The backlog at the Port of Los Angeles peaked in January of 2022 to over 100 vessels queuing for berths. At the time this article was written, the Wall Street Journal reported that, while the ports are catching up, the bottlenecks are now extending into the U.S. rail system. The situation is getting worse. Based on a report from the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, rail container average wait time in May was 18% longer than in April, and three times longer than during January of 2022. To further exacerbate the situation, we are facing a nationwide labor shortage. One thing is clear; we have a long way to go until things get back to normal. The truth is that we are all in the same boat. However, this does not mean that we can't find any benefit in the situation. EDM Today would like to suggest some strategies in dealing with both customers and suppliers that will allow you to make the most of the situation. Remember the adage "The squeaky wheel gets the oil?" As product dribbles in through the supply chain, suppliers may have the urge to fill the orders of their customers that seem most in need. Nobody likes having to keep telling a customer that their order is late. It is too easy for the supplier to assume that if you are not checking on the order, you must not need it in a hurry. Don't be the company that gets pushed to the back of the line. Check in periodically and make sure the order is on track.
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