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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

ACE Relocation Systems

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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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Episode 81 – Best Practices, Earthquakes & Road Safety with Dan Lammers

In this solo episode of ACE Relocation Nation, Dan Lammers flies solo after a last-minute guest cancellation—but that doesn’t stop him from delivering a packed episode full of insight, stories, and a strong message on driver safety.

Dan kicks things off with a look at his upcoming trip to Charleston, SC, for the Atlas Best Practices Group. He reflects on the power of peer feedback in business and shares how ACE will be hosting the fall session in Orlando.

From there, Dan takes a detour into golf, recounting a thrilling Masters tournament finish—complete with DVR drama and family texts. But the highlight of the episode may be the real-time experience of a 5.2 earthquake that shook San Diego during recording!

The heart of this episode lies in a powerful call for safety accountability. Dan breaks down key concerns for Atlas drivers: seatbelt use, handheld device violations, speeding, pre-trip inspections, maintenance issues, and the importance of carrying proper documentation—especially as Atlas works to improve its CSA scores.

Whether you’re an over-the-road operator, terminal manager, or local contractor, this episode is a valuable reminder of the small habits that keep fleets safe and professional.

Plus, Padres fans—Dan hasn’t forgotten you. A brief nod to MLB power rankings rounds out the show.

👉 Key topics covered:

• Atlas Best Practices Group & peer sharing
• The Masters tournament recap (with a twist)
• Real-time earthquake in San Diego!
• Critical CSA violations & how to avoid them
• Safety habits for all drivers
• Padres early season success

🛠️ Actionable Takeaways:

• Mount your phone. Use hands-free. No excuses.
• Always wear your seatbelt—it’s fully within your control.
• Pre-trip inspections catch 75% of issues before they happen.
• Carry documentation, including medical cards & backup glasses.
• Speak up if you see unsafe equipment—your voice protects your livelihood.

🎧 Subscribe, share with a friend, and join Dan next episode with Ben Johnson, Director of Interstate Operations at Atlas Van Lines, for a deep dive into domestic moving.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Solo Episode & Charleston Trip
00:47 – Atlas Best Practices Group Overview
02:10 – Masters Tournament Recap & DVR Woes
05:33 – Earthquake Hits San Diego During Recording
07:51 – Atlas Safety Push: Why It Matters More Than Ever
08:40 – Key Violations: Seatbelts, Cell Phones, and Speeding
11:16 – Vehicle Maintenance & Pre-Trip Best Practices
13:36 – Documentation Must-Haves: Cards, Glasses, ELD
14:20 – Fire Extinguishers, Triangles, and Windshield Wiper Fluid
15:33 – Ideas to Reinforce Safety Culture at ACE
16:51 – Local Fleet Challenges & Quarterly Inspections
18:25 – Padres, Power Rankings & MLB Chatter
19:41 – Outro: Preview of Next Guest & Thanks

#SanDiegoEarthquake #TheMasters2025 #RoryMcIlroy #CharlestonSC #MLB2025 #GoPadres #TruckingPodcast #LogisticsPodcast #SafetyTalks #IndustryInsights #SoloPodcastEpisode #PodcastForDrivers #TruckingLife #RelocationProfessionals #MovingIndustry #AtlasVanLines #LongHaulTrucking #FleetManagement

ACE Relocation Systems

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Get ready for laughs, leadership lessons, and lightning-round honesty in this special episode of the ACE Relocation Nation podcast! Anthony Johnson Jr. flips the script and puts Dan Lammers in the hot seat for a wildly entertaining game of “Random Questions with Dan.”

From career insights in the moving and relocation industry to personal stories about leadership, sports, and legacy, Dan answers it all—completely unfiltered.

This episode is packed with value for listeners in corporate relocation, logistics, employee mobility, leadership development, and anyone who loves a good podcast with real conversations and unexpected turns.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• What Dan’s most proud of in his career at ACE Relocation Systems
• His honest thoughts on Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, and celebrity encounters
• A behind-the-scenes look at company culture and industry reputation
• Personal favorites: best travel destinations, golf courses, and late-night emergency contacts
• Hot takes on term limits, government reform, and even which superpower he’d choose

Whether you're in the moving industry, curious about relocation careers, or just love hearing smart people have fun, this episode has it all—humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom.

⏱️ Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Welcome and intro – AJ hosts, Dan is in the hot seat
• 01:26 – ‘Random Questions with Dan’ begins
• 01:49 – Favorite meal and cholesterol confession
• 02:32 – Top travel destinations: Scottsdale, Nashville, Chicago
• 04:33 – Golf talk: best courses and Arizona vs. San Diego
• 05:17 – Can Dan dance? Nope. AJ says he can.
• 06:49 – Dan’s proudest accomplishment outside of family
• 08:40 – What Dan would do if he weren’t in relocation
• 11:10 – Why meeting MJ was disappointing
• 13:18 – Junior Seau snub story at Ray Lewis fundraiser
• 15:20 – Tiger Woods: GOAT vs. flawed human
• 17:13 – NCAA memory: Maryland vs Colorado State
• 19:16 – Biggest fear: not death, but dying
• 20:30 – 3 a.m. emergency call – who does Dan trust?
• 21:24 – Superpower pick: x-ray vision? Really?
• 22:24 – Dan’s biggest insecurity
• 24:05 – If he could change one thing in government…
• 26:13 – The kind of people Dan respects most
• 26:35 – Final showdown: Who’s the better golfer?
• 27:30 – Outro and reflections

ACE Relocation Systems

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Welcome to Episode 79 of the ACE Relocation Nation Podcast, your go-to resource for insights in the moving and storage industry. In this solo episode, host Dan Lammers shares unfiltered thoughts from the latest Atlas Van Lines operations and safety meetings in Dallas, dives into the CSA scores, and talks about how driver behavior, seatbelt usage, and vehicle maintenance are impacting DOT compliance.

Topics include:

• Why seatbelt compliance is more important than ever
• How telematics like Lytx and SureCam are changing safety culture
• The latest on Atlas’s DOT maintenance violations
• Risk mitigation strategies from SALTA group captive
• Updates on ACE's hauling plan and service performance
• Insights into State Department moves and the big opportunities they bring
• How to prevent cargo theft and vehicle infractions
• Dan’s first ever Spring Training experience in Peoria, AZ 🌵⚾

Whether you're an ACE driver, dispatch manager, or someone interested in fleet safety, DOT regulations, and logistics leadership, this episode is packed with real talk and operational gold.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and check your seatbelt before driving!

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 - Intro & Safety Message
00:47 - Flying Solo & Semi-Retirement Reflections
02:15 - Spring Training & March Madness Talk
03:00 - Order Intake Trends & Business Forecast
04:20 - Atlas Ops Meeting Recap
05:01 - SALTA Risk Mitigation Insights
06:39 - Telematics: Lytx vs SureCam
07:18 - Seatbelt Citations & CSA Score Impacts
09:29 - DOT Pre-Trip Inspection Requirements
10:53 - Atlas Compliance Warnings
11:46 - Safety Department’s Role & Everyone’s Responsibility
13:05 - Consultant Feedback & Atlas Reputation Risks
15:16 - Town Hall Preview & Networking Wins
16:40 - ACE Reputation & Operational Excellence
17:23 - Personal Conveyance Abuse Explained
18:06 - State Department Work: Rules & Opportunities
20:14 - Hauling Plan Update & ACE's Strength in Volume
22:24 - Agent Traffic: Coordination is Key
24:25 - Cargo Theft Prevention Tips
26:31 - Pre-Trip Musts: Wipers, Lights, Fire Extinguishers
28:33 - Ryder Maintenance Program Preview
30:04 - Final Tips: Medical Cards, Glasses, Attitude with DOT
31:28 - Closing Message: Banding Together for Safety & Volume

#RelocationPodcast #FleetSafety #DOTCompliance #CSA2025 #MovingIndustry #Telematics #SeatbeltSafety #ACEHauling #AtlasVanLines #CargoSecurity #StateDepartmentMoves #SpringTraining2025 #OperationsLeadership #DriverFitness #VehicleMaintenance

ACE Relocation Systems

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In this episode of ACE Relocation Nation, host Dan Lammers sits down with Clay Peterson to discuss what’s ahead for ACE Relocation Systems and the moving industry in 2025. With shipment volumes rising and market trends pointing toward a stronger summer season, Clay breaks down why now is the time to embrace a "Grizzly Bear" mentality.

They cover key topics, including:

• How ACE is seeing an increase in shipments and why that’s a positive sign for business
• The importance of staying adaptable and taking on every opportunity available
• Changes in California’s inbound vs. outbound moving trends and what that means for operations
• How fuel prices, inflation, and economic factors are impacting the relocation industry
• What to expect from the upcoming Atlas Ops Meeting in Dallas
• The return of ACE team merchandise and the new t-shirt design

Beyond industry updates, Dan and Clay also talk about leadership, company culture, and what makes ACE successful in challenging times. They also touch on some off-topic fun, including Super Bowl reactions and why hockey might be the most underrated sport in the country.

With the moving industry showing signs of strong growth, this episode is a must-listen for anyone at ACE looking to stay ahead of the game.

Chapter Timestamps

00:00 - Intro & Welcome Back to ACE Relocation Nation
01:05 - Guest Introduction: Clay Peterson Joins the Show
03:00 - Market Trends: Is Relocation Business Finally Bouncing Back?
06:45 - Shipment Volume & Industry Numbers Breakdown
09:30 - California Moving Trends: More People Moving In?
13:20 - Fuel Costs, Inflation, & The Impact on Logistics
18:00 - Atlas Ops Meeting in Dallas – What to Expect
25:00 - The “Grizzly Bear” Mentality for 2025
29:10 - Company Culture & Exciting New ACE Merch
33:45 - Super Bowl Talk: Eagles, Commanders & NFL Predictions
38:00 - Why Hockey is the Most Underrated Sport in America
43:00 - Town Hall Announcement – March 19th Event Details
45:30 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

#RelocationIndustry #MovingBusiness #ACERelocation #ClayPeterson #MovingCompanyGrowth #2025Trends #LogisticsNews #CaliforniaRealEstate #AtlasVanLines #BusinessGrowth #FuelPrices #SupplyChainTrends #LongDistanceMoving #LocalMovers #RealEstateTrends #MarketForecast #MovingIndustryNews #CorporateRelocation #FreightManagement #VanLines

ACE Relocation Systems

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In this episode of ACE Relocation Nation, we sit down with Rob Danowski, a veteran in the moving industry, to discuss the game-changing role of technology in relocation services. From his early days in 1988 as a truck helper to leading ACE Relocation's MoveProPlus initiative, Rob shares insider insights on digital transformation in the moving and storage industry.

We dive deep into: ✅ How MoveProPlus is eliminating paper, streamlining operations, and improving customer experience
✅ The biggest challenges and advantages of digitalization in moving services
✅ Why Microsoft Teams is a game-changer for internal communication
✅ The future of moving technology and what's next for ACE Relocation

If you’re a moving professional, industry leader, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how relocation companies can stay ahead of the curve.

🎧 Tune in to learn how ACE Relocation is leading the charge in digital transformation!

Episode Chapters (Time-Stamped)

00:00 – Intro to ACE Relocation Nation with Dan Lammers
00:42 – Meet Rob Danowski: From warehouse worker to relocation tech leader
02:34 – Early days at ACE: Making waves and breaking barriers
05:42 – How Rob transitioned from operations to technology leadership
06:59 – MoveProPlus: What it is & how it’s revolutionizing the moving industry
09:51 – Benefits of MoveProPlus for drivers, dispatch, and customers
12:01 – How digital technology is accelerating payments and efficiency
14:31 – Why customers demand instant digital documentation
17:01 – Microsoft Teams: The unsung hero of internal communication
19:01 – The future of moving technology: What’s next for ACE Relocation
26:34 – New MoveProPlus updates & features coming soon
31:50 – The next big industry event: March 19th Town Haul
35:20 – Wrapping up: Looking ahead to 2025 & beyond

#MovingIndustry #RelocationServices #ACERelocation #MoveProPlus #DigitalTransformation #MovingTechnology #LogisticsInnovation #ProfessionalMovers #TechInMoving #RelocationTech #MovingSolutions #EfficiencyInMoving #PaperlessMoves

ACE Relocation Systems

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