Global trade surged in the first half of 2021, lifting global volumes above their pre-pandemic peak, and this trend is expected to continue into 2022. The container sector has experienced a remarkable recovery, but unfortunately, supply chain disruption remains a risk as a result of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks in Asia, and port congestion.
The maritime shipping environment is a complex network; the key factors in the current supply chain landscape are challenging to address. Marine terminals are at the epicenter of the industry, but viable, sustainable solutions can only be deployed if stakeholders — terminal operators, carriers, railroads, truckers, retailers, distribution centers, logistics service providers, labor partners, chassis managers, as well as government stakeholders — take action as a collective group to remove bottlenecks.
In an ever-changing, uncertain time, service providers must find opportunities to pivot quickly and efficiently. The diversification of port gateways, for example, has the potential to ease congestion at major ports. Several underutilized secondary ports are capable and prepared to provide efficient cargo handling and help alleviate bottlenecks.
US transportation infrastructure will need to keep up with demand pressures, including ports. The current challenges in the supply chain have only emphasized this reality. Funding at the federal, state, and local levels is of the utmost importance to deliver long-term benefits to cargo movement and contribute to a resilient infrastructure network.
As always, the industry must continue to prioritize safety, making a zero-harm mentality a fundamental value throughout the supply chain.