Ships of the Sea host Molly Taylor interviews Dave Manns, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Port City Logistics, about the essential role of third-party logistics providers in moving goods through the Port of Savannah and connecting global supply chains to consumers.

Manns explains how Port City Logistics supports customers through drayage, warehousing, transportation, and distribution, including its 1.2-million-square-foot warehouse and the thousands of containers moving through its operations. He discusses the complexity behind everyday products reaching store shelves, the importance of efficiency and cost savings, and how logistics companies balance technology, automation, and hands-on expertise to meet the needs of diverse customers.

The conversation also explores Manns’s career journey across technology, automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and logistics, along with the lessons that have shaped his approach to leadership. He shares the importance of building trust, asking questions, continuing to learn, and creating a workplace culture where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and understand how their work impacts the business. Manns also highlights career opportunities in supply chain management, from warehouse operations and forklift driving to data analytics, engineering, and specialized certifications.

Looking ahead, Manns discusses innovations that could reshape the logistics industry, including Port City Logistics’ work on linking containers for more efficient transportation, the potential of autonomous trucks, and the growing role of AI in analyzing data and reducing waste. He also emphasizes workforce development, mentorship, and the value of listening to employees on the warehouse floor. Throughout the conversation, Manns shares why Savannah’s maritime industry offers exciting career possibilities and encourages listeners to keep learning, asking questions, and finding ways to make a positive difference.

The Ships of the Sea podcast is recorded on location at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, housed in the historic William Scarbrough House, an elegant example of early Greek Revival architecture in the South. Built in 1819 for William Scarbrough, a prominent shipping merchant and the first president of the Savannah Steamship Company, the museum showcases a remarkable collection of ship models, paintings, and maritime antiques. In addition to its exquisite interior, the museum features the largest private gardens within Savannah’s historic district, designed to reflect a typical 19th-century parlor garden.

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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:42 What Dave Does

01:40 3PL And 4PL Basics

02:20 Port Centric Logistics

03:11 Drayage Explained

04:17 Warehouse Scale And Goods

05:53 Truck Types Breakdown

07:21 Warehouse Efficiency Hacks

08:06 People And Culture

10:18 Robots And AI Reality

12:53 Career Journey Origins

18:05 Mentors Trust And Questions

20:09 Wins Lows And Leadership

23:29 Logistics Through History

23:57 3PL Then and Now

25:05 Sears Pillow Airlift

26:46 Careers in Logistics

30:12 Systems and Data Wins

31:29 Engineering Better Work

33:01 Certs and Networking

35:44 Industry Complexity Today

37:34 Culture and Great Game

40:12 Future Tech and IREX

44:00 Parting Advice and Support