Supply Chain & Logistics News, Trends, and Insights

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike is officially underway, causing significant disruptions across the U.S. supply chain. With no resolution reached between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), shippers are already feeling the effects of this strike at East and Gulf Coast ports. The strike threatens to create backlogs, delays, and significant supply chain disruptions as shippers scramble to find alternative routes and solutions.

In June 2024, Averitt conducted a comprehensive midyear supply chain management survey to gain insights into the challenges faced by shippers when using multiple transportation and logistics providers. The survey reached 989 respondents from small to midsized and enterprise companies across nearly every industry. These individuals primarily work in operations, specifically in logistics and supply chain management, as well as in procurement.

When time is a critical factor, expedited shipping is the driving force behind swift and reliable deliveries. Let's explore the basic fundamentals of expedited shipping in Ground, Air, and Cross-Border freight transportation.

Over the past four years, the North American supply chain has begun a transformation driven by numerous large-scale events. Whether it's revaluating the viability of overseas manufacturing hubs in once-trade-friendly territories or circumventing the Suez Canal, supply chain managers are constantly on red alert these days.

For many, the name Savannah evokes images of moss-draped oaks and historic cobblestone streets. Yet beneath this picturesque Southern charm lies another reality altogether: the city's role as one of the most important logistics and distribution centers in international trade. Several factors contribute to Savannah’s rise as a global logistics hub.

Freight shipping is a fundamental element of global trade and the backbone of supply chains worldwide. It involves the movement of goods from manufacturers to markets, which is vital in keeping the wheels of commerce turning. Understanding the principles of freight movement is essential for businesses and individuals engaged in shipping or receiving goods.

The United States and Canada have long enjoyed a special relationship forged by shared geography, similar values, and strong economic ties. They share the longest international border (at 5,525 miles) and the strongest bilateral trade relationship (with nearly $2.6 billion exchanged every day) of any two countries in the world. Despite some challenges in recent years – such as domestic economic anxiety, COVID-19, and national security concerns – the two countries retain a partnership model unlike any other. In fact, the U.S. continues to be the primary source of goods imported into Canada, with China a distant second.

Mobile, Alabama — well-known for its historical importance and cultural heritage — is quickly establishing itself as an essential logistics hub in the Southern United States. This shift is not only transforming the city's economic landscape but also highlighting its strategic role in transportation and supply chain management.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of North American trade, businesses face a critical challenge: managing the increasing freight congestion at the U.S.-Mexico border. This bottleneck not only slows down operations but also adds significant costs.