Container transport and Covid-19/biosecurity seen as leading 2021 concerns
|
|
Risk management is seen as crucial
|
The pandemic and other trade-related shocks feature highly in logistics industry concerns for 2021, C.H. Robinson reports.
The global freight forwarder says it has surveyed its customers to understand the key issues supply chain experts anticipate this year.
When asked what they think the biggest risk to supply chain efficiency is this year, 75 per cent of respondents stated port disruptions and its ramifications such as sea freight capacity, equipment shortages and an overall increase in supply chain costs due to increasing rates and delays.
While some ports have seen a reprieve, others such as the ports of Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne are still facing immense delays as Chinese New Year shutdown approaches.
“We are currently facing very tough market conditions across all modes of transport on a global scale,” C.H. Robinson vice president Oceania Andrew Coldrey says.
“With port disruptions resulting in a lack of available containers, trade wars, the continued impact of Covid-19 and biosecurity risks, there is a lot to consider and anticipate this year.
“Our research demonstrated 60 per cent of our customers have a risk management plan in place, a heartening statistic, as those who are able to stay nimble and flexible throughout this period of uncertainty will be able to adapt and thrive.”
Read about C. H. Robinson’s recent containerchain concerns, here
The second biggest risk identified were the continued Covid-19 restrictions, closely followed by customs delays and trade wars.
“Covid-19 is still a major factor in 2021 as parts of the world remain in lockdown and air freight capacity continues to be lower than demand, due to the diminished number of passenger flights.
“When compounded with the global port disruptions and delays due to industrial action, looking for ways to mitigate these risks are crucial.
“Once risks are identified, the next step is to implement plans to mitigate them.
“Becoming a member of the Trusted Trader program not only shortens the time goods spend in customs but enables customers to defer duty on imported goods to pay a compounded monthly sum, supporting cashflow.”
Risk analysis and mitigation are seen by 77 per cent of customers as either extremely important or very important to maintaining a healthy organisation.
Implementing tactics such as a diversification of supplier and consolidation of air- and ocean-freight methods, holding buffer stock, forward planning to anticipate demand and constant communication with forwarders were among those most widely utilised.
“This year will be unchartered waters and as we venture into a new world unexperienced, risk analysis and mitigation is one action organisations can take to be prepared,” the company states.
You can also follow our updates by joining our or liking us on Facebook.
Trucks For Hire | Forklifts For Hire | Cranes For Hire | Generators For Hire | Transportable Buildings For Hire
Recent Comments