Supply Chain & Logistics News, Trends, and Insights

Growth looks different for every business—but for family-owned companies, each new step forward is built on history, values, and the drive to serve customers well. In the latest episode ofBeyond Point to Point, host Joe Greek sits down with Tara Laughter from Systems Office Furniture, Inc. and i5 Industries to explore how their family business evolved from local decommissioning projects to bringing in imported products from around the world.

If you’ve been following trade headlines lately, you’ve seen the pattern: stability one week, uncertainty the next.

Every year, Averitt surveys supply chain and logistics professionals across North America to uncover key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping our industry. Now in its 11th year, the State of the North American Supply Chain Survey provides valuable insights that help businesses plan for the year ahead—and we want to hear from you.

Inbound container volumes are climbing again, with ocean ports across the U.S. reporting the beginning of tariff-driven surges that are rivaling post-COVID levels. This uptick appears to be tied to importers pulling forward inventory in response to the temporary pause on new tariffs for Chinese goods that was implemented in May.

In today’s supply chain, international isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether sourcing from Asia, nearshoring to Mexico, or establishing a China+1 procurement strategy, global supply chains are shifting fast. On this episode of Beyond Point to Point, we go beyond the headlines to unpack what’s really happening in international logistics.

From emerging sourcing regions to the tariff impacts driving change, we explore how shippers are adapting to new trade realities. Hear from Richard Egan (VP of International Solutions, Averitt) on long-term global strategy; Ed Habe (VP of Mexico Sales, Averitt) and Homero Gonzalez (General Director, Central de Fletes) on the evolving U.S.-Mexico freight dynamic; and licensed customs broker Kailoni Lawson (Integrated Operations Manager, Averitt) on why planning and compliance matter more than ever.

Watch the episode below to learn how the right partnerships—and the right questions—can help you future-proof your supply chain.

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.