Perspective: Flexibility Helps With Supply Chain Delays
For years, just-in-time supply chain practices were the name of the game for many companies. But in the aftermath of the pandemic and subsequent supply chain tangles, building up and keeping heavier inventories has come to the forefront as a core strategy. While there’s merit to both approaches, companies need to be prepared and take some action on unintended consequences of the new sea change.
Congress Approves Semiconductor, Supply Chain Bill
Legislation to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing while improving freight access along the nation’s supply chains was sent to President Joe Biden’s desk July 28.
Senate Sets Up $52 Billion Semiconductor Vote
A $52 billion boost to the U.S. domestic semiconductor industry moved one step closer to reality July 26 when the Senate advanced legislation providing grants, incentives and tax breaks to the sector and set it up for final passage this week.
Trucker AB 5 Blockade Ends at Port of Oakland
Fruit, nuts and wine are again flowing through the Port of Oakland after truckers quietly ended a multiday blockade over the weekend amid a crackdown on AB 5 protesters by port authorities.
Trucker AB 5 Protest Hampers Operations at Port of Oakland
About 450 dockworkers did not report to work at California’s third-busiest port, Port of Oakland, July 21 as truckers protesting the AB 5 gig-work law blocked access to the operation for a fourth day.
NYC Ports’ Saturday Hours Aren’t Helping Supply Chain Snarls
The Port of New York and New Jersey is struggling to process cargo despite expanded gate hours, illustrating fresh difficulties plaguing supply chains as shippers redirect goods to avoid bottlenecks in other parts of the country.
Senate’s Bipartisan Chips Bill Would Add $79 Billion to US Deficit
The Senate’s bipartisan bill to strengthen the nation’s technology sector in the face of Chinese competition was estimated July 21 to increase U.S. budget deficits by $79 billion over a decade if enacted.
Chips Bill Gains Steam in Senate Despite Last-Minute Lobbying
A drive in the Senate to quickly pass $52 billion in grants and incentives for U.S. semiconductor manufacturing picked up steam in Congress despite last-minute lobbying for changes.
Supply Chains Inching Back to Normal, Brace for Headwinds of Softer Demand
Rock guitarist Jack White, who extended his “Supply Chain Issues Tour” into October, might want to name his band’s next road trip after a different villain. That’s because supply strains, while still afflicting many consumers and businesses, are becoming more mundane.
Railroad Workers Being ‘Ground to Dust,’ AFL-CIO Head Says
Efforts by national freight rail carriers to increase efficiency are having the opposite effect, a union official said July 12. Demoralized workers are leaving the industry, causing delays and damage to the national supply chain, said Greg Regan, president of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO.