4 types of billion-dollar weather events tested supply chains in 2020

The combination of a record year for natural disasters and the pandemic magnified disruptions to shippers, carriers and everyone in-between.

By Shefali Kapadia , S.L. Fuller • June 1, 2021

As storms become more frequent and volatile, some ports plan for the risk — but most do not

The interconnectedness of ports leave assets such as warehouses, trucking networks and railroads vulnerable to disruptions from climate change and rising sea levels.

By Matt Leonard • Updated June 8, 2021

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Risk Management

Risk takes many forms in the supply chain: severe weather, geopolitical uncertainty and labor tensions. Explore the tactics supply chain managers use to prepare for disruptions.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Crumbling infrastructure, volatile weather a double whammy for logistics

On streets and highways, transport leaders gird constantly for delays and rerouting. 

By Jim Stinson • June 1, 2021

Coronavirus surge in India hits raw materials, manufacturing across multiple industries

Industries that use oxygen for production have curbed output to reserve supplies for critically ill patients, one analyst said.

By Matt Leonard • May 28, 2021

Disruptions to rare earth supply would be far-reaching at time of heightened demand: DOE

The Department of Energy study found a single year of not exporting rare earths and two years of mine closures could result in years of price, production and capacity impacts.

By A.B. Brown • May 27, 2021

Port of Long Beach waives pollution fee for natural gas trucks as it targets supply chain emissions

The exemption aims to incentivize the trucking industry to adopt cleaner fuels while electric and hydrogen technology scale.

By S.L. Fuller • May 27, 2021

Foot Locker: Stage is set for inventory improvement as port congestion eases

The company's inventory level was down 30% in its most recent quarter compared to a year ago, when store closures led to a build-up of inventory.

By Matt Leonard • May 25, 2021

A fractured bridge, a closed pipeline and the fragile backbone of the nation's supply chain

Two recent events underscore the importance of the infrastructure that helps move goods around the world.

By Matt Leonard • May 18, 2021

Chocolate makers map 600K cocoa farms in Ghana, Ivory Coast

Companies increased traceability efforts in 2020, tracking more than 74% of purchases in the two countries, according to the World Cocoa Foundation.

By A.B. Brown • May 13, 2021

Procurement meets marketing: Responsible sourcing turns trendy in the public eye

With collaboration, supply chains have the opportunity to tell the stories of their A-plus vendors — and bank goodwill in case a bad apple is exposed.

By Jen A. Miller • May 13, 2021

FMC picks 24 shippers to advise it on container issues

With Daniel Maffei as chairman, the agency will seek advice from importers and exporters while also looking to modernize the Shipping Act.

By Matt Leonard • Updated Sept. 10, 2021

Responsible sourcing is key to rid labor abuse from PPE supply chain

Legislation and governmental sanctions can help, but businesses must commit to ethical sourcing standards.

By Steve Ardagh • May 6, 2021

Concerns over Xinjiang forced labor prompt transparency tool for solar sourcing

The protocol aims to better equip companies to navigate U.S. import compliance obligations and ensure products are ethically produced.

By Jean Haggerty • May 6, 2021

Ford doubles down on lean in the face of semiconductor shortage

The automaker expects the semiconductor shortage to get worse before the supply levels improve, with the second quarter now the expected trough for the sourcing issue.

By Matt Leonard • May 3, 2021

Starbucks says it will help distribution partners struggling with labor shortages

Delayed or disrupted fulfillment from distribution centers to stores are possible if Starbucks-delivery partners can't find the labor they need to move goods.  

By A.B. Brown • April 30, 2021

Supply chains turn to Vietnam, India to diversify sourcing: Qima

Rising labor costs, a trade war and the pandemic have prompted companies to rethink their dependence on China, whether that means reshoring, nearshoring or China+1.

By A.B. Brown • April 29, 2021

USPS invests in more parcel sorters, overflow facilities to prepare for peak

Last peak season, the agency had a record-breaking 25% YoY growth in volume, but on-time performance dropped below 80%.

By S.L. Fuller • April 29, 2021

Tesla faces 'insane' supply chain headwinds, from semiconductor shortages to port congestion

The manufacturer is building factories as quickly as possible and aims to double supplier capacity next year, executives said.

By S.L. Fuller • April 28, 2021

How the pandemic changed retail supply chains

Whether sales were up or down, retail supply chain leaders knew one thing was clear: Strategies had to change.

April 26, 2021

Study: Spend analytics, category management top priorities for supply chain leaders

The IHS Markit survey results come on the heels of a Gartner report that found data and analytics will become a "core business function" this year.

By A.B. Brown • April 22, 2021

It's game on for packaging procurement as lead times lengthen

Stadiums and concessions anticipate surging demand as events resume. Can supplies keep up?

By Jen A. Miller • April 22, 2021

Ceva Logistics adds guaranteed airfreight capacity in volatile market

Shipper demand for sea-to-air conversions reduced airfreight capacity and increased rates in the aftermath of the Suez Canal blockage.

By Matt Leonard • April 22, 2021

5 freight technologies send supply chains on a greener path

A growing level of shipper interest, along with pressure from the public and regulators, is driving carriers to invest in more sustainable delivery options.

By Matt Leonard , S.L. Fuller • April 21, 2021

54% of companies plan to up spending on inventory planning: MHI

Inventory and network optimization tools saw the largest YoY jump in companies reporting the technology as "in-use today" with 45% of companies falling into that category, up from 40% last year.

By Matt Leonard • April 20, 2021

Mars, PepsiCo and McCormick form coalition to guide supplier sustainability

The group gives suppliers tools to create their own emissions-reduction plans, with the first year focused on calculating footprints and creating targets.

By Lauren Manning • April 20, 2021