DISRUPTIONMGMT [ INSIGHT ]
by Brian Broadhurst Senior Vice President-Parcel Solutions, Evans Transportation broadhurst@evanstrans.com | 866-721-3761
Tariff-ied of Your Supply Chain?
High uncertainty surrounding tariffs in the United States has introduced significant challenges to businesses, making supply chain management a daunting task for any company. These tariffs have increased costs for imported goods and materials, squeezing profit margins and driving up consumer prices.
3. Reduce costs through smarter outbound shipping. Consolidating multiple LTL shipments into one TL, or parcel shipments into LTL, can increase ef ciency and reduce costs. Leveraging zone skipping to bypass central hubs and using regional carriers for localized distribution can also yield savings and speed delivery. Combined, these strategies help cut costs and build a faster, more resilient supply chain. 4. Use business intelligence and tracking tools to boost supply chain visibility. Leveraging real-time data and analytics through end-to-end tracking is crucial for better supply chain decisions and minimized blind spots. These insights enable faster identi cation of bottlenecks and inef ciencies, leading to a more responsive, transparent supply chain. By aggregating data into a single business intelligence dashboard, decision makers access all needed information in one place. This centralized access streamlines decision-making and leads to better outcomes. Dashboards also help share insights with strategic partners, improving communication and coordination across the supply chain. Tariff uncertainty is here to stay, making it critical to seek supply chain ef ciencies that ensure cost savings and resilience. Partnering with experts who tailor solutions is essential. n
customs experience and a proactive approach to evolving regulations, offering end-to-end visibility and support for documentation and compliance. 2. Optimize domestic inbound logistics after freight lands. Once imported goods pass through customs, ensure your inbound logistics are as ef cient as possible by utilizing transloading facilities near ports. These facilities act as crucial intermediary points, enabling a swift and ef cient transfer of cargo from international shipping vessels to domestic transportation networks, such as rail or trucks. By expediting the transition between legs of their supply chains, businesses can reduce transit times and enhance ef ciency in the ow of goods. Another way to streamline inbound logistics is to analyze the volume and frequency of shipments to determine the most cost-effective mode of transport, whether truckload (TL) or less-than- truckload (LTL). Consolidating shipments to reduce empty miles and lower freight costs is essential.
Furthermore, tariff volatility complicates inventory planning,
prompting some rms to overstock and face excess storage expenses. Customs delays have also slowed down shipments, disrupting just-in-time supply models. Here are four key tips to withstand the impact of uctuating tariffs. 1. Find the right import partner. With import costs on the rise, it’s essential to reassess what you source and where it comes from. Consider both your suppliers and your suppliers’ suppliers to minimize product and material sourcing risks. Factor in potential tariff exposure as well as risks from suppliers in different parts of the world. It’s time to diversify suppliers to avoid reliance on a single country or region, and nearshore operations to reduce the risks posed by transatlantic shipping. A strategic partner can be invaluable when making informed sourcing decisions. The ideal partner will possess in-depth familiarity with cross-border shipping to guide you through these challenges. Seek a partner with deep
24 Inbound Logistics • August 2025
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