BNSF Logistics Team Spotlight - Clay Gambill writes about his experience teaching future logistics professionals.
Recently I had the opportunity to guest lecture at my alma mater, the University of Arkansas. Due to COVID-19, the two international logistics classes had limited in-person attendance, but full and interactive attendance on Zoom. The in person lecture was held in Griffels Auditorium a classroom inside Old Main and is one of my favorite classrooms on campus given its rich and storied history – John Philip Sousa conducted his band here in 1924! It’s always nice to visit Old Main, the University’s oldest building, any chance I can.
The international logistics classes consisted of second- and third-year supply chain students. We covered the modes of transportation, strategy and theory, and walked through cost service trade-offs.
A key topic of discussion was – how do we select the right transportation mode? I explained how two main drivers are considered: economic (least expensive option) and service (fastest option). I learned early in my logistics career that the perfect transportation mode doesn’t exist; one can chose one or the other, or some mix of the two, but you can’t get both cheap and fast.
I wrapped up with this conclusion:
There are multiple ways to get to a destination, the shortest route might not be the...
• Fastest
• Least expensive
• Most reliable
• Least stressful
We must always consider the trade-offs and find the best solution for the customer’s supply chain needs.
I always look forward to these opportunities. Having the chance to educate up-and-comers in the logistics sector is a passion of mine. I jump at the chance to help educate the future of logistics.
More about Clay Gambill, BNSF Logistics Commercial Managing Dir, NA EPLT:
Clay Gambill has been in logistics for over 17 years. He spent 11 years in rail operations, car management & demurrage, and sales before joining BNSF Logistics in 2017. Clay is a proud alum of the University of Arkansas and is grateful to be able to serve others by sharing his knowledge.