It’s no secret that global supply chains are susceptible to unparalleled levels of disruption. The last five years alone have shown countless examples of events that wreaked havoc on global supply chains, including supply and demand fluctuations during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasingly disruptive weather events, and volatile geopolitical tensions. These occurrences and many more have brought about greater visibility of just how damaging supply chain disruptions can be.
Most recently, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) port strike threatened further complications to supply chains as peak shipping season approaches. Unsatisfied with wages, benefits, working conditions, and the threat of automation impacting their jobs, the ILA
– the largest union of maritime workers — was fortunately able to come to a temporary resolution just three days into the strike. However, for a strike of this magnitude, the implications could have been detrimental, costing the U.S. up to $5 billion per day as the 14 largest ports included in the strike handle a quarter of U.S. imports and 27% of total exports, equating to 2.8% and 1.9% of US GDP, respectively.
With the Strike Resolved, Shippers Place New Emphasis on Resilience
While the tentative agreement will extend contract negotiations through January 15, 2025, the potential effects of the strike have once again brought to the forefront just how vulnerable supply chains are, particularly for industries with stringent requirements around timely shipping. Should both parties fail to reach a final agreement by the new deadline, another strike will ensue, and shippers will likely face higher costs to transport their goods, in addition to significant delays that could damage relationships with their partners and customers.
With the potential for another strike to begin in January, not to mention the impending peak season and the remainder of hurricane season still upon us, it has never been more important for shippers to take steps to improve resiliency in their supply chains.
Beyond the Strike: Navigating Disruptions Requires Expert Insight
For shippers looking to protect themselves against unforeseen disruptions, the first step is to have a knowledgeable, trusted, and reliable logistics partner. The ideal partner should have access to real-time data and analytics, empowering them to advise around the best course of action when warning signs of supply chain issues or potential delays arise. The right partner should also have firm relationships with a reliable network of transportation providers to allow for flexibility in the event that the primary provider is unavailable. This enables them to advocate for their partners and gives them the ability to seek alternate shipping routes if needed.
TEN Logistics: Your Ally in the Era of Disruption
One such logistics partner who has gained a reputation for trust, reliability, and exceptional service is TEN Logistics. Experienced in navigating complex environments and ensuring the timeliness of critical deliveries, TEN Logistics offers solutions that simplify the supply chain process so that shippers can focus on their strategic priorities.
Below are three fundamental tenets that TEN Logistics adheres to when working with its partners, enabling them to create resilient supply chains that are built to handle disruptions when they occur:
Proactive Risk Management
Being proactive when it comes to identifying and mitigating risks is a critical component of creating a flexible supply chain. This is why TEN Logistics works with its partners to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and plans around various scenarios. This serves as the basis for creating contingency plans for navigating potential vulnerabilities in their partners’ supply chains and includes identifying alternate routes, suppliers, and more, making them less exposed to the risks associated with unforeseen events like labor strikes or natural disasters.
Reliable Capacity
The past few years, in particular, have made it evident how much supply and demand fluctuations can impact transportation networks, underscoring the importance of having a diverse network of carriers and transportation solutions. In partnering with TEN Logistics, shippers gain access to a full network of reliable transportation providers, helping to ensure they can secure reliable capacity, stick to their schedules, and avoid costly delays — even during peak seasons or when capacity becomes tight.
24/7 Resilience
The unpredictability of the logistics landscape makes it a necessity for shippers to have access to 24/7 support in order to maintain smooth operations and minimize the impact of disruptions on their supply chains. TEN Logistics’ team operates around the clock, ensuring that clients can always access assistance and information so they can respond quickly to market changes and get support when they need it most.
Planning Ahead Gives Shippers Control During Times of Disruption
While supply chain disturbances are unavoidable, proactive planning can arm shippers with the tools they need to minimize network and service disruptions. Getting ahead of these challenges and securing reliable partnerships to help manage complex logistics operations puts shippers in the driver’s seat when it comes to maintaining control of their supply chains — enabling them to focus on quality and service for their customers. With TEN Logistics, it’s always promises made, promises delivered!
Contact us to learn how TEN Logistics can help you create a more resilient supply chain.
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