Fueling Up – A Supply Chain in Flux

Adversity brings out the best in many of us. That will be counted on in the coming months as we adapt to the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. 

Those of you focused on the restaurant industry, for example, may need to shift gears to supporting the demand being faced by grocery stores, pharmacies and health food stores.

There will be a slowdown – at least for the short term – in many products and services considered non-essential and a huge spike in those more essential to public health and safety.

Are there competitors who could become collaborators? Could you team up on some opportunities with companies that are rivals? Or, are there trade-offs that you could make with other Freight Brokers or Motor Carriers?

Are you built to be part of the solution in working with various levels of government and the health care sector? Are there ways in which you could help in the distribution and delivery of masks, ventilators and other hospital equipment?

Now is the time to do your homework on how the supply chain has changed rapidly in recent weeks and what that means for all of us in transportation. 

Keep in mind that many of the events and typical milestones held each spring will now be pushed back 90 to 120 days. That needs to be part of your planning – or revised planning — for the balance of 2020. 

Those who pivot and are quick on their feet this spring will be all the stronger for it this fall.