According to the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) Top Industry Issues report released in October 2022, the confluence of several world events “resulted in dramatic industry impacts including record-high diesel prices, severe equipment and parts shortages, skyrocketing inflation, and persistent workforce shortages, ranging from drivers to technicians to warehouse and distribution center workers.”
These critical industry issues have a widespread area of effect, and result in price increases and shipping delays for businesses and consumers alike. “Our customers are getting hit by this at all angles. Everything that moves is hit with increased pricing, from incoming paper to delivery after print,” said Vicky Dansereau, Walsworth’s Corporate Mailing Services Specialist. “This is affecting all aspects of all delivery. USPS, UPS, FedEx, LTL, Truckload, everything. We, alongside most businesses, are also experiencing delays in delivery time due to the shortage of available drivers to take loads.”
The factors causing shortages and bottlenecks in the supply chain are multi-faceted and daunting. However, their increasing visibility has led to positive efforts, such as increased funding for solution strategies and the impetus for action at federal and state levels. For each of the critical issues outlined through ATRI’s 2022 survey, there are also strategies for creating programs and conducting further research into root causes.