Happy New Year! In our first episode of 2026, Professors Barry Render and Misty Blessley sit down with Dr. Anna Johnson, Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Strategy at U.S. Cold Storage, to explore the fascinating world of temperature-controlled logistics.
Dr. Johnson explains how third-party logistics providers keep America’s food supply safe and efficient, why 98% of U.S. food storage is outsourced, and how sustainability initiatives like anaerobic digestion are reducing food waste.
The conversation also dives into industry trends—from the surge in capacity during COVID to the current state of the market—and highlights how AI, robotics, and digital twins are transforming operations, and creating new roles for skilled workers in this evolving sector.
Read the full transcript
Have you subscribed to this podcast on Apple Podcasts? Just open your Apple Podcasts app, search “Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast,” and subscribe to get all our episodes delivered straight to your device!