We are winding down our February and still marveling at some truly wacky weather happening in the states. Record highs in some parts of the nation and torrential rain in others. It’s absolutely having an effect on supply chain and logistics and we have been continuing to keep our eye on several stories.
I. One of the industries struggling the most with weather woes is agriculture. According to Fortune, “Blizzards, avalanches and heavy rain in recent weeks have hit transport of corn, soy and wheat to ports where they head for the lucrative Asian market, adding to the struggles that have plagued U.S. exporters since harvest.” It’s not just difficult to transport in the rain, it is logistically impossible to load some types of agriculture in rain. Trading houses in Japan are researching where they can obtain emergency corn in case they are unable to receive shipments from the United States.
II. From the streets of New York: have you been following the Waterfront Commission stories? The Loadstar has a fantastic in-depth look at why the New York dockers’ union wants to put an end to the Waterfront Commission. There are plans for a DC protest in the works and things are getting heated. Kenneth Riley, Vice president of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) shares, “What happens in New York sets a precedent for the rest of the community, which is why we are building solidarity and promising this protest.”
III. There is a lot to take in within this engrossing article in the New York Times about politics and the aerospace industry. The ripple effect of a new administration is being felt across the world and many in the supply chain industry are doing their best to wait and see. From the article:
“Other aerospace companies were hesitant to discuss their worries because it might draw unwanted attention — from competitors, the White House or foreign governments. It is not a good time, several said, to take chances.”
IV. We can now take a look at some of the plans for the super top secret Amazon drive-thru grocery store being constructed in Seattle. For a while, it was all just theory that the store was Amazon, as their name was never attached to the plans submitted to the city planning office. However, now there has been a request for a liquor license and, oh hey, Amazon is clearly named as the proprietor. This new model grocery store will allow customers to place orders online and then schedule a pickup time to drive through and collect their purchases.
Image Credit: Google Maps
As of September 8, 2020, Crimson & Co (formerly The Progress Group/TPG) has rebranded as Argon & Co following the successful merger with Argon Consulting in April 2018.
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