Arising from the headlines of 2021 was a clear focus among leaders of the goods movement industry on finding the means and measures for supply chain operations to cope with both the ongoing surge in imports and future demand.
The Port of Long Beach projects that trade will only continue to grow over the next 10 years. So the question remains, what will make the difference in 2022 and in the longer term to allow the supply chain to handle such volume?
I believe the answer is 24/7 operations. With the Biden administration’s support, the Port of Long Beach, in partnership with the Port of Los Angeles, is working to implement a framework for extended hours at the San Pedro Bay port complex.
But the ports can’t do this alone.
For this to work, the entire US supply chain must get on board. Cooperation from all sectors of the goods movement industry will keep businesses supplied and consumers satisfied no matter what surge occurs. This is important to maintain the country’s continued economic recovery.
Many of the supply chain challenges seen today were already occurring prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but are now magnified due to our historic cargo volumes. The industry must continue to develop immediate and long-term solutions, such as digitizing information, improved collaboration, and strengthening freight policies for seaports across the country.
Most importantly, stakeholders need to realize that there is no longer an “off-peak” period for global shipping. Ports in Asia have operated 24/7 for years. Consumers place orders around the clock with a single click and expect delivery within days or overnight.
The transition won’t be fast or easy, but the national supply chain must collectively commit to working 24/7 to improve freight movement and reduce delays at the nation’s ports.