Ship Happens

When elected leaders decide to look the other way from… ya know… the matters that actually matter to us, we find out about the kinds of people America has in its reserve stock. Yes, the supply chain is a mess; but we’ve got all three hosts to chat with Ryan Peterson, CEO of Flexport, who hopes to fix it. (Take a look at what is likely the first-ever viral tweetstorm on shipping logistics, as well as his children’s book to educate youngsters about the machines that power the world they inhabit!)

The gang ask Ryan about his boat tour of the Long Beach port complex to see for himself what’s got us so backed up. He gets us into the nooks and crannies of his industry; how the pandemic has showed its weak points, his ideas for innovating it; and, naturally, the regulatory burdens that slow it all down.

Also, the guys spar about the importance of the Rittenhouse trial; they talk gas prices and inflation; plus, Rob gives us a view from France.

Music from this week’s podcast: Ship of Fools by World Party

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There are 123 comments.

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  1. Henry Racette Member
    Henry Racette
    @HenryRacette

    It’s a good podcast. We need to hear from more guys like Ryan Peterson, people directly engaged in the business of making the economy move.

    • #1
  2. Paul Dougherty Member
    Paul Dougherty
    @PaulDougherty

    There needs to be a great circle course rail line from Gulf of Mexico to Indian Ocean. Tunnel under Bering Straight. 

    • #2
  3. Goldwaterwoman Thatcher
    Goldwaterwoman
    @goldwaterwoman

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    It’s a good podcast. We need to hear from more guys like Ryan Peterson, people directly engaged in the business of making the economy move.

    I agree. This podcast was fascinating, particularly when we are all concerned about the dwindling goods we see in the stores.

    • #3
  4. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    “Speak for yourself.” Beautiful, James. Thank you.

    • #4
  5. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    Peter, also beautiful is your paean to the court working as it should.

    • #5
  6. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Sounds like Rob is one of the “let the courts work it out” people, obviously Kyle Rittenhouse and his family should just hire an expensive lawyer like everyone in Hollywood can, and it won’t bankrupt them etc, and his name will be cleared…  Easy-peasy!

    In this case as in so many others, The Process Is The Punishment.

    • #6
  7. DonG (CAGW is a hoax) Coolidge
    DonG (CAGW is a hoax)
    @DonG

    Arahant (View Comment):

    Peter, also beautiful is your paean to the court working as it should.

    It hasn’t worked yet.   I think this judge is fair, but a lot of judges are not fair.  Remember, there are dozens of people rotting in a DC jail charged with trespassing because some judge said no bail.  Rittenhouse had million dollar bail.  Was he a flight risk? 

     

    • #7
  8. DonG (CAGW is a hoax) Coolidge
    DonG (CAGW is a hoax)
    @DonG

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    It’s a good podcast. We need to hear from more guys like Ryan Peterson, people directly engaged in the business of making the economy move.

    He was pretty good, but I still don’t know what the problem is and why it is a problem now.  I have read that the root cause is California outlawing trucks older than 3 years old.  I have also heard that Walmart and Amazon control their shipping and they have moved to using other routes. 

    Why not any discussion of the trillion dollar (not-really)-infrastructure bill.   $1.2T and just a pittance for ports?   I am sure there are things in that bill that will gum up the works even more–probably things like equity in longshoremen or fewer hours allowed to work.

    • #8
  9. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    DonG (CAGW is a hoax) (View Comment):

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    It’s a good podcast. We need to hear from more guys like Ryan Peterson, people directly engaged in the business of making the economy move.

    He was pretty good, but I still don’t know what the problem is and why it is a problem now. I have read that the root cause is California outlawing trucks older than 3 years old. I have also heard that Walmart and Amazon control their shipping and they have moved to using other routes.

    Why not any discussion of the trillion dollar (not-really)-infrastructure bill. $1.2T and just a pittance for ports? I am sure there are things in that bill that will gum up the works even more–probably things like equity in longshoremen or fewer hours allowed to work.

    If Walmart and Amazon and maybe others have shifted their shipping to other routes, shouldn’t that EASE the burden on the Long Beach etc ports, rather than making them worse?

    • #9
  10. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    The interview with Mister Petersen was great; very informative.

    • #10
  11. ToryWarWriter Coolidge
    ToryWarWriter
    @ToryWarWriter

    Henry Racette (View Comment):

    It’s a good podcast. We need to hear from more guys like Ryan Peterson, people directly engaged in the business of making the economy move.

    You can speak to me any time you want :)

    • #11
  12. ToryWarWriter Coolidge
    ToryWarWriter
    @ToryWarWriter

    @jameslileks!  Tell us how you really feel!

    • #12
  13. Blue Yeti Admin
    Blue Yeti
    @BlueYeti

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Sounds like Rob is one of the “let the courts work it out” people, obviously Kyle Rittenhouse and his family should just hire an expensive lawyer like everyone in Hollywood can, and it won’t bankrupt them etc, and his name will be cleared… Easy-peasy!

    In this case as in so many others, The Process Is The Punishment.

    He never said or in any way implied that Rittenhouse should just hire an expensive lawyer. You just made that up. Or heard what you wanted to hear. 

    Amazing how the people who constantly complain how the media get stories wrong routinely do the exact same thing themselves. I believe psychiatrists call that projection

    • #13
  14. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Sounds like Rob is one of the “let the courts work it out” people, obviously Kyle Rittenhouse and his family should just hire an expensive lawyer like everyone in Hollywood can, and it won’t bankrupt them etc, and his name will be cleared… Easy-peasy!

    In this case as in so many others, The Process Is The Punishment.

    He never said or in any way implied that Rittenhouse should just hire an expensive lawyer. You just made that up. Or heard what you wanted to hear.

    Amazing how the people who constantly complain how the media get stories wrong routinely do the exact same thing themselves. I believe psychiatrists call that projection.

    Starting at 6:30, Rob says TWICE that “I’m glad he’s on trial” and then “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse.”

    As others have said, “Nice try, but thanks for playing.”

    • #14
  15. Blue Yeti Admin
    Blue Yeti
    @BlueYeti

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Starting at 6:30, Rob says TWICE that “I’m glad he’s on trial” and then “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse.”

    As others have said, “Nice try, but thanks for playing.”

    One more time: advocating for the justice system to do what it was designed to do (that’s what “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse,” means) in no way implies what you suggested. If Rittenhouse didn’t want to end up in court, there was a very simple solution: he should not have been anywhere near Kenosha that night, especially armed to the teeth. And because he was a minor at the time, his parents have culpability here too. 

    I don’t know who these mysterious “others” are, but I’ll stop playing when you start hearing what is actually said rather than what you want to hear. 

     

     

    • #15
  16. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Starting at 6:30, Rob says TWICE that “I’m glad he’s on trial” and then “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse.”

    As others have said, “Nice try, but thanks for playing.”

    One more time: advocating for the justice system to do what it was designed to do (that’s what “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse,” means) in no way implies what you suggested. If Rittenhouse didn’t want to end up in court, there was a very simple solution: he should not have been anywhere near Kenosha that night, especially armed to the teeth. And because he was a minor at the time, his parents have culpability here too.

    I don’t know who these mysterious “others” are, but I’ll stop playing when you start hearing what is actually said rather than what you want to hear.

    His only mistake is living/being in Wisconsin where the DA etc would rather palm things off on others – such as a judge and jury – instead of seeing the evidence and deciding not to prosecute a worthless case.

    • #16
  17. ToryWarWriter Coolidge
    ToryWarWriter
    @ToryWarWriter

    “The unions dont want any automation, robotics or KPIs.”

    I laughed out loud at this nonsense.  No wonder why we are screwed.

    • #17
  18. Blue Yeti Admin
    Blue Yeti
    @BlueYeti

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Starting at 6:30, Rob says TWICE that “I’m glad he’s on trial” and then “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse.”

    As others have said, “Nice try, but thanks for playing.”

    One more time: advocating for the justice system to do what it was designed to do (that’s what “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse,” means) in no way implies what you suggested. If Rittenhouse didn’t want to end up in court, there was a very simple solution: he should not have been anywhere near Kenosha that night, especially armed to the teeth. And because he was a minor at the time, his parents have culpability here too.

    I don’t know who these mysterious “others” are, but I’ll stop playing when you start hearing what is actually said rather than what you want to hear.

    His only mistake is living/being in Wisconsin where the DA etc would rather palm things off on others – such as a judge and jury – instead of seeing the evidence and deciding not to prosecute a worthless case.

    Being in Wisconsin (he didn’t live there) was not his “only” mistake. That’s ridiculous. 

    • #18
  19. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Starting at 6:30, Rob says TWICE that “I’m glad he’s on trial” and then “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse.”

    As others have said, “Nice try, but thanks for playing.”

    One more time: advocating for the justice system to do what it was designed to do (that’s what “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse,” means) in no way implies what you suggested. If Rittenhouse didn’t want to end up in court, there was a very simple solution: he should not have been anywhere near Kenosha that night, especially armed to the teeth. And because he was a minor at the time, his parents have culpability here too.

    I don’t know who these mysterious “others” are, but I’ll stop playing when you start hearing what is actually said rather than what you want to hear.

    His only mistake is living/being in Wisconsin where the DA etc would rather palm things off on others – such as a judge and jury – instead of seeing the evidence and deciding not to prosecute a worthless case.

    Being in Wisconsin (he didn’t live there) was not his “only” mistake. That’s ridiculous.

    When people in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, probably Florida, etc, shoot people who are attacking them and/or pointing guns at them, they don’t get prosecuted for self-defense.

    • #19
  20. ToryWarWriter Coolidge
    ToryWarWriter
    @ToryWarWriter

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Starting at 6:30, Rob says TWICE that “I’m glad he’s on trial” and then “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse.”

    As others have said, “Nice try, but thanks for playing.”

    One more time: advocating for the justice system to do what it was designed to do (that’s what “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse,” means) in no way implies what you suggested. If Rittenhouse didn’t want to end up in court, there was a very simple solution: he should not have been anywhere near Kenosha that night, especially armed to the teeth. And because he was a minor at the time, his parents have culpability here too.

    I don’t know who these mysterious “others” are, but I’ll stop playing when you start hearing what is actually said rather than what you want to hear.

    His only mistake is living/being in Wisconsin where the DA etc would rather palm things off on others – such as a judge and jury – instead of seeing the evidence and deciding not to prosecute a worthless case.

    Being in Wisconsin (he didn’t live there) was not his “only” mistake. That’s ridiculous.

    He lived 20 minutes away.  I know living in the heart of California your used to state borders, but apparently he grew up in this town.

    Its like how the Cincinnati Airport is in Kentucky.  

    I really think you need to stop engaging on this one, as per my usual advice when you talk to Ke, and also because you really dont know enough about this case to really engage properly with it.  

    • #20
  21. Blue Yeti Admin
    Blue Yeti
    @BlueYeti

    ToryWarWriter (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Starting at 6:30, Rob says TWICE that “I’m glad he’s on trial” and then “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse.”

    As others have said, “Nice try, but thanks for playing.”

    One more time: advocating for the justice system to do what it was designed to do (that’s what “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse,” means) in no way implies what you suggested. If Rittenhouse didn’t want to end up in court, there was a very simple solution: he should not have been anywhere near Kenosha that night, especially armed to the teeth. And because he was a minor at the time, his parents have culpability here too.

    I don’t know who these mysterious “others” are, but I’ll stop playing when you start hearing what is actually said rather than what you want to hear.

    His only mistake is living/being in Wisconsin where the DA etc would rather palm things off on others – such as a judge and jury – instead of seeing the evidence and deciding not to prosecute a worthless case.

    Being in Wisconsin (he didn’t live there) was not his “only” mistake. That’s ridiculous.

    He lived 20 minutes away. I know living in the heart of California your used to state borders, but apparently he grew up in this town.

    Its like how the Cincinnati Airport is in Kentucky.

    I really think you need to stop engaging on this one, as per my usual advice when you talk to Ke, and also because you really dont know enough about this case to really engage properly with it.

    I know where the kid lived, thanks.

    He was a minor in a riot. Packing heat. You may think that’s fine. I don’t. Doesn’t mean he should go to jail for it, but he shouldn’t have been there.

    Also, in terms of Florida not arresting or prosecuting people who shot someone in self-defense, George Zimmerman says hello.

    Lastly, as you may be able to tell, it really annoys me when people on this show are willfully misquoted or misinterpreted, especially to make some lame partisan point (“Hollywood!”).

    • #21
  22. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    ToryWarWriter (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Starting at 6:30, Rob says TWICE that “I’m glad he’s on trial” and then “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse.”

    As others have said, “Nice try, but thanks for playing.”

    One more time: advocating for the justice system to do what it was designed to do (that’s what “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse,” means) in no way implies what you suggested. If Rittenhouse didn’t want to end up in court, there was a very simple solution: he should not have been anywhere near Kenosha that night, especially armed to the teeth. And because he was a minor at the time, his parents have culpability here too.

    I don’t know who these mysterious “others” are, but I’ll stop playing when you start hearing what is actually said rather than what you want to hear.

    His only mistake is living/being in Wisconsin where the DA etc would rather palm things off on others – such as a judge and jury – instead of seeing the evidence and deciding not to prosecute a worthless case.

    Being in Wisconsin (he didn’t live there) was not his “only” mistake. That’s ridiculous.

    He lived 20 minutes away. I know living in the heart of California your used to state borders, but apparently he grew up in this town.

    Its like how the Cincinnati Airport is in Kentucky.

    I really think you need to stop engaging on this one, as per my usual advice when you talk to Ke, and also because you really dont know enough about this case to really engage properly with it.

    I know where the kid lived, thanks.

    He was a minor in a riot. Packing heat. You may think that’s fine. I don’t. Doesn’t mean he should go to jail for it, but he shouldn’t have been there.

    Also, in terms of Florida not arresting or prosecuting people who shot someone in self-defense, George Zimmerman says hello.

    Lastly, as you may be able to tell, it really annoys me when people on this show are willfully misquoted or misinterpreted, especially to make some lame partisan point (“Hollywood!”).

    Please explain what Rob REALLY REALLY meant when he said – twice – that he’s glad Kyle Rittenhouse is on trial.

    • #22
  23. RufusRJones Member
    RufusRJones
    @RufusRJones

    The reason that Kyle Rittenhouse matters is because so few of the authorities, the media, and the citizens care about actual justice. In fact, they want the opposite done. 

    • #23
  24. RufusRJones Member
    RufusRJones
    @RufusRJones

    Think about all of the gratuitous central planning the government does all of the time. We could have spent the peace dividend on infrastructure that would make a big difference, but we didn’t. Lowering prices through logistics is exactly what you need when so many jobs and wages are getting destroyed by automation and globalized labor.

    • #24
  25. The Cloaked Gaijin Member
    The Cloaked Gaijin
    @TheCloakedGaijin

    Rob in a sailor suit?  Hmm, what happened now?

    • #25
  26. Boney Cole Member
    Boney Cole
    @BoneyCole

    Is there a transcript?  I would like to hear what the guest has to say, but have become very tired of the Ricochet podcast format, especially Rob.  This from a long time member (ten plus years I think).  

    • #26
  27. ToryWarWriter Coolidge
    ToryWarWriter
    @ToryWarWriter

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    ToryWarWriter (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Blue Yeti (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Starting at 6:30, Rob says TWICE that “I’m glad he’s on trial” and then “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse.”

    As others have said, “Nice try, but thanks for playing.”

    One more time: advocating for the justice system to do what it was designed to do (that’s what “I think if he wasn’t on trial it would be a lot worse,” means) in no way implies what you suggested. If Rittenhouse didn’t want to end up in court, there was a very simple solution: he should not have been anywhere near Kenosha that night, especially armed to the teeth. And because he was a minor at the time, his parents have culpability here too.

    I don’t know who these mysterious “others” are, but I’ll stop playing when you start hearing what is actually said rather than what you want to hear.

    His only mistake is living/being in Wisconsin where the DA etc would rather palm things off on others – such as a judge and jury – instead of seeing the evidence and deciding not to prosecute a worthless case.

    Being in Wisconsin (he didn’t live there) was not his “only” mistake. That’s ridiculous.

    He lived 20 minutes away. I know living in the heart of California your used to state borders, but apparently he grew up in this town.

    Its like how the Cincinnati Airport is in Kentucky.

    I really think you need to stop engaging on this one, as per my usual advice when you talk to Ke, and also because you really dont know enough about this case to really engage properly with it.

    I know where the kid lived, thanks.

    He was a minor in a riot. Packing heat. You may think that’s fine. I don’t. Doesn’t mean he should go to jail for it, but he shouldn’t have been there.

    Also, in terms of Florida not arresting or prosecuting people who shot someone in self-defense, George Zimmerman says hello.

    Lastly, as you may be able to tell, it really annoys me when people on this show are willfully misquoted or misinterpreted, especially to make some lame partisan point (“Hollywood!”).

    I dont think its fine.  I think its disgraceful that the situation required a 17 year old kid to be there, because the city and state authorities decided to let the city burn rather than do there damn jobs.

    I do think its very American that people organized a defense to protect their lives and property from destruction.  That seems to be what the entire second amendment is about.  

    • #27
  28. ToryWarWriter Coolidge
    ToryWarWriter
    @ToryWarWriter

    The Cloaked Gaijin (View Comment):

    Rob in a sailor suit? Hmm, what happened now?

    Apparently he had to go the Apple store and get one.  

    • #28
  29. Norm McDonald Bought The Farm Inactive
    Norm McDonald Bought The Farm
    @Pseudodionysius

    Holy Ship! would have been a good title too.

    • #29
  30. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    ToryWarWriter (View Comment):

    “The unions dont want any automation, robotics or KPIs.”

    I laughed out loud at this nonsense. No wonder why we are screwed.

    I approve of robots.

    • #30
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