So Your Supply Truck Is Stuck. What Now?

If my manufacturing production relied on supplies that were delayed by disrupted truck transit routes (like recalcitrant protests blocking bridges), then I would be taking a closer look at my material process flow to find a solution. The longer the disruptions delay material shipments, the higher the costs accumulate.

I would evaluate some short-term options:

1. Air freight. Faster than long-haul trucking. May require last-mile truck service.
2. Railroads. Dedicated route paths. Higher cargo capacity than long-haul trucking. May require last-mile truck service.
3. Study my manufacturing operations to make more with available stock and cut waste.

Looking at the long-term view, I would consider these options:

1. Diversify purchasing to use more local suppliers.
2. Study my manufacturing operations to keep the best levels of safety stock materials, to improve resilience against potential future disruptions.

These immediate and continuing steps could be key ways to maintain revenue and production and meet customer needs.