Leaders

Facing tight delivery windows and complex logistics models, supply chain leaders are exploring regional partnerships to enhance resilience and flexibility beyond traditional hubs like Houston. Notably, three RXO leaders—Heidi Ratti, Erica Knisely, and Jayme Clarke—were recognized with the 2025 Women in Supply Chain Award for their significant contributions to the industry. Meanwhile, Magaya earned top rankings in nin…

Supply Chain Leaders Explore Alternatives to Houston

The logistics landscape is evolving as supply chain leaders face increasingly tight delivery windows and complex logistics models. Houston, traditionally a central hub for supply chain operations, is now part of a broader conversation as industry leaders explore additional regional partnerships to enhance flexibility and resilience.

Challenges in the Current Logistics Environment

Logistics teams are grappling with tighter delivery windows, necessitating more resilient strategies. Increased freight volumes have complicated logistics models, pushing companies to seek scalable solutions that can adapt to shifting demands. In this context, exploring regional partners has become a critical strategy to relieve operational pressure and maintain efficiency.

Supply chain leaders are emphasizing flexibility and adaptability as key components of effective logistics management. By partnering with regional entities, companies can reduce the strain on centralized operations like those in Houston, diversifying their logistical approaches and enhancing overall resilience.

Recognizing Excellence in Supply Chain Management

Amidst these challenges, the achievements of top professionals in the field are being recognized. The Top Supply Chain Leaders of 2025 were recently announced, highlighting individuals who have significantly contributed to the industry. Notably, three leaders from RXO were honored with the 2025 Women in Supply Chain Award. These winners are Heidi Ratti, Erica Knisely, and Jayme Clarke.

Heidi Ratti, RXO's Chief Human Resources Officer, brings over 18 years of experience in the transportation industries. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing RXO's human resources strategies. Erica Knisely, with over 25 years of experience, oversees leadership and career planning programs at RXO. She has successfully expanded RXO's career development programs, ensuring they are accessible to all employees and creating a volunteer community of RXO facilitators. Knisely has also introduced innovative elements such as AI and gamification into training.

Jayme Clarke, recognized in the Rising Stars category, has unified RXO and Coyote Logistics following their acquisition. Clarke also developed a formalized Strategic Sourcing function, further enhancing RXO's operational capabilities.

Industry Recognition and Achievements

In addition to individual achievements, companies in the logistics and supply chain sectors are also receiving recognition. Magaya, for instance, has been named a leader in nine G2 reports, earning a total of 19 badges. These accolades reflect top rankings in both supply chain and logistics categories, highlighting the company's strong performance and reputation in the industry.

The Future of Supply Chain Logistics

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, the emphasis on regional partnerships and scalable logistics solutions is likely to grow. Supply chain leaders are tasked with balancing the need for efficiency and resilience against the backdrop of increasing freight volumes and complex logistics models. By focusing on flexibility and adaptability, companies can better navigate the challenges of the current environment.

Houston will likely remain a significant hub in the supply chain network, but the exploration of additional regions and partnerships is indicative of a broader trend towards decentralization and diversification. This approach not only addresses current logistical challenges but also positions companies to better manage future uncertainties.

Supply chain leaders are increasingly looking beyond traditional hubs like Houston, seeking regional partners that offer scalability and adaptability to meet the demands of a rapidly changing logistics landscape.