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With plenty of warnings that current supply chain challenges may make this holiday season more complicated than usual, everyone is gearing up early.  From consumers,  retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, carriers, and logistics companies, everyone is planning for a challenge in ordering and receiving products.  Additionally, as the year comes to a close, COVID-19 will remain a global X-factor. The threat of the virus will continue to influence consumer buying behavior and force shutdowns in areas where vaccines are in short supply. Additionally, illness and quarantine requirements will continue to remove workers from an already bare-bones workforce.  Despite the widespread unpredictability at play, the following statistics can offer some insights into the 2021 holiday season. They'll also point to some areas to watch as organizations around the world strive to keep their supply chains flexible and responsive through the end of the year.  Overall Trends...

Manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, consumers (frankly, everyone!) who's tried to buy anything in the last 18 months agrees—the global supply chain is not running the way it used to. Raw materials, supplies, and finished goods are all taking significantly longer to move, and it's costing significantly more to move them.   As a result, links in the supply chain are stretching and, very often, breaking. Shipments have been massively delayed. Forecasts are getting thrown out the window. Shortages are very real. Additionally, experts are warning U.S. consumers to prepare for a different kind of Christmas than they're used to. Even books haven't emerged unscathed as new shortfalls loom, like the paper shortage that may keep new books from reaching shelves.   If you've...

We've all heard the stories: Massive backlogs at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, complemented by a backup at the Port of New York and New Jersey. Warnings of a Christmas toy shortage. Encouragement to order more and order earlier to keep  supply chains running smoothly.   What's behind the increasing chaos in the supply chain? Obviously, like many supply chain issues, it's complicated. (If you work in the industry, you probably expected that answer!) Supply chains are, by nature, interconnected. A disruption in one link can easily cascade through the network. Additionally, supply chain disruptions are truly nothing new. Material shortages, natural disasters, labor strikes, economic trends, and more have long been par for the course, as many supply chain managers...

In 2020, the size of the ocean freight market was estimated at 64 million TEUs.i It's hard to imagine the sheer magnitude of that volume of freight. However, consider the fact that AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, has an interior volume of about 76,740 standard TEUs.ii  To understand 64 million TEUs, imagine filling 834 professional football stadiums.  In other words, the global ocean freight market is massive! In this article, we'll talk about the biggest players in the market so you can get a sense of who's operating in this field.   Since we have a particular interest (and expertise) in Pacific lanes, we'll start by discussing the...

As you’re optimizing your supply chain, you may compare  freight modes and wonder if you’re using the right mix for your business.   Below, we’ve rounded-up statistics and data on air, rail, ocean, and over-the-road freight. By perusing these numbers, you’ll get a sense of how other companies are leveraging modes within the United States and across the globe. You may also gain some new insights around mixing up your freight modes to support your organization’s goals and your budget. First, we’ll start with some stats on U.S. domestic freight.  How Far Does Freight Move in The U.S.?  As you may know, some modes of transportation are better suited for longer distances, while others shine at short distances. As...

Port BackupsA record-breaking number of ships waiting to dock at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. A record-breaking number of ships waiting to dock at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. read more Stranded ContainersA record-breaking number of ships waiting to dock at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.  Big retailers chartering dedicated vessels to bring stranded containers of goods over from Asia. read more Price IncreasesA record-breaking number of ships waiting to dock at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Cargo prices anywhere from five to eight times higher than a year ago. read more That’s the current state of the global ocean freight industry....