Supply Chain

Imports set another record high this spring as the nation’s major container ports worked to reduce congestion and retailers stocked up before dockworkers’ West Coast labor contract expired.

CargoNet is tracking an increase in incidents throughout the country. Staffing issues, high fuel costs, congestion problems at ports, and rapidly changing inventory conditions are all making theft of a semi-truck, trailer, or shipment more desirable.

Amid the labor shortage, 80% of warehouse associates are reporting positive changes in the workplace, according to a new study by Zebra Technologies.

It started with the pandemic and has grown since—the supply chain has become the industry’s focus and part of the national conversation.

The conference and expo will feature more than 25 sessions and 100 exhibitors with expertise and solutions related to supply chain operations, fulfillment, sourcing, corporate social responsibility, and more.

CargoNet reports recording 1,285 supply chain risk events across the US and Canada, a 15 percent decrease in activity year-over-year.

Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to be at near-record levels this spring and summer as consumer demand and supply chain challenges continue to result in congestion.

The National Retail Federation wrote a letter to leadership at the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).

Executives from the Port of Long Beach, Northwest Seaport Alliance, and Virginia Ports Authority will share insights into how ports are managing today’s heightened demand and preparing for the future.

Imports at the nation’s congested container ports are expected to grow modestly during the first half of 2022, but continued high volumes will keep up pressure that built as the economy bounced back from the pandemic last year.