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In this episode of the ACE Relocation Nation podcast, host Dan Lammers reconnects with longtime friend and Long Beach dockworker Erik Jones, who shares 27 years of frontline experience at the Port of Long Beach, America’s busiest shipping hub.

From towering cranes and massive container vessels to the shifting tides of international trade, automation, and tariff impacts, Erik offers an insider’s view of the port’s operations and its critical role in the global supply chain. The two discuss the evolving job of a longshoreman, port safety, post-COVID shipping volumes, union dynamics, and the emotional weight of working on the waterfront.

Whether you're in logistics, shipping, or just love learning how goods move around the world, this episode is a must-listen for a real look behind the scenes of one of the most complex and essential industries in the modern economy.

🕒 Chapter Markers

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 00:49 – Erik Jones Joins the Podcast
• 02:09 – ACE’s Role in Global Shipping
• 03:03 – Scale of Modern Container Ships
• 04:43 – Crane Work & Gearman Duties
• 06:25 – The Unpredictable Life of a Gearman
• 08:46 – 24/7 Port Operations & Night Shifts
• 10:00 – Impact of Tariffs & Geopolitics
• 12:13 – How Port Traffic Affects Trucking & Economy
• 14:24 – Christmas Rush & Future Outlook
• 16:07 – How Dock Work is Scheduled
• 18:01 – Using Ship Tracker Apps
• 19:09 – Automation vs. Human Labor
• 21:17 – How Young People Join the Industry
• 24:45 – Erik's Family Legacy on the Waterfront
• 26:10 – Port Work Safety & Accidents
• 28:45 – Safety Culture & Training
• 32:04 – Shipping Accidents: Bridge Collapses & Breakaways
• 36:06 – Erik’s Memorable Dock Collision Story
• 37:28 – Best Burgers in Long Beach (Local Flavor)
• 39:00 – Gentrification of Signal Hill
• 41:33 – Longstanding Friendships & Neighborhood Memories
• 43:54 – Looking Ahead: Trade & Economic Recovery
• 44:11 – Closing Thoughts & Farewell

#GlobalTrade #SupplyChain #PortOfLongBeach #ErikJones #ContainerShipping #LogisticsPodcast #ShippingIndustry #MaritimeOperations #DockWorkerLife #TariffTalk #AutomationInPorts #LongshoremanStories #FreightMovement #CranesAndCargo #InternationalShipping #TradeTalks #ACEPodcast

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Welcome to episode 83 of ACE Relocation Nation! In this packed episode, Dan Lammers dives into the latest moving industry trends, business updates, and exciting developments at ACE. As the 2025 peak season kicks off, Dan shares why shipment volumes are up, what it means for the household goods relocation market, and how ACE is staying ahead in both domestic and international moving services.

Tune in for insights on the economic outlook, rising commercial work, and international expansion — plus Dan’s take on what’s driving customer satisfaction and the importance of preventing cargo theft. You’ll also hear some personal moments, from Mother’s Day reflections and Wordle streaks to a great book recommendation (The Accidental President).

🎧 In this episode you’ll hear about:

• ACE’s record-breaking shipment volume for peak season 2025
• How economic shifts and interest rates are shaping relocation demand
• New business development moves, including national fiduciary services
• International expansion with the addition of industry veteran Brian Loud
• Why securing cargo and preventing theft is more critical than ever
• Newark vs. LaGuardia airport adventures
• Dan’s personal recommendations: Sudoku, Wordle, and history books
• A sneak peek at the next guest: a Long Beach longshoreman’s perspective on global shipping

Whether you’re a corporate relocation manager, logistics pro, or curious mover, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of the moving industry.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review to help more people discover ACE Relocation Nation!

⏱️ Show Chapters

00:00 – Welcome back & near-100th episode excitement
00:58 – Busy San Diego warehouse & shipment volume update
01:45 – 30- and 60-day outlook: shipment numbers compared to prior years
02:28 – Market optimism, housing trends & economic outlook
03:05 – Global updates: interest rates, tariffs, and free trade talks
03:50 – Anticipating a sustained business boom
04:48 – Business development in fiduciary services
05:27 – Upcoming client meetings in New Jersey & Newark airport chaos
06:56 – LaGuardia airport improvements & travel challenges
07:39 – Customer satisfaction, quality delivery & client feedback
08:23 – Mother’s Day tribute & personal reflections
09:15 – Welcoming Brian Loud to lead international expansion
10:48 – Brian’s industry background & ACE’s international capabilities
11:47 – Teaser: upcoming longshoreman guest & port insights
12:29 – Cargo theft prevention tips & trailer security advice
14:40 – Personal updates: Wordle streak & Sudoku addiction
15:52 – Big global news: first U.S. Pope elected
16:35 – Expanding commercial business & San Diego airport Terminal 1 project
18:44 – Reading resolution & book recommendation: The Accidental President
20:16 – Harry Truman’s rise, WWII decisions & historical impact
23:00 – Looking ahead to port operations & global shipping impacts
23:46 – Closing thoughts, podcast production thanks & future plans
24:27 – Wrapping up & invitation to share ACE Relocation Nation

#MovingTrends2025 #ACERelocation #PeakSeason #BusinessGrowth #InternationalExpansion #RelocationStrategies

ACE Relocation Systems

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Inside Atlas Van Lines Operations: Ben Johnson on Claims Prevention, Containerization, and Future Trends

In this episode of ACE Relocation Nation, Dan Lammers welcomes Ben Johnson, Senior Director of Operations at Atlas Van Lines, for a deep dive into the future of the moving and relocation industry. Ben shares actionable insights on claims prevention, the growing role of containerization, and how data-driven decision-making is transforming the way moves are planned and executed.

Key topics include:

• How Atlas is using data to optimize logistics and customer service
• Claims prevention strategies and the most common claim items (hint: mattresses and electronics!)
• How containerization is changing the future of moving operations
• Why fast delivery and real-time communication are critical in today’s "Amazon Effect" world
• The leadership evolution inside Atlas Van Lines and what’s next for the industry

Whether you're a relocation professional, a van operator, or a moving industry leader, this episode offers a real-world, forward-looking perspective on staying competitive in 2025 and beyond.

✅ Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest relocation trends and strategies.
✅ Share this episode with colleagues who want an inside look at how the moving industry is evolving.

#MovingIndustry #RelocationServices #AtlasVanLines #HouseholdGoodsMoving #RelocationSolutions #CorporateRelocation #LogisticsManagement #MovingCompany #DataDrivenDecisions #MovingTrends2025 #Containerization #LogisticsTrends #SupplyChainManagement #PeakMovingSeason #AmazonEffect #DigitalTransformation #ClaimsPrevention #CustomerExperience #OperationsManagement #MovePlanning #SmartLogistics #EfficientMoving #MovingClaims #MovingPodcast #RelocationPodcast #AceRelocationNation #BenJohnsonAtlas #PodcastEpisode82

ACE Relocation Systems

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