Tag Archives: supply chains

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Coronavirus delays create Container shortages in Chicago for DDGS

Coronavirus issues, particularly in China, are creating real problems for Dried Distiller Grains (DDGS) shipments. The lack of inbound containers from China means that there are not enough containers to ship DDGS out of the US.

DDGS is a byproduct of ethanol production, and in this part of the Midwest US, there is much ethanol production.  It is some of the most productive corn land in the US.  The DDGS are primarily used as animal feed.  China imports DDGS as feed for pork in the older times. I’m not sure how much they are importing right now due to the tariff fight and the pork disease issue in China. China’s pig production is just recovering from that tragedy a year or so ago.

The article gives an indication of container rates North Asia to West Coast US. They are trending down to attract business. blanked sailings are also a feature of the current environment in container shipping from China.

It’s a mess!

screenshot SandP Global Platts

via Container shortages in Chicago impact DDGS on coronavirus delays | S&P Global Platts

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Posted on February 13, 2020 by in Logistics, Shipping, Supply Chains

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Blockchain not yet for supply chains

Gartner says 80% of blockchain supply chain developments won’t get out of design and development for several years.  So many of them are just recycling financial blockchain ideas into supply chain space without understanding the issues.  A case of a solution chasing a problem, the bugaboo of ITY initiatives forever.

I’d like to get my hands on this report from Gartner.  It should be interesting.

The Gartner source below says 90%!!! I like that number better as an estimate.

Here’s a quote from the latter press release from Gartner:

“The budding nature of blockchain makes it almost impossible for organizations to identify and target specific high-value use cases. Instead, companies are forced to run multiple development pilots using trial and error to find ones that might provide value.  …

Furthermore, current creations offered by solution providers are complicated hybrids of conventional blockchain technologies.”

Exactly.

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 via Blockchain may be the way ahead for supply chains – but not yet – The Loadstar

Another source: https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2019-05-07-gartner-predicts-90–of-blockchain-based-supply-chain

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Posted on February 13, 2020 by in Advanced Computing, Logistics, Production Operations, Strategy, Supply Chains, Uncategorized

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Reefer crisis – stranded perishables rot at Chinese ports

The unprecedented effect of China’s Coronavirus actions on supply chains continues to astound us. Sam Whelan’s article points out that quarantines on drivers moving between cities and/or ports have caused driver shortages.  Cold chain goods can’t be moved and lie rotting in the box.  How can food and perishables shippers function in such an environment?

Firms are also charging extra fees for handling and storage.  A lot of the trouble is with goods coming to China from neighbors such as India. there are some issues with US exports to China as well.

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via Reefer crisis looms as stranded perishables rot at congested Chinese ports – The Loadstar

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Posted on February 13, 2020 by in Logistics, Production Operations, Shipping, Supply Chains, Trucking

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