Evolution Time Critical

Retail executives are increasingly seeking logistics partners to boost profitability and customer conversion rates, according to a new report by Standvast, which highlights key trends and strategic shifts among supply chain leaders. Below are insights from the report into these behavioural shifts and how we’re helping retailers deliver enhanced customer services. ⏩ 94% of supply chain executives say two-day or faster delivery is critical for customers, and 91% report rising demand over the past year. “Fast delivery” is defined as next-day (35%), two-day (35%), or same-day (26%) service. 💰 To stay competitive, 47% of respondents offer two-day shipping at no extra cost, and 44% provide three-to-five-day service without additional fees. However, only 34% offer one-day or same-day delivery free of charge. 📈 Among companies prioritising sales and conversion, 95% see rapid delivery as crucial for achieving growth and revenue targets. 🤝 Most surveyed companies (59%) already partner with logistics providers to improve on-time delivery for time-critical shipments, while 31% are actively seeking such partnerships. 🌐 The majority of respondents (52%) fulfil orders from multiple distribution points year-round, while 20% implement multi-fulfilment strategies only during peak seasons. Just 9% operate from a single fulfilment location, and 15% plan to expand to a multi-facility model within the next 24 months. Over the past 16 months, we’ve supported leading retailers in enhancing the cost-efficiency and resilience of their supply chains. By integrating our global network with our 24/7/365 management model, our clients have reported an increase in customer satisfaction and higher profitability compared to the previous year. To learn more about how we can support you to achieve similar results, contact our global control centre at +44 (0)1332 814914 or email info@evolution-timecritical.com. From there, one of our colleagues will direct you to a regional control centre to develop a customised transport plan tailored to your business needs.

A recent trend in supply chain management shows companies shifting away from globalised sourcing toward more localised supply chains. This shift has been accelerated by vulnerabilities exposed during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Panama Canal drought, which highlighted the fragility of long-distance trade routes. Key Trends: ⚠️ Businesses are increasingly adopting regional production strategies to enhance resilience and reduce risks. 📈 Over the next two years, the proportion of U.S.-serving supply chains based in North and South America is expected to rise from 59% to 69%, according to a survey of 250 U.S.-based executives from companies with annual revenues of $1 billion or more. 🌎 However, the countries hosting the majority of these operations are set to change in the next three years. The U.S. is projected to see its share drop from 62% to 44%, while Canada’s is expected to fall from 39% to 30%. In contrast, Mexico is poised for growth, with its share anticipated to rise from 27% to 36%, overtaking Canada as the second-most popular nearshoring destination in the Americas. 📉 The average number of supply chain locations is expected to decrease from 2.7 to 2.4 over the next three years. Companies with the most efficient supply chains are also aiming to streamline their operations, reducing the number of markets they operate in from an average of 2.1 to 1.9. Our regional control centre, based in Atlanta, U.S., is supporting clients in regionalising their supply chains through transport solutions focused on cost-efficiency and stability. You can reach out to them for more information at +1 (855) 738 6564 or by email at info@evolution-timecritical.us.

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the southeastern U.S., supply chains are already preparing for another powerful hurricane, expected to make landfall on Wednesday. The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) has been activated to provide emergency support as Florida braces for the impact of Hurricane Milton. Key takeaways from recent ALAN announcements: 📖 ALAN has expanded its Disaster Micro-Site with a Situation Report that includes details about Milton’s projected path and impacts, along with links to transportation waivers and state business/industry resources. It will continue to provide these reports as circumstances evolve in the coming days. 🌀 ALAN urges businesses with operations in Hurricane Milton’s cone of concern to prioritize the safety of their employees. This includes allowing ample time for workers to prepare and either evacuate or shelter in place. 🏭 According to supply chain mapping and monitoring solution Resilinc, Milton is expected to impact over 12,000 sites involved in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and testing. If you have any concerns about the impact the storm may have on your supply chain, please reach out to our experts at info@evolution-timecritical.us or call +1 (855) 738 6564, our teams are actively monitoring the situation and will be able to provide further details when required. For live updates on Hurricane Milton please visit: https://hubs.ly/Q02SBSk50

Update: The USMX and ILA have temporarily ended the strike, with ports officially reopening earlier today. In a joint statement, both organizations announced that they will return to the bargaining table to negotiate the remaining unresolved issues. Effective immediately, all job actions will cease, and work under the Master Contract will resume. Our teams in North America are actively monitoring the situation. If you have any concerns or questions about today’s developments, please contact us at info@evolution-timecritical.us or +1 (855) 738 6564.

🎉 We are celebrating 50 years of transforming logistics!   From a Canadian innovator to a global leader, Metro Supply Chain is the largest Canadian Contract Logistics company in Canada, with over 9,000 team members across 175 sites and 19 million square feet of operations in North America and the UK.   This milestone isn't just about numbers. It reflects our commitment to operational excellence and the culture of innovation and collaboration we've built, and the continuous improvement measures our team takes to drive success for our customers.   Thank you to our customers, team members and partners for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next chapter of growth and success.   #MetroSupplyChain50Years #LogisticsLeadership #SupplyChainExcellence #ContractLogistics

Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation across North Carolina last week, and the semiconductor industry is now reeling from its aftermath. Production has come to a complete halt due to historic flooding and landslides near the Spruce Pine mines, critical for supplying high-purity quartz. Here's the latest industry developments: ⚒️ The Spruce Pine mines in North Carolina, USA—which produce around 80-90% of the world’s high-purity quartz, essential for semiconductor chips—are currently shut down due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. 📊 The shutdown has already caused significant disruptions across supply chains, leading to a global chip shortage and rising prices, with the automotive industry already feeling the impact. 🌀 In addition to the mine operations, surrounding infrastructure, including roads and power, has been heavily damaged. This has delayed the restart of mining in the region and is expected to continue hindering logistics and workforce availability over the coming weeks. ⏱️ Although some OEMs and Tier Suppliers have reserves, the prolonged downtime of the mines is expected to impact production timelines across both the automotive and technology sectors. If you have any concerns about the disruption in semiconductor production and its potential impact on your operations, our team in Atlanta is actively monitoring the situation with our partners and can provide more information. You can reach them at info@evolution-timecritical.us or by calling +1 (855) 738 6564. For live updates please visit NBC at: https://hubs.ly/Q02RVg3B0

Today marks the beginning of National Day and Golden Week celebrations across China, which will conclude next Monday, October 7th. Here are some key points on how this may impact shipping to and from the country: 📅 Official Public Holiday - October 1 to October 7: This holiday is widely observed across China, with most companies resuming operations next Tuesday, October 8. 📝 NFOs: Our customs teams will continue to operate 24/7. However, please be aware that some processes may take longer than usual due to reduced staffing at major airports and among airlines. At this time, the above information is accurate, though last-minute adjustments throughout the week are not uncommon. Our local teams in Shenzhen, Wuhan, Shanghai, and Guangzhou will continue to operate as normal during the holiday period. For more information on available options and how we can support you in China, please email us at info@evolution-timecritical.cn or call +86 755 8225 0558 861. To our colleagues and clients in China, 国庆节快乐!

Authorities have announced that port strikes are scheduled to begin on 30 September 2024 across the East and Gulf Coasts. At this time, the strikes are expected to last for at least seven days. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. What’s the latest on the potential impact and events? 🌎 Operations at 36 major U.S. ports, which handle approximately 40-50% of the nation’s imports and exports, are expected to be disrupted starting on 30 September 2024. 📈 In 2023, a one-day shutdown of West Coast ports caused delays that took three weeks to recover from, with dwell times increasing by up to 140%. 📅 Recovery could take four to six weeks for every week of port closures. 📦 With peak season approaching, diverting shipments to the West Coast may jeopardize holiday inventory and pricing across the United States. 💲 Analysts at JP Morgan predict the strikes will cost the U.S. economy just over $5 billion per day. If you have concerns about the potential impact on your supply chain operations, please contact our North American team at info@evolution-timecritical.us or call +1 (855) 738-6564. For more information, visit the article here: https://hubs.ly/Q02RlQt-0

As we start to head into the peak season of airfreight, cargo owners are facing challenges in securing capacity out of Asia. Some origin and transit points are already struggling with congestion, and capacity is being secured at premium rates. So, what’s going on? 📲 Consumer electronics shipments are a big driver of demand due to incoming shipments of iPhone 16s from China, since Apple moved manufacturing back there, spot rates have already climbed to $9-$10 per kg. 🛫 Traffic from Asia to Europe is facing backlogs of one to two days at some Asian airfreight gateways particularly in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and China. 🔙 From Asia to North America, several gateways are experiencing backlogs and the situation in Manila has been rated as ‘critical’ which is characterised by some bookings being rejected and alternative routes to move cargo becoming necessary by Dimerco. 📉 However, cargo owners are not likely to face competition for lift from rivals seeking to divert freight from ocean to air transport. By mid-August, spot ocean container rates had decreased by more than 20% from their peak in early July. Want to find out more? Our team recently published an article on how the peak season can influence Air and Ocean freight just here: https://hubs.ly/Q02Q664j0

Chinese OEMs that specialise in Electric Vehicles are beginning to localise their supply chains as new tariffs imposed by the US and Canada have forced a change in strategy. What’s the latest? 🌏 BYD, SAIC, and Chery are exploring new sites to increase car and battery production in Europe, Thailand, Mexico, Morocco, and Brazil. 🔋 Tesla, which has historically relied on Chinese manufacturing facilities, is also looking elsewhere for production, with a focus on new sites in Berlin (Germany) and Texas (United States) 💰 Nations like Brazil have offered generous tax incentives, while Turkey is proposing nearly $10 billion in support to boost EV manufacturing across the country. In India, local authorities have reduced customs duties in exchange for commitments from OEMs to localize their supply chains within the country. You can read more about how US policy changes have impacted US-China supply chains here: https://hubs.ly/Q02Nz_Bl0