With the threat of a strike of U.S. Dockworkers having been averted, at least for now, we have some respite for shippers to review their contingency plans should this, or indeed any form of port disruption occur in the future.
Below are three practical steps you can take to minimize the impact of port disruption on your supply chain, and ways in which we can assist you, whether you are a current Source customer or are simply looking for advice.
Where will disruption be most impactful?
Ports on the East and Gulf coasts handle more than half of the container-based freight entering and leaving the US. It’s at and around these ports where disruption caused by general strike action is likely to be at its worst. So, it’s here then that we recommend you focus your attention.
Step One: Pull your Containers from the Ports
When disruption is likely, the sooner you can pull containers held at the ports into nearby warehousing locations the better. Secure the space and get drayage carriers set up quickly so that, should strikes occur, you have maximum flexibility for modal conversion, ensuring your products are at DCs or retailers ahead of schedule. A significant amount of our 3M+ sq. feet of warehousing is near key ports of entry, and we have the drayage capacity to handle any increase of containers, so if you need help navigating a strike, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Step Two: Consider Alternate Routing
With your containers now accessible, start considering your options to keep supply chains moving by using alternate routing. It’s likely that levels of disruption at ports will vary, both by location and over time as the strike progresses. With over 25 years in the business, we excel in handling these scenarios for our customers – let us help keep you moving.
Step Three: Get Tailored Advice
Every shipper’s situation will be different and while alternate routing, for example, may make sense on paper, calling upon our team here at Source Logistics to work through your priorities, options and their implications together could both mitigate risk and minimize costly storage fees and product loss.
Working with a team that is able to consider the challenge holistically and help you make decisions in times of crisis based on your specific needs is critical for maintaining business continuity.
We may have dodged the bullet this time, but proactive contingency planning will always prove beneficial, whether this strike ultimately happens or not.
Reach out to our team if you’d like to discuss your options.