In the course of our reporting, we often come across developments that pique our interest or are worthy of note but don't fit into the articles we're working on. To bring these and other interesting stories to our readers, DCV's editors have launched "Dispatches," a new blog.

Every week, "Dispatches" will feature a new post on something we've seen, heard, or read about that we consider vital or just plain interesting. Contributors to the new blog, along with their initial posts, include:

• Editorial Director Peter Bradley, on why we launched "Dispatches"
• Associate Managing Editor Susan Lacefield, on the material handling industry and U.S. manufacturing
• Senior Editor David Maloney, on preparing the material handling and warehouse work force of the future
• Senior Editor Mark Solomon, on the Surface Transportation Board's inaction on a proposal that would benefit "captive" rail shippers
• Group Editorial Director Mitch Mac Donald, on why social media and online research can't compare with face-to-face communication.

The editors will post weekly on a rotating basis, so check back frequently—and be sure to share your own comments in the field below each post. You can find the blog at http://blogs.dcvelocity.com/dispatches.