Avoiding a strike is critical to global supply chains and economies, with an estimated cost of $5 billion per day of strikes and the East and Gulf Coasts being critical components of supply chains for numerous industries.  

Impacts from the 3-day strike in October 

When the two sides failed to reach an agreement by the previous September 30 deadline, ILA workers went on strike, effectively shutting down operations at 36 major U.S. ports. The October strike led to several notable disruptions: 

• Increased Berthing Time: Vessels faced longer wait times to dock. 

• Extended Container Dwell Times: Both imports and exports experienced delays at affected ports. 

• Diversions to Alternative Ports: Containers were rerouted to unimpacted ports, primarily in the Bahamas, Latin America, and Canada. 

Container dwell time 

During the 3-day strike, container dwell times saw minimal disruption, with only one week experiencing a major spike. 

Import dwell primarily spiked at Gulf Coast ports, while East Coast ports were largely unaffected. 

Export dwell impacted both coasts similarly but returned to normal levels quickly.  

The recent rise in dwell times for both imports and exports is attributed to holiday-related port closures. 

Rerouted containers 

To maintain vessel circulation during the strike, carriers diverted containers to alternative ports, minimizing interruptions to vessel schedules and avoiding extended berthing delays at closed ports. 

Most susceptible industries 

Another strike would have serious consequences for global supply chains, with an estimated cost of $5 billion per day. The East Coast ports handle approximately 35-40% of U.S. imports and exports, while the Gulf Coast ports account for 10-15% of imports and 20-25% of exports. These percentages reflect overall trade volumes, but certain industries would be disproportionately affected. Below is a breakdown of major imports and exports by region. 

Gulf Coast Ports:

Energy and Petrochemicals: 

Gulf Coast ports, especially Houston and New Orleans, handle 60-70% of the U.S. exports of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and natural gas. 

A significant portion of the petrochemical supply chain, including plastics and chemical feedstocks, also moves through these ports. 

Agriculture: 

About 60% of U.S. grain and soybean exports flow through Gulf Coast ports, with New Orleans being a major hub for agriculture exports from the Midwest. 

Heavy Manufacturing & Machinery: 

Gulf Coast ports handle around 25-30% of U.S. exports of industrial machinery and heavy equipment, much of it bound for Latin America and Europe. 

East Coast Ports:

Retail and Consumer Goods: 

East Coast ports manage 35-40% of U.S. consumer goods imports such as electronics, clothing, and furniture. Ports like New York/New Jersey and Savannah are critical for trade with Europe and Asia. 

Many of these imports are destined for the East Coast and Midwest retail markets. 

Automotive Industry: 

Approximately 30-35% of U.S. automotive imports and exports pass through East Coast ports, especially vehicles and parts from Europe. The Port of Baltimore is a key hub for RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels. When the port temporarily halted operations, the industry remained stable by rerouting shipments to nearby ports. However, if a strike occurs in January, disruptions to manufacturing will likely be unavoidable. 

Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals: 

Approximately 30-35% of U.S. pharmaceutical imports flow through East Coast ports. This includes active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished drugs from Europe, India, and other regions. 

Food and Beverages: 

East Coast ports manage 30-40% of U.S. food and beverage imports, including perishables like produce, seafood, and processed foods from Europe and Africa. 

Industries affected by both coasts: 

Construction Materials: 

Combined, the East and Gulf Coast ports handle about 25-30% of U.S. imports of steel, cement, and other construction materials, primarily sourced from Europe and Latin America. 

Tentative agreement 

Terms of the agreement reached on January 8^th have not been made public at this time, but the key issue stopping the contract from moving forward prior to this point hinged on port automations. The USMX would like to enable more automation among ports, but the ILA argues that this will be removing jobs. While it is uncertain what middle ground was reached, it likely has something to do with the issue of automation. 

If this agreement is ratified, the East, Gulf, and West coast ports in the United States will have stable contracts until 2028, when the West coast contract expires, removing labor uncertainty in the U.S. as a major supply chain concern. 

Summary

The impending January 15th deadline for contract negotiations between the ILA and USMX has raised fears of another port strike, which could severely disrupt U.S. supply chains. An agreement was reached on January 8^th but is still pending ratification from the union members. The October strike highlighted the vulnerabilities of key industries, causing increased berthing times, container dwell delays, and rerouting to unimpacted ports. While East Coast ports handle significant consumer goods, automotive, and pharmaceutical imports, Gulf Coast ports are critical for energy, agriculture, and heavy manufacturing exports. The economic stakes are high, with potential daily losses reaching $5 billion, underscoring the urgency for a resolution. 

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New user experience in Movement for Over-the-Road Rating & Tendering 

Customers can now create FTL, LTL and VLTL shipments within Movement, receive real-time rates back from their preferred LTL carriers, and book directly with the carrier of their choice. When evaluating quotes, customers can consider both transit time and key qualitative metrics like visibility and reliability. Based on the shipments’ dimensions, customers will also have the option to perform mode optimization, receiving FTL, LTL and VLTL rates in a single view, making it easier to choose the best rate for their needs. By integrating LTL capabilities directly into Movement, we’re providing shippers with a comprehensive and seamless domestic rating and booking experience.  

Electronic Bill of Ladings (eBOL)  

Electronic bill of ladings are now available in project44’s Movement platform experience, this means that we can onboard customers with no API capabilities and ensure LTL automation benefits are consistent across API and UI experiences. 

Additionally, project44 released enhanced electronic bill of lading (eBOL) capabilities to accelerate adoption of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)’s standards across the less-than-truckload (LTL) industry. For every pick-up request processed by project44, eBOL data will be automatically sent to carriers – without customers needing to build new API endpoints. By enabling customers to seamlessly adopt the new eBOL standards, project44 is advancing the NMFTA LTL Digital Council’s vision of industry-wide digitization and improved supply chain efficiency. To learn more about eBOL, check out the release.  

LTL Carrier Spotlight  

UPS (UPGF) migration to TForce (TFIN) 

PS announced its agreement to sell UPS Freight to TFI International Inc. In early 2024, UPS revealed plans to discontinue support for APIs related to Rating, Dispatch, Cancel Dispatch, Tracking, and Imaging, requiring a full migration to TForce. By April 2024, project44 partnered with TForce to facilitate a seamless migration. We extend our gratitude to TForce for their collaboration on this significant milestone. 

AAA Cooper acquisition 

AAA Cooper acquired the LTL division of Dependable Highway Express and rebranded the carrier to operate fully under AAA Cooper for all APIs. 

Estes 

New pre-pickup events integration  

Rude Transportation Inc 

New Rating, Dispatch, and Imaging APIs 

New & Updated LTL APIs 

Carrier: Kuehne+Nagel  

New API: Tracking 

Carrier: North Park Transportation Co  

New API: Dispatch, Tracking 

Carrier: Flock Freight  

New API: Dispatch  

Carrier: Central Transport 

New Update: Imaging, Rating (Accessorial mapping) 

Carrier: Accurate Transport  

New API: Rating, Dispatch 

Carrier: GlobalTranz 

New Update: Dispatch  

Carrier: Warp 

New API: Imaging  

Carrier: B&H Freight Line, Inc. 

New API: Tracking 

Carrier: DC Logistics 

New Update: Dispatch  

Carrier: Best Overnite Express 

New Update: Rating (Accessorial mapping) 

Carrier: SAIA Motor Freight 

New Update: Rating, Dispatch  

Carrier: GOSHARE INC  

New API: Rating, Dispatch 

Carrier: Panama Transfer 

New API: Tracking 

Carrier: Mountain Movers Transportation & Logistics  

New API: Rating, Tracking, Imaging 

Carrier: TST Overland Express 

New Update: Dispatch 

Carrier: Roadie 

New Update: Tracking  

Carrier: NUMARK TRANSPORTATION INC 

New Update: Rating, Tracking  

Carrier: DB Schenker (eSchenker) 

New Update: Tracking  

Carrier: A. Duie Pyle 

New Update: Rating 

Carrier: XPO Logistics 

New Update: Rating & Dispatch  

Carrier: FedEx 

New Update: Rating & Dispatch  

Carrier: Estes 

New Update: Dispatch 

Carrier: Southeastern Freight 

New Update: Dispatch 

Carrier: Roadrunner Transportation Services 

New Update: Tracking 

Carrier: Go2 Logistics (Go To Logistics) 

New Update: Rating & Dispatch  

Carrier: Day and Ross Transportation Group 

New Update: Rating & Dispatch  

Carrier: Tax-Air 

New Update: All Services  

Carrier: Allstates WorldCargo 

New Update: Tracking  

Carrier: RUDE TRANSPORTATION INC 

New API: Rating, Dispatch, Imaging 

New Update: Rating  

Carrier: Peninsula Truck Lines 

New Update: Rating  

Carrier: Averitt Express 

New Update: Rating  

For more information on these LTL APIs or to receive our monthly LTL updates, please contact your project44 Customer Success Representative or visit us at https://www.project44.com/platform/initiate/.  

The post project44’s LTL updates: Announcements, carrier spotlights, and new APIs in 2024  appeared first on project44.

This year, project44 proudly joins the ranks of these trailblazers, having been named to Newsweek’s Excellence 1000 Index for 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights organizations that exemplify business excellence across more than 25 industries, proving that true leadership goes beyond strategy to include an unwavering commitment to stakeholders and the planet.

What Makes the Excellence 1000 Index Unique?

The Excellence 1000 Index is a collaborative effort between Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute (BPI), identifying the top 1,000 companies from an initial pool of over 25,000. These organizations were selected based on rigorous criteria evaluating financial health, stakeholder satisfaction, and social responsibility.

• Financial Health: Metrics like revenue, R&D investment, and website traffic reflect the innovation and growth mindset of the honorees.
• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Customer and employee sentiment provide insights into the companies’ impact on the people who interact with them every day.
• Social Responsibility: Ethical practices and sustainability commitments underscore the importance of doing the right thing for the global community.

A Spotlight on Business Excellence

Joining renowned organizations like NVIDIA, Accenture, Goodman Group, and Juniper Networks, project44 is proud to be recognized for our dedication to innovation and our broader impact. As the world’s only High-Velocity Supply Chain Platform, we are committed to delivering solutions that not only enhance supply chain efficiency but also contribute to a more connected, sustainable future.

Redefining Success in 2025 and Beyond

Being included in the Excellence 1000 Index reinforces project44’s belief that business success is intertwined with social and environmental responsibility. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to reducing friction in global supply chains, empowering our customers, and fostering a culture of integrity and innovation.

We thank Newsweek and BPI for this incredible recognition and congratulate all the companies on this year’s list. Together, we are redefining what it means to lead in today’s dynamic world. Explore the full Excellence 1000 Index for 2025 and learn more about the companies shaping the future of business excellence. And to learn more about project44 visit us at www.project44.com

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Proposed tariffs & impacted industries 

1. Tariffs on Canada and Mexico: 
   • Details: A 25% tariff on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico 
   • Timeline: Expected to be part of Trump’s initial executive orders upon taking office in January 2025 
   • Industries impacted: 
     • Automotive: Tariffs would disrupt North America’s integrated supply chain, driving up costs for vehicles and parts. 
     • Agriculture and Food Products: Fresh produce such as avocados (Mexico) and maple syrup (Canada) would see significant price hikes. 
     • Energy: Import costs for crude oil and natural gas from Canada could increase.  
2. Tariffs on China: 
   • Details: A 10% tariff on all goods imported from China  
   • Timeline: Planned for implementation by February 2025 
   • Industries impacted: 
     • Electronics: Consumer electronics like smartphones, laptops, and components dominate imports from China. 
     • Textiles and Apparel: Clothing and footwear would face substantial cost increases. 
     • Machinery: Industrial tools and equipment could see price spikes, impacting U.S. manufacturing. 
3. Universal Baseline Tariff: 
   • Details: A universal tariff of 10% to 20% on all imports 
   • Timeline: To be phased in during Trump’s second term 
4. Tariffs on the European Union: 
   • Details: A tariff on all goods imported from EU unless the bloc increases purchases of American oil and gas 
   • Timeline: Discussions are ongoing, with no fixed date yet 
   • Industries impacted: 
     • Luxury Goods: Products like wine, cheese, and high-end fashion would face higher tariffs, making them pricier for American consumers. 
     • Automotive: European cars and parts, including premium brands, could face reduced demand in the U.S. 
     • Energy: Natural gas imports could become costlier, affecting domestic energy markets. 
5. Tariffs on Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) Nations: 
   • Details: A 100% tariff on goods imported from BRICS countries if they challenge the U.S. dollar’s dominance 
   • Timeline: Contingent upon actions by BRICS nations 
   • Industries impacted: 
     • Minerals and Metals: Rare earth metals, critical for tech manufacturing, would see disruptions. 
     • Agriculture: Products such as soybeans from Brazil and tea from India would be impacted. 
     • Textiles and Technology: Inputs for textiles and tech products would face higher costs. 

Most impacted U.S. industries and products 

• Automotive Manufacturing: Increased costs for imported parts from Canada, Mexico, and the EU would affect U.S. car manufacturers such as GM and Ford. 
• Retail and E-Commerce: Higher prices for consumer goods like electronics, clothing, and toys would impact companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. 
• Healthcare: Medical equipment and pharmaceutical ingredients, often imported, could see price increases, affecting both providers and patients. 
• Tech Sector: Companies like Apple, Dell, and Intel reliant on imported components would face rising production costs, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers. 
• Energy Sector: Higher import costs for crude oil, natural gas, and rare earth metals could affect fuel prices and renewable energy projects. 

Broader economic implications 

The proposed tariffs are likely to have several broad economic implications. Firstly, they could drive inflation as businesses faced with higher import costs may pass these on to consumers. This price increase across various goods and services can reduce purchasing power and alter consumer behavior. Additionally, industries reliant on global supply chains might experience disruptions, facing delays and increased operational costs. These challenges could particularly impact sectors like manufacturing and agriculture where timely and cost-effective supply chain operations are crucial. Moreover, the introduction of U.S. tariffs could provoke retaliatory measures from other countries, posing significant hurdles for U.S. exporters. Such tit-for-tat tariff imposition can lead to a decrease in global trade volumes, affecting U.S. export revenues. Lastly, while the tariffs aim to protect American jobs by making imported goods less competitive, the resultant increase in production and consumer costs might ultimately slow down economic growth by dampening consumer spending and investment. 

How U.S. importers are preparing 

Companies that import to the U.S. are bracing for the impact, pulling inventory forward in anticipation of these changes. This trend was first evident when import volumes surged following the announcement of expanded tariffs under the Biden administration in May 2024, affecting sectors such as steel, aluminum, and electronics. 

With the landscape of global trade becoming increasingly complex, U.S. companies are reassessing their sourcing strategies. The prospect of new tariffs is prompting shifts away from traditional nearshoring in Mexico to potentially reshoring some operations to the U.S. or diversifying supply sources. This strategic realignment highlights the need for agility and informed decision-making to navigate the uncertainties of tariff changes effectively. 

Conclusion

The proposed Trump tariffs aim to protect American industries and jobs, but their broader implications could strain the U.S. economy and increase costs for consumers. Industries from automotive to technology would face significant disruptions, and households would likely feel the pinch of higher prices for everyday goods. As these policies take shape, businesses and consumers alike will need to adapt to a changing economic landscape. 

Shippers and logistics service providers using project44 have immediate access to real-time data and insights that help them make smart decisions in the face of an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape. Learn how here.  

The post How proposed tariffs could reshape U.S. economy and global trade in 2025  appeared first on project44.

For organizations managing large, global, or intricate supply chains, achieving high-quality real-time visibility can be a challenge. It requires: 

• Significant time and resource investments 

• Expertise in complex, multimodal transportation workflows 

• Mitigating implementation risks through precise carrier integrations 

Without a structured approach, companies face wasted time, trial-and-error efforts, and a delayed return on their visibility investments. 

How project44’s Carrier Managed Services helps 

To solve these challenges, project44’s Carrier Managed Services (CMS) simplifies and accelerates the visibility journey. Dedicated specialists and analysts work directly with customers and their carrier network to ensure their carrier network is consistently providing high-quality data. 

Key benefits of Carrier Managed Services 

• Continuous carrier management: Ensures sustained network connectivity. 
• Carrier network monitoring and data quality assurance: Maximizes visibility and data reliability. 
• Performance reporting and insights: Delivers actionable improvements to reduce costs and enhance supply chain efficiency. 

With project44 handling everything from carrier onboarding to continuous network monitoring via CMS, customers save valuable time and resources while achieving best-in-class visibility results. 

How it works: End-to-end network support 

CMS covers the full lifecycle of carrier visibility management: 

1. Implementation & go-live: project44 project-manages carrier connectivity, ensuring seamless integration and stakeholder collaboration. 

2. Ongoing data quality: A dedicated team handles carrier outreach, training, and continuous performance optimization. 

3. Customized insights: Customers gain access to detailed performance reporting, carrier scorecards, and data-driven recommendations. 

Customer results 

Customers who leverage Carrier Managed Services experience: 

• 20–40 percentage points better data availability. 

• 40–70 percentage points better milestone completeness compared to non-CMS customers. 

By partnering with p44 CMS, project44 customers can focus on what they do best, confident that their carrier network is delivering reliable, actionable data every step of the way. 

Interested in learning more? Contact a member of our CMS team today: carrierservices@project44.com. 

The post Achieving high carrier data quality with project44’s Carrier Managed Services  appeared first on project44.

In this blog, we’ll unpack the findings from project44’s latest Supply Chain Insights Report, explore the cascading effects of these disruptions, and discuss how technology can provide a lifeline to companies navigating these choppy waters.

The Strategic Importance of the Red Sea

The Red Sea serves as a vital passageway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal, a route that facilitates the transit of approximately 12% of global trade annually.

The past year has been marked by over 30 attacks on commercial vessels, intensifying geopolitical tensions in the region. These incidents have not only delayed shipments but have also driven insurers to increase premiums, further escalating transportation costs. Additionally, businesses relying on just-in-time delivery models face intensified risks, underscoring the need for robust supply chain strategies.

The Impact of Houthi Attacks on Global Trade

In the report, we can see how the attacks have disrupted shipping lanes, forcing carriers to reroute vessels or delay transits. The effects include:

• Rising Freight Costs: Carriers are passing along increased security and insurance costs to shippers, driving up the overall cost of goods.

• Extended Transit Times: Delays in shipments ripple through supply chains, impacting everything from manufacturing schedules to retail inventory levels.

• Risk of Loss: Damaged or seized cargo adds an additional layer of financial strain for businesses operating in or near the region.

For industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, and consumer goods, these disruptions are exacerbating pre-existing challenges stemming from labor shortages, inflationary pressures, and lingering post-pandemic recovery.

Lessons for Supply Chain Resilience

As geopolitical risks like those in the Red Sea persist, companies must rethink how they manage logistics and mitigate risks. Strategies to do so include:

1. Diversify Routes: Companies should explore alternative shipping lanes to reduce dependence on high-risk areas.

2. Leverage Real-Time Visibility: Understanding where shipments are at any moment enables faster responses when disruptions happen.

3. Collaborate Across Stakeholders: Governments, carriers, and logistics providers must work together to safeguard critical trade routes.

How project44 Can Help

In an unpredictable and dynamic environment like the Red Sea, project44’s industry-leading high-velocity supply chain platform provides actionable insights to help businesses adapt and thrive. Here’s how project44 can make a difference in your supply chain:

• Real-Time Visibility: Gain precise location data for shipments, enabling swift adjustments when disruptions occur.

• Predictive Insights: Anticipate potential delays with AI-driven ETA calculations, minimizing downstream impacts.

• Risk Mitigation: Understand high-risk zones and make informed decisions to safeguard cargo and reduce costs where possible.

• Collaboration Tools: Connect seamlessly with carriers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders to ensure end-to-end visibility and accountability.

With over a billion shipments tracked annually, project44 empowers businesses to navigate today’s turbulent supply chain landscape. Whether it’s adjusting to disruptions in the Red Sea or optimizing global logistics in the day-today, project44 is here to provide clarity in the face of uncertainty.

By staying informed and leveraging cutting-edge technology, businesses can transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring resilience in our ever-changing world. To learn more visit project44.com.

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The SOC 2 Type 2 audit, successfully completed for the fifth year in a row, is a testament to project44’s ability to consistently implement critical security policies and comply with stringent standards over an extended period. This year, project44 was evaluated against the newest 2022 standards for SOC 2 compliance, further underscoring our dedication to excellence in information security. The audit covered a 12-month period from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. SOC 2 Type 2 is a globally recognized security standard that ensures a company’s practices and operations meet the Trust Services Principles for Security and Availability.

In addition to this, project44 has once again achieved ISO 27001 certification for the fourth year in a row, a globally recognized standard that necessitates numerous controls for establishing, maintaining, and certifying an information security management system (ISMS). This certification verifies the completeness and rigor of project44’s information security program.

To earn this certification, organizations must show a systematic approach to managing sensitive information, including intellectual property, employee and customer data, and financial information. The extensive audit process for this certification underlines project44’s dedication to the highest levels of data security and transparency in its operations.

These certifications affirm our position as a leader in supply chain visibility, committed to protecting against cyberthreats and treating customer data with the utmost respect and care. Our ongoing efforts in maintaining high security standards are vital for our partners and customers, ensuring that our products and services are secure and reliable.

For more information about project44’s strong commitment to data security, read here.

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The Current Landscape 

On-time delivery performance in Canada has taken a substantial hit, now trailing the overall market by 8% and dropping by 14% in just the last month. This means nearly one in every three parcels is being delivered late, disrupting businesses and customers alike. 

One of the primary reasons for this impact is Canada Post’s dominance in the market. As the leading last mile carrier in Canada and holding 13% of parcel deliveries tracked by project44, the strike has amplified the lack of carrier diversification. While shippers in other regions typically use an average of six carriers, Canadian shippers rely on fewer than three. This limited network leaves them with fewer options when disruptions arise. 

The Cost of Alternatives 

Shippers exploring alternatives like UPS face tough decisions. While UPS offers reliable services, their costs are up to 40% higher than Canada Post rates. For instance, shipping a standard 22-pound package domestically with UPS Ground costs $28.97, compared to Canada Post’s Regular Parcel service at $21.61. These price differences strain budgets, especially during a period of peak demand. 

How project44 Can Help 

Amid these challenges, project44’s visibility and resilience offerings can play a pivotal role in navigating disruptions like the Canada Post strike. By providing real-time insights and data-driven solutions, project44 enables shippers to: 

• Identify Alternative Carriers: Access data-driven insights to diversify carrier networks and mitigate dependency on a single provider. 

• Optimize Routing Decisions: Use predictive analytics to choose the fastest and most cost-effective shipping options in real time. 

• Enhance Customer Communication: Proactively notify customers about delays and provide accurate delivery timelines, improving trust and satisfaction. 

• Improve Supply Chain Resilience: Build agility into operations, ensuring preparedness for future disruptions. 

project44 offers several key eCommerce Logistics solutions to help last-mile shippers mitigate the impact of this disruption. Consumer Visibility and Last Mile Connect provide real-time, normalized tracking data that helps businesses maintain transparency and visibility across now limited carrier networks. 

Predictive delivery dates powered by AI enable retailers to quantify potential delays, giving end consumers accurate expected delivery windows, especially essential as the holidays approach. Our Last Mile Insights analytics help shippers understand carrier performance and identify alternative routing strategies during the strike. Proactive exception management in Last Mile Resolution allows customers to quickly address and resolve challenges, minimizing operational disruptions. 

Features like delivery appointment scheduling and comprehensive returns visibility further support businesses in maintaining customer communication and operational efficiency during this challenging period. By providing actionable insights and flexible visibility solutions, project44 helps shippers navigate the complexities of the Canada Post strike with greater reliability and strategic agility. 

Looking Ahead 

The Canada Post strike serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and fragility of supply chains. To succeed in today’s unpredictable environment, businesses must adopt tools that provide visibility, adaptability, and strategic insights. project44 is committed to helping organizations navigate these challenges, ensuring shipments arrive on time, costs are controlled, and customers remain satisfied. 

For more information on how project44 can transform your supply chain operations, visit www.project44.com.   

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One of the event’s standout moments was a keynote address from Rick Johnston, Managing Director of CITI Global Government Affairs. His presentation provided a comprehensive overview of how global supply chains are being reshaped by economic, political, and security considerations.   

Key Highlights from Rick Johnston’s Talk  

Economic Security as National Security  

Johnston emphasized the growing intersection between economic policies and national security. He noted that supply chain leaders must extend their expertise beyond logistics and operations to understand and navigate geopolitical dynamics effectively. As global tensions rise, this knowledge becomes critical to mitigating risks and ensuring resilience.  

Geopolitical Impact on Supply Chains  

Geopolitical events directly shape supply chain strategies, particularly through cross-border trade policies. Johnston highlighted potential shifts under the new administration, such as stricter export controls on Chinese technology and revised import content requirements for goods sourced from Mexico. These changes may redefine sourcing strategies and impact total landed costs, reshoring, and nearshoring decisions.  

Trade Deficits and Policy Focus  

Countries with significant trade deficits with the U.S.—including China, Vietnam, Mexico, and Germany—are likely to face heightened scrutiny. Johnston suggested that these trade imbalances could spur targeted policies impacting global trade flows and industrial strategies.  

Broader Implications for Supply Chains  

Johnston outlined several pressing issues that supply chain professionals must prepare for, including:  

• Industrial Policy: The US Government may adopt a more active role in shaping supply chain priorities, particularly in critical sectors.  

• Hybrid Warfare and Cybersecurity: Increasing risks of cyberattacks and hybrid warfare necessitate robust defense measures across supply chains.  

• Environmental Considerations: Climate and carbon policies will likely play a larger role in global trade decisions.  

The Role of Executive Orders  

One of Johnston’s key observations was the shift in governance from legislative processes to an “Executive Order” model, often leveraging the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This approach underscores the urgency and volatility of modern economic and geopolitical landscapes, requiring agility from both governments and businesses.  

Closing Thoughts  

The insights shared underscore the growing complexities of supply chain management in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment. As trade policies and economic priorities shift, leaders must adapt with a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics to maintain resilience and drive innovation.  

This forum served as a vital platform for fostering dialogue, sharing expertise, and equipping professionals with the tools to navigate the challenges ahead. As the global landscape continues to evolve, such discussions will remain essential for building more agile, sustainable, high-velocity supply chains.   

The post Navigating the complexities of supply chains: Insights from the supply chain forum of southwest Florida   appeared first on project44.

Strategy #1: Automate the booking process  

To eliminate manual scheduling, site administrators can automate the slot booking process. With advanced scheduling configurations, administrators can set precise parameters for both gate and dock schedules, including custom time blocks, holiday adjustments, and day-based exceptions. Once these are in place, carriers can book slots independently through a self-service system, reducing back-and-forth communication. Additionally, administrators can pre-set automatic bookings for frequent carriers, ensuring a seamless experience for both the facility and its regular visitors. 

Strategy #2: Align labor to inbound and outbound schedules  

Labor planning is essential to effective yard management, ensuring the right personnel are available at the right time to meet operational demands. When done well, labor planning boosts productivity, reduces costs, and drives overall efficiency. However, achieving this requires real-time data on trailer ETAs, warehouse performance, and inventory levels. Without these insights, warehouses can struggle to accurately track trailer arrivals and departures, leaving them in the dark about early or late arrivals and compromising scheduling accuracy.  

Strategy #3: Use real-time ETAs to optimize loading and unloading schedules  

Meeting customer demands requires warehouses to prioritize unloading the right trailers at the right time. It all starts with tracking the driver’s ETA en route to the facility. Using smart geofencing, warehouses gain precise visibility into a driver’s real-time location, providing an accurate ETA. Once a driver enters the geofenced area, the warehouse team can see their approach and adjust unloading schedules as needed, even reallocating trailers to new dock doors. This level of insight enables teams to handle unexpected delays, prioritize urgent “hot” containers, and keep operations running smoothly, without relying on carrier signals.  

Learn more about project44 yard Appointment Management here.

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