Tamara Bluntson’s Post

Well it is happening, and just in time before the holidays. Will be interesting to see how long this lasts and what the final resolution is… one thing for certain is the cost of logistics is likely to increase again in multiple facets.

U.S. Dockworkers’ Strike: What’s Behind It and What’s at Stake Tens of thousands of dockworkers walked off the job Tuesday morning, affecting dozens of ports along the East and Gulf coasts. These ports handle more than half of the nation’s container imports, and with the holiday season approaching, this could mean higher prices on everyday items like toys, food, and electronics. So, why are dockworkers striking? The Dockworkers' Perspective: The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) is pushing for better wages and working conditions, arguing that their pay has not kept up with the significant profits shipping companies and distributors have seen in recent years. Workers have also raised concerns about the push for automation at the ports. While automation promises higher productivity, many dockworkers feel it threatens their job security without offering fair compensation for their efforts, especially after their critical role during the pandemic. The Employers’ View: On the other side, the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), representing the shipping companies, is focusing on improving efficiency. By automating more processes, they aim to cut costs and increase productivity in a competitive global market. However, they face the challenge of balancing these operational improvements with demands for higher wages and concerns about job losses. As negotiations continue, this standoff could have far-reaching impacts on supply chains, potentially triggering layoffs, slowing manufacturing, and driving up consumer prices. How should both sides approach these negotiations to ensure a fair and productive outcome? #SupplyChain #LaborStrike #Automation #Dockworkers #Economy #Logistics #FairWages

🚛🩰 Logistics is a lot like dancing—every step is critical, and timing can make or break the routine. Right now, the logistics industry is facing a potential major disruption: the dockworkers' strike on the East and Gulf Coasts in October. The timing? Couldn’t be worse. October marks the peak of imports for the holiday season, meaning if this strike hits, we’re in for a mad dash to get products on shelves. Think about it: if a container arrives on the East Coast by October 10th, it’s already tight for holiday delivery. If it gets delayed into mid-November? Forget about it—shoppers are going to notice those empty shelves. This kind of disruption impacts not just ports but the entire network—warehouses, distribution centers, and ultimately, the consumer. The Lehigh Valley warehouses, which serve a huge portion of the northeastern U.S., will especially feel the crunch. It’s like a domino effect: if one part slows down, the rest struggle to keep up. This got me thinking about how much resilience we need in this business. Logistics isn’t just about trucks moving on highways—it’s about adaptability. We all need to be thinking about our contingency plans right now. Just like a dancer adjusting mid-step, we have to be ready to pivot when the tempo changes unexpectedly. Let’s be honest: we’ve been through tough times before (remember the chaos of 2022?), and we came out stronger. The question now is, are we ready for what’s next? How are you preparing to keep your dance in sync when the music shifts? Want some more info about our company? Just click the link: https://lnkd.in/gC9_7tKg #Freight #Logistics #SupplyChain #DancingThroughDisruptions #Resilience #ContingencyPlanning

🎁 The holiday season is in full gear! 🎁 Don't worry we are here to help with your logistics needs. Check out this article about how companies like UPS are hiring more than 100,000 seasonal workers this holiday season. #logistics #freight #craiglogistics #carrier #loads #holiday2023 #shippingsolutions

2024 USA Dockworker Strike & the Supply Chain - potential challenges & actionable items The ongoing dockworker strike is set to have a global impact and could potentially cripple the USA economy by an estimated $4 billion per day. This strike is expected to lead to a significant supply crunch, affecting essential economic drivers such as cars, car parts, food supply, medicine, electronics, and electronic parts, consequently adding inflation pressures to the mix. In light of these challenges, Supply Chain maestros reading this can take proactive steps to combat these disruptions. Here are some practical strategies: - Stock up on inventory to higher levels as a precautionary measure. - Hedge on commodities by purchasing ahead to mitigate potential price hikes. - Maintain open communication with suppliers to stay informed and agile. - Engage in discussions with your superiors and colleagues to align on strategic responses. - Temporarily hold off on promotional activities to focus on stabilizing operations. - Stay vigilant by monitoring the situation closely and being prepared to act swiftly. - Rely not only on forecasting software and automation but also on human expertise to navigate these turbulent times. The key to resilience lies in being dynamic and taking proactive measures. Act now to safeguard your supply chain operations. #SupplyChain #Logistics #DockworkerStrike #GlobalImpact #BusinessResilience PS: content after my write-up was further marked up using ai. The final pic was generated from 2 pics I suggested. Enhanced my thought and presentation by using AI 🤖

I went by the Midland HEB this week and saw people stocking up on toilet paper like it was 2020 again. No one is going to starve because the dockworkers went on strike! You can buy American grown beef (we prefer Texas angus), chicken and pork at any grocery store. You can buy American produced milk, butter and cheese at any grocery store. You can buy American produced toilet paper, napkins and paper towels at any grocery store. You can buy fresh produce grown in America at any grocery store. You can buy American made beer and wine at any grocery store. Our pharmaceutical industry is fully capable of producing the medicines we need to survive and only imports these from other countries due to lower costs. No one is going to freeze this winter because the dock workers went on strike. The Oil & Gas industry of which I'm a proud member produces almost 100% of our natural gas and fuel oil used to heat our homes. We produce 100% of the electricity we need each and every day. We currently produce 85% of all the gasoline we consume and import the less than 15% from overseas due to long term treaties. We are fully capable of producing 100% of our gasoline consumption if needed. Yes, the prices of imported goods (new appliances, imported automobiles and other luxury goods) are going to go up if the strike extends for many months but everything we truly need to survive as a nation is produced here, in Mexico or Canada. There is simply no reason to panic because of a dockworkers strike.

Thinking ahead to the busy season? Don't wait until the last minute to secure your warehouse workforce! Express Pros Lex is already gearing up with experienced warehouse workers ready to support your business during the busiest times. Get a head start on success and connect with us today! 859-971-1011 #BusySeasonPrep #ExpressEmployment #LexingtonStaffing 🚀

Day 2: Port Strike Halts Half of U.S. Ports: Now is the Time to Take Action As the port strike disrupts operations across the U.S., Distribution Performance Group (DPG) is ready to support your warehouse and distribution needs. This is an ideal moment to tackle those projects that have previously lacked resources, and DPG can provide immediate solutions. Why Choose DPG? Experienced Temporary Labor: We offer skilled, reliable temp labor to step in at a moment’s notice and keep your operations running smoothly. Commercial Truck and Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Services: Ensure your Commercial Trucks and MHE are properly maintained and serviced. Our trusted vendor partners, with over 35 years of experience in servicing, sales, and rentals, is ready to assist. Warehouse Optimization: Need help reorganizing your warehouse? Our expert team provides tailored solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency. Training and Compliance: We can also train your staff in OSHA, safety protocols, GMP, food safety, and HACCP to ensure your operation remains compliant and runs without disruptions. Take Advantage of Our Limited-Time Special Offer: Get up to 3 hours of free consultation from DPG until October 30th, 2024. We will come to your location, discuss your top pain points, walk through your facility, meet with your managers, and conduct a preliminary review. Based on this assessment, we’ll provide a preliminary - tailored solution that best fits your business needs. Contact Distribution Performance Group today for professional, reliable solutions that keep your business moving forward, even in challenging times. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer, schedule your consultation now! Andy Rodriguez President and CEO [email protected] 848-231-8984

DAT Dry Van Load-2-Truck Ratio May 27 - June 2: ~Dry van load post volume was within 3% of last year following last week’s short work week. The w/w change in volume was also identical to last year at 8%. ~Carrier equipment posts were 24% lower than last year following last week’s 20% w/w decrease. ~Load-2-Truck ratio increased 14% w/w to 5.23. #freightmarket #supplychain #transportation #logistics #trucking

The recent East Coast dockworkers' strike is a potent example of labor's response to automation and the demand for fair compensation. Representing a crucial standoff, dockworkers are calling for significant pay increases and protections against job erosion due to technological advancements, despite shipping companies enjoying years of substantial profits. I recall a time not too long ago when a similar labor dispute threatened to halt operations at a major transportation hub, underscoring how vital such workers are to our economic artery. The dockworkers' concerns mirror broader workforce anxieties as industries increasingly adopt automated technologies. The impact? A staggering potential loss of $5 billion per day, influencing both imports and exports significantly. This strike doesn't just ripple across the U.S. but sends waves through the global market, affecting supply chains and potentially your holiday shopping plans. What are your thoughts on the balance between advancing technology and preserving jobs? How should companies address these automation concerns with their workforce? 🤖⚖️ Let's discuss how industries can navigate these shifts without leaving their workforce behind. Share your views below! #LaborStrike #Automation #Economy #TransportationInsurance #SupplyChainManagement #CollectiveBargaining