, navigating regulatory hurdles, and leveraging technology for efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional or a business owner looking to improve your operations, Last 2 First offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you lead your business to success.
Tune in and discover how to turn the last mile into your first priority!