It’s not the big ships; it’s the lack of coordination. Ocean carriers need to cooperate more with upstream supply chain service providers. That’s what the National Retail Federation members think.
While that is only one type of supply chain, I submit it’s a somewhat simpler chain than for instance a manufacturer’s chain. That’s because there aren’t as many intermediate assemblers and manufacturers in retail, and products are all expected for sale promptly. The problem might be worse for manufacturers since they have some items that they want to buy in large batches since they are willing to inventory them, and others they want just-in-time if possible. Manufacturers might require at least two service and performance levels in their chain
In an exclusive interview with Supply Chain Management Review’s Patrick Burnson, Jonathan Gold, vice president, supply chain and customs policy for the National Retail Federation shares his views and forecasts on the ocean cargo supply chain.
Supply Chain and Logistics 