Recorded live at TPM26, Kevin Higgins and Kevin Parkerson sit down with Alan McCorkle of YTI for a deep dive into terminal operations, leadership, and the evolving role of ports in global supply chains.
With decades of experience, Alan shares how he “stumbled into” the industry and built a career leading some of the most critical terminal operations in the U.S. He offers a candid look at what it really means to run a marine terminal, balancing safety, efficiency, profitability, and the constant movement of cargo.
A central theme of the conversation is the importance of treating truckers as true customers. Alan explains how improving turn times, rethinking terminal processes, and focusing on the driver experience directly impacts cargo flow and overall supply chain performance.
The discussion also explores the complexity of appointment systems, the need for better data sharing and collaboration across carriers, terminals, and BCOs, and the growing role of real-time visibility in modern supply chains.
Alan reflects on leading large-scale terminal development, including the lessons learned from building Pier 400, and shares how infrastructure, automation, and AI will shape the next generation of port operations.
One of the most powerful moments comes when Alan reframes the COVID-era supply chain disruption, not as a failure, but as the industry’s “greatest moment,” highlighting the resilience and commitment of essential workers who kept global trade moving under unprecedented conditions.
The episode closes with insights on sustainability, zero-emission equipment, and the real-world challenges of balancing environmental mandates with operational and financial realities.
Key takeaway: Ports and terminals sit at the center of everything, but success depends on collaboration, information flow, and recognizing every stakeholder, especially truckers, as a critical part of the supply chain.
In Partnership: Harry F. Long Inc.
