Zach Ramirez

The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for 3Q 2021 has been released, and one thing remains clear: spend is up. More specifically, year over year, quarterly freight spend showed the second largest increase ever – rising 32.6% from 3Q 2020. What’s driving the dollars, and what can this increase tell us about the state of the supply chain across the country? Supply Chain Now co-hosts Scott Luton and Greg White recently sat down with Bobby Holland, Director, Freight Data Solutions at U.S. Bank, and Patricia Gabriel, Vice President US Customer Service & Logistics, at Mondelez International, to find out. Let’s review highlights from their discussion of the report – and take a look at what you need to consider moving forward. But first, what is the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index? The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index is a free report you can download each quarter to keep your finger on the pulse of freight shipping volumes and spend from both a national and regional perspective. The report uses actual transaction payment data, de-seasonalized and calendar adjusted for maximum comparability. How do I use it? When you’re asking the question, “What happened last quarter?” the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index…

The modern supply chain landscape is defined by constant disruption, demanding a proactive approach to challenges. In our guide to supply chain disruptions, we delve into the critical sources of disruption reshaping the industry: climate change, global conflict, and labor disputes. Through data-driven insights and expert analysis, we offer strategies for building resilient supply chains, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology, supplier management, and collaboration. Read on to learn how to navigate the complexities of supply chain disruptions and thrive in this era of uncertainty. Working in an Era of Supply Chain Disruption At the onset of the supply chain crisis spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, many in the industry thought that the time of constant disruptions and delays would resolve with the pandemic. This, however, has proven far from true. Instead, our increasingly global supply chain — ever more reliant on a complex network of international transportation partners — is more vulnerable than ever to disruptions. In this section, we’ll look at three sources of disruption transforming the industry. 1. Climate Change Takes its Toll on Normal Operations Climate change is leading to new supply chain vulnerabilities. One significant example is the Panama Canal, a critical artery in global…