In late 2019, more than 1,800 shippers participated in our 5th annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. The following article examines a portion of the results. Click here to download the full white paper.

Toward the end of last year, we invited shippers from a wide variety of industries to participate in our fifth annual State of the North American Supply Chain Survey. Our goal was to gauge the challenges that shippers faced in 2019 and to gain a better understanding of their outlook heading into the new year. More than 1,800 individuals from across North America participated.

The last few weeks have shown that the volatility we saw earlier in 2019 is far from over. From high profile bankruptcies to the announcement (and debate) of a new North American Free Trade Agreement, many factors are working together to create widespread uncertainty in the industry. But despite this, there are a few key areas where the lessons of 2019 can show us where impacts will likely be felt by carriers and shippers alike.

As trade tensions between the world's two biggest economies continue, companies around the world are moving to reduce their dependence on Chinese factories.

As we move into the final quarters of 2019, one thing has become clear; the year has taken a toll on many carriers. Several have closed their doors since the beginning of the year – a fact that has an impact on other carriers and shippers alike.

The USTR just posted yesterday an announcement on their website that the feared List 4 group of products ($300 Billion) will be hit beginning Sept 1. The listing, however, has been split into 2 parts, which are being called List 4A (Click here to view), and List 4B (Click here to view). List 4A will be charged at 10%, but is planned to rise to 25% on December 15 when List 4B is effective.

It’s been a long road to be sure, but the end is finally in sight. December 16th of this year marks the end of the three phase implementation process for Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). This congressionally-mandated rule is meant to create a safer work environment for drivers, and make it easier and faster to accurately track, manage, and share records of duty status data.