The year 2021 has undoubtedly been eventful, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly shaped the course of the year. A number of issues have arisen throughout the year, ranging from economic strains caused by the 2020 lockdowns to supply chain issues and port backlogs.
In any case, as the year comes to a close and 2022 gets underway, we are optimistic about the future and believe that we will be better prepared to navigate any new developments or changes that may arise in the coming months – both as an industry as well as a society and as part of the global economy.
According to our current position, we can see several primary trends emerging as we usher in the new year with a bang.
The supply chain issues at the ports will be alleviated
It has been a year since we first witnessed the long lines of container ships anchored off the coast of California, waiting for their chance to unload their cargoes. Because of a lack of dockworkers and truck drivers, which resulted from a variety of issues stemming from COVID-19 mitigation measures and government stimulus, an unprecedented backlog has built up in the port.
According to our estimates, the backlog is beginning to improve and will be completely resolved by the first half of 2022. The processing of containers has become more efficient in recent weeks, and containers are now moving more quickly through and away from the ports to their intended destinations.
With the holiday shopping season approaching, this is welcome news for consumers and retailers, especially since many consumers and retailers began planning their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales weeks in advance, anticipating potential supply chain delays and product availability issues.
The economy is experiencing a resurgenc
Fortunately, the economy of the United States is continuing its v-shaped recovery following the COVID crash of 2020. The current situation appears to be indicative of a long-term recovery, one that is even more robust than we had previously forecast.
Purchases in B2B vertical markets are brisk in industries such as healthcare, cash automation, and retail technology, and we’re seeing significant growth in consumer spending as well.
Among the many technology and heavy equipment product manufacturers with whom we do business in our part of the supply chain and logistics industry, we’ve noticed a steady increase in requests for our transportation, delivery, white-glove and demo-move services over the last few years. Based on current indications, we anticipate that this relaunch will continue well into next year.
Is it possible for domestic manufacturing and warehousing to grow once more?
Because of the recent breakdown in supply chains, many manufacturers are reevaluating their infrastructure to ensure that they are not caught off guard in the same situation in the future.
Manufacturers in some industries have already announced the construction of new factories and facilities in the United States, and we believe this trend will continue. As a result, we believe that manufacturers will modify or abandon JIT (Just in Time) and Six Sigma methodologies, and that they will choose to maintain minimum and maximum levels of inventory on hand in state-side warehouses in order to avoid future shortages such as the ones we are currently experiencing.
We’re seeing an increase in the use of hub warehousing strategies by clients in MHRA approved warehousing UK, which then feed into localized distribution centers for faster delivery of products when products are ordered, according to our observations.
In the year 2022, recruitment will be critical
This year’s supply chain problems were partly caused by “The Great Resignation,” in which many employees chose to stay at home as a result of the generous stimulus checks provided by the United States government.
We believe that the Great Resignation is coming to an end because the stimulus money has been depleted in several large states, and people will be forced back to work as a result of the lack of available funds. However, this will not be sufficient to resolve the industry’s problems.
Increasing numbers of people are rethinking their approach to their jobs and expressing a desire to (remain in) their homes. In contrast, the supply chain industry is a hands-on field that requires workers to be physically present in order to complete their tasks.
So that they can attract the best talent, supply chain and logistics companies will need to take this into consideration when designing their compensation packages. Having said that, for those workers who still wish to compete in a free market society, now is an excellent time to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities that are available.
Even though we don’t have a crystal ball and are unable to predict the future in all circumstances, we believe that 2022 has the potential to be a better year as we continue to recover and emerge from the pandemic that has plagued the country for the past two years. We wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year in the coming year.
