Logistics 101: Understanding What’s Behind Today’s Supply Chain Challenges
Most people know that supply chain challenges are disrupting the shipment of goods all over the world. What may not be widely recognized, though, is the confluence of underlying factors that are fueling the disruption. With that in mind, here is a quick primer on the circumstances contributing to the 2021 supply chain woes.
1. Unexpected Demand for Products
As consumer demand for leisure travel and experiences plummeted at the beginning of the pandemic, consumers redirected the money they saved on those types of leisure expenses toward products for their home. The sudden surge in these types of consumer purchases clogged distribution channels.
2. Manufacturing Stalls in Asia
At the same time consumer demand for home products surged, many factories shut down for safety reasons. Factory output remains about 50% of pre-pandemic levels in Asia. Shortages of components such as microchips persist, making it difficult for manufacturers to complete production of new products.
3. Lack of Containers and Chassis
According to the American Trucking Associations, 60% of goods are shipped in intermodal containers, first by sea and then by truck. A shortage of containers and chassis is hindering the efficient transport of freight.
4. Labor Shortages
A shortage of employed truck drivers and warehouse workers is also constricting the ability to move freight efficiently. The lack of resources to move the goods, especially near seaports, has caused the time it takes to pick up and drop off loads to balloon.
5. Ports and Warehouses at Full Capacity
Ports and warehouses are clogged with loads. This has left truck drivers little physical space to deliver loads and return empty containers, which also contributes to higher-than-normal delivery times.
Conclusion
PetroClear is taking steps to minimize ongoing and future supply chain disruptions. However, as it is with most manufacturers that are closing out 2021, much of the current disruption is outside of our control. We recommend distributors and their customers place dispenser filter orders earlier than they may have previously to help ensure orders arrive in time to maintain fuel quality.
Although these are challenging times, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss delivery issues.