TOP 12 IMPORTING DO’S AND DON’TS
To operate a supply chain that meets today’s global logistics challenges, importers need to rethink some approaches. These 12 strategies can be key components of a comprehensive plan. By Karen Kroll
E very month through July 2022, U.S. import volumes set new records. While August import volumes fell short of a record, they were still 18% higher than pre-pandemic levels in August 2019, reports Descartes Systems Group, which provides software for logistics- intensive businesses. Consumer demand, which continues to defy predictions, drives many of the delays and higher costs that importers continue to confront, says Chris Jones,
happen in unison and importers must decide between a growing number of ports and carriers. “Processes that were cobbled together over the past 20 years don’t work,” he adds. Importers need some new strategies to address today’s global logistics challenges, Parker recommends. While no single solution meets all challenges, the following strategies
Descartes executive vice president of industry and services. As volumes surge, so does importing complexity. “Imports used to happen relatively simply, with a nice handoff from overseas to the domestic part of the supply chain,” says Brett Parker, chief commercial officer with EDRAY, which offers a managed services platform for international shippers. He compares the previous process to a relay race. Now, however, more steps
can be key components of a comprehensive approach.
34 Inbound Logistics • October 2022
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