Thanks to the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, the global economy is slowly beginning to emerge from one of the worst global pandemics in history. However, the disruption to supply chains will probably last for at least the following year in its wake.
Our nation’s major ocean gateway ports and airports have continued to see unprecedented freight processing and recovery delays. During this time, Airforwarders Association members answered the call to help during the pandemic by providing complex logistical support. Air freight forwarders and their subcontracted vendors managed over 150,000 chartered air freight flights carrying essential goods.
As lockdowns have lifted, consumer demand has skyrocketed. However, supply chains disrupted during the height of the pandemic are still facing significant challenges while struggling to bounce back. Unfortunately, there is chaos for manufacturers and goods distributors who cannot produce and supply as much as before the pandemic due to labor and goods shortages.
A significant challenge we continue to face in the United States is the shortage of available truck drivers to transport cargo between major ports of entry. Recent studies indicate a deficit of 80,000 drivers, which will grow to 120,000 by 2030. Possible creative solutions may include allowing 18-year-old military-trained drivers to operate tractor-trailers and encouraging more women to enter the truck driving industry.
As we enter 2022, in addition to facing the ongoing supply chain challenge, the Airforwarders Association is focusing on many other vital issues. For example, we have a new committee focusing on environmental sustainability. In addition, we hope that the US Congress passes significant infrastructure legislation to provide urgently needed funding for our nation’s ports, airports, and road system.
In addition, the improper shipment of lithium batteries is a threat to our industry and world commerce. We will, therefore, be concentrating more of our efforts to solve this critical issue.