A supply chain is a broad concept in economics that defines the whole system of how products come from raw materials, then are manufactured, transported, and then delivered to their end users. In its broadest definition, if you’re talking about lumber that is sold in a big box store, for example, the supply chain includes everything from how trees are farmed and the public policies that govern that, all the way to delivery of bundled lumber to the store where consumers have access to buy it.
Obviously, there are many moving parts to the supply chain, and also many things that can affect or cause interruptions to it, including the world economy which affects prices of materials and weather, which is not always predictable. Then there are interruptions that are totally unpredictable like COVID-19 or a tanker that sinks or accidentally drops containers in the ocean.
Shipping and logistics is one small—but important--part of the overall supply chain. Making sure that shipping and logistics operates efficiently is critical for both manufacturers and the end consumers, who want to see available on shelves the products they want to buy.
COVID-19 has impacted and continues to impact the supply chain in lots of unforeseen ways because of staffing shortages and delays associated with new rules associated with protecting people from catching the virus. Shipping and logistics companies are dealing with these issues as they arise to continue making shipping as efficient as possible.
If you need any help with shipping, logistics, and/or warehousing of your products in southern British Columbia, give us a call in Vancouver at (604) 439-8938. This is our area of expertise.
For over 30 years, 18 Wheels Logistics has strived to be the most customer-centric trucking, warehousing, and logistics company around. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 18 Wheels relies on experience and integrity to make customers happy and remain on the cutting edge of shipping and logistics management.
If you have any questions about this article or you would like to talk to us about your shipping needs, please call us at (604) 439-8938.
