Export Friction & Street Turn Frustration with Ken Uriu of IMC Logistics

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Ken Uriu, SVP of Business Development for the Pacific Region at IMC Logistics, to unpack the real-world friction points shaping export logistics, port operations, and drayage strategy in 2025.

With a career spanning NYK Line, the Port of Long Beach, and now IMC, Ken offers a rare 360-degree view of the global supply chain—from rural Idaho accounts to macro-level policy decisions.

🔍 Key Topics:

• Export Friction, Explained:
  Why U.S. exporters struggle with equipment shortages, early return date (ERD) shifts, and a lack of contingency planning.
• Street Turns – Theory vs. Reality:
  The promise of container reuse sounds simple—but terminal tech, chassis fragmentation, and monetized platforms make it maddeningly complex.
• Chassis Control = Service Control:
  Ken outlines the case for private chassis use, especially for specialized moves (like reefers), and calls for less ocean carrier interference.
• Rates vs. Reality:
  The team discusses how outdated pricing structures are crushing drayage providers operating under today’s regulatory and cost pressures.
• Port Politics & Public Engagement:
  Ports are public agencies. Ken explains why logistics professionals need to build relationships with port authorities—before the next disruption hits.
• Tech Isn’t a Silver Bullet:
  Point solutions and walled-off platforms won’t solve systemic issues. Ken calls for collaboration and interoperability, not just more apps.

🧠 Leadership Insights:

• “No job is too small” – why young professionals should get their hands dirty and take regional roles, even in unlikely places.
• “You either win or learn” – the mindset shift required to thrive in an unpredictable industry.

🚛 Competitive Edge:

Ken also shares how IMC Logistics uses its import scale and private chassis control to deliver agile, scalable export solutions, especially in challenged inland markets like California’s Central Valley.

🔥 Final Takeaway:

Export logistics success hinges on flexibility, relationships, and local knowledge. Whether it's a misaligned terminal appointment or a stalled chassis swap, the details matter—and fixing them is what separates vendors from true partners.

🎧 Listen to Episode 40 of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics—available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your logistics fix.