In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Ken Uriu, SVP of Business Development for the Pacific Region at IMC Logistics, to unpack the real-world friction points shaping export logistics, port operations, and drayage strategy in 2025.
With a career spanning NYK Line, the Port of Long Beach, and now IMC, Ken offers a rare 360-degree view of the global supply chain—from rural Idaho accounts to macro-level policy decisions.
🔍 Key Topics:
- Export Friction, Explained:
Why U.S. exporters struggle with equipment shortages, early return date (ERD) shifts, and a lack of contingency planning. - Street Turns – Theory vs. Reality:
The promise of container reuse sounds simple—but terminal tech, chassis fragmentation, and monetized platforms make it maddeningly complex. - Chassis Control = Service Control:
Ken outlines the case for private chassis use, especially for specialized moves (like reefers), and calls for less ocean carrier interference. - Rates vs. Reality:
The team discusses how outdated pricing structures are crushing drayage providers operating under today’s regulatory and cost pressures. - Port Politics & Public Engagement:
Ports are public agencies. Ken explains why logistics professionals need to build relationships with port authorities—before the next disruption hits. - Tech Isn’t a Silver Bullet:
Point solutions and walled-off platforms won’t solve systemic issues. Ken calls for collaboration and interoperability, not just more apps.
🧠Leadership Insights:
- “No job is too small” – why young professionals should get their hands dirty and take regional roles, even in unlikely places.
- “You either win or learn” – the mindset shift required to thrive in an unpredictable industry.
đźš› Competitive Edge:
Ken also shares how IMC Logistics uses its import scale and private chassis control to deliver agile, scalable export solutions, especially in challenged inland markets like California’s Central Valley.
🔥 Final Takeaway:
Export logistics success hinges on flexibility, relationships, and local knowledge. Whether it’s a misaligned terminal appointment or a stalled chassis swap, the details matter—and fixing them is what separates vendors from true partners.
🎧 Listen to Episode 40 of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics—available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your logistics fix.
Sponsor of this episode is IMC Logistics. Learn more at imcc.com
