Point To Point

For decades, China has been the engine room of global manufacturing. From electronics to apparel to consumer goods, the world has relied on China’s scale, labor force, and infrastructure to keep supply chains humming.

In global logistics, some of the most frustrating costs are the ones you don’t see coming. Demurrage and per diem (also known as detention by some shippers) fees are perfect examples. These penalties can accrue rapidly, disrupting budgets and operations for shippers caught off guard. But with the right strategy and partnerships, these fees aren’t just manageable—they’re preventable.

Houston isn’t just a hub for oil and aerospace—it’s a rising powerhouse in freight movement. As global trade routes shift and supply chains face new pressures, shippers are increasingly turning to shipping companies in Houston to streamline the flow of goods.

The logistics industry is buzzing about tariffs and geopolitics—and for good reason. With uncertainty swirling around trade policies, especially with China, many shippers are stuck in reactive mode. Imports have slowed, inventories are in flux, and the near-term focus is all about navigating the current disruption.

In this episode of Beyond Point to Point, we take a closer look at one of the most overlooked—and most critical—aspects of supply chain strategy: inbound cargo and freight. From shifting tariff policies to mounting warehouse congestion and the rising cost of delays, today's shippers are under pressure to rethink how they manage cargo from port to facility.

You'll hear from Averitt's Ed Smith, DiversiTech's COO Matt Krause, and Extensiv's David Miller as they share real-world insights on reducing touch points, improving visibility, and turning inbound logistics into a competitive advantage. If you’re ready to move from reactive to resilient, this episode is for you.

The demand for solar energy is rapidly increasing across residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. As more companies invest in sustainable energy solutions, the logistics of transporting and storing solar components have become increasingly complex. From solar panels and inverters to batteries and racking, these high-value, damage-sensitive materials require careful handling, storage, and transportation to ensure they arrive safely and on time.

In today’s fast-paced supply chain environment, having a reliable logistics partner can make all the difference. Spectra Gutter Systems, the largest manufacturer of rainware (gutters, downspouts, trim coil, and components) in the U.S., needed a seamless solution to support its growing operations—from importing and warehousing to distribution and final delivery.

Recent shifts in trade policy have led to significant tariff adjustments, impacting supply chains across multiple industries and regions. As global trade dynamics continue to evolve, businesses must stay informed and proactive in adapting their sourcing, logistics, and cost management strategies.

As we approach 2025, businesses engaged in international trade face three major supply chain hurdles: the disruptions caused by Chinese New Year (CNY), the looming threat of potential tariffs on foreign-made products, and the unresolved contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX).