I started the day by suiting up in a hard hat and reflective vest so that we could start our tour around Kat Lai terminal (seen above). We started by looking at the cargo being removed from the ships (cover image). It was super cool to see how efficiently the shipping containers were removed. I asked about how different vehicles communicate with one another. There is a control house that gives explicit directions on where everything needs to go. They also use different numbers of honks to signal forward, backward, etc. (seen below). I thought it was interesting how even with so much tech, it’s easier to just to have a few signals to keep the 24 hour loading and unloading running. 

I noticed a few things about those working. First of all, it was hot. Like really hot. Our tour guide explained that those working at Kat Lai terminal have access lots to drinks and on site medical teams. From what I saw, our tour group were the only people to wear safety hats. I wonder if the safety regulations are less strict in Vietnam. Many people were wearing slides or sandals, which doesn’t seem entirely safe for the environment. It was also mentioned how more men were used in the warehouse because they were more aggressive and don’t care about being exposed to the sun. Women were preferred for the more clerical and logistical work since they tended to have more attention to detail. Think it’s interesting how these preferences were explicitly stated. It was framed as not being sexist, but I feel that it might still be. While stereotypically men might have those traits, it sounded like women weren’t even considered, which I feel is maybe a little unfair.

In terms of being green, I am conflicted how I feel. Apparently Kat Lai wants to switch to electric trucks from the diesel but they don’t charge in enough time. As some who has as an electric car, I have definitely expedited this struggle before. I know they are trying to their best and I personally don’t know what much more they could to be more green. 

For Dan On, of course we have to talk about how nice the amenities are for employees and the green crocs (seen above). I am curious what prompted the company to do set up a pool, salon, and workout studio (seen below). Does it allow for higher employee retention? Is it a reason to pay employees less? Are they just a chill company that cares about employees? When it comes to the actual production, I was curious about cross contamination. Apparently they do their best to keep the nuts separate, but they must still label it with “may contain”. Especially since people have various nut allergies, this seems like an important aspect of the product. They “compensate” with cookies that are gluten free, so one allergen for another. I am wondering if the products and/or flavors they sell differ depending on location