Port and rail traffic seems to be slowing down and store shelves are amply stocked. It seems the supply chain disruptions that have affected the US since the start of the pandemic are easing.
In this article, Ron Leibman addresses those supply chain disruptions, the trucking industry, and the railroad union strike in this article for Metals Perspective. “The biggest issue for the trucking industry, at least on the truckload and broker side, is a continued drop in rates caused by reduced levels of freight nationally and the resulting overcapacity,” he notes. Regarding railways, “the biggest issue on the horizon is the possible rail strike that has been pending for some time.” If the railroad unions strike in December, supply chains will stall again, and truck rates will soar, he predicts, but advises that “it should be remembered that there are now and have always been supply chain disruptions, Covid-related issues and the Russia/Ukraine war just brought them into light. On a worldwide basis, issues that continue to vex are the war and the continued world political situation with issues like Taiwan, protectionism, and ESG matters.”
12.8.2022