In July, the World Economic Forum website carried an interview with an economist from the University of Rochester USA
about the current disruption to supply chain networks.
In particular, the effects of two major events were touched upon:
Question: “How did the supply chain issues start?”
Answer: “Problems with the supply chain started with COVID-19 and were compounded by
strong consumer demand in the pandemic’s wake… The shutting down of ports and factories slowed
down the movement of goods around the world. And then it just became hard to partially reopen the economy, since
public health issues remained in play. That’s why we saw periodic closures of facilities and ports around the
world all through 2021.”
Question: “What impact does the Russia-Ukraine war have on global supply
chains?”
Answer: “Russia’s war against Ukraine is making it more difficult to move
goods… Shipping routes have been blocked, which is slowing down the movement of goods around the world. At
the same time, sanctions on Russia have stopped the flow of some goods. Those policies have consequences on the
global economy.”
Impact on logistics
In August, Logistics
UK posted a press release that began: “Figures from Logistics UK’s latest
performance tracker demonstrate the unsustainable financial pressures that businesses are currently facing. The
current situation is predicted to worsen by 82% of respondents, who expect the cost of transporting goods to
escalate further in Q3 of 2022.”
Everyone involved in both domestic and international logistics are well aware of the issues raised by the 165 of its
members that Logistics UK surveyed. Indeed the dramatic rise in inflation has affected businesses and the general
public worldwide.
Nevertheless, the logistics sector is active in countering these negative world developments. Leading companies are
ensuring that:
- Costs are kept as low as possible through efficiencies, frequently supported by technological advances.
- Supply chains are being supported and strengthened through effective channels of communication and partnership
initiatives
Both in the UK and worldwide, companies like Relay Technical Transport are taking positive actions to benefit their
industry and the customers that they serve. And, like we do, they will be using the systems, procedures and resources
that have been built up over time that can be used to overcome disruptive issues in global markets.
Seamless services worldwide
On the Freight
Forwarding page of the Relay website, we state that:
“As well as providing the highest quality freight services for UK deliveries, Relay offers exceptional
expertise in international specialist freight forwarding, with a 24-hour service that brings in a worldwide network
of experienced, highly qualified and trusted agents. In addition to our head office in Iver, Buckinghamshire, our
nationwide network of depots provide all the expertise and services of a freight forwarder company: Warrington and
Coatbridge Lanarkshire teams will provide you with top level support.”
At a time of worldwide political turbulence and economic volatility, the strength of international logistics networks
and supply chains can be tested to breaking point. Having an established, trusted and reliable global network of
agents and partners is even more important in times of turmoil than it would be under normal conditions.
Relay’s long-standing partnership with Tech Cargo has been a highly successful venture in building an effective
and resilient logistics network that has carried out a range of complex and challenging projects worldwide.
Supply chains tested
Large-scale operations have been carried on even at the height of the pandemic. For instance, back in June 2021, we
published a story about a major multi-site
delivery assignment for a UK government agency. In this, we explain that: “This
project, which began about six months ago, has involved the delivery of mailroom x-ray scanners to multiple sites
across the world. Their advanced technology offers a means of protection which is vital for staff and visitors
alike.”
Projects such as this rigorously test the technology we have in place for worldwide communication and for the
real-time monitoring and tracking of goods in transit. They also demonstrate the skills and commitment of the people
on the ground across the globe that deal with the delivery and installation of the complex and delicate electronic
equipment that Relay specialises in handling.
Relay is able to offer customers a partnership across boundaries that can provide them with seamless services of the
highest quality. Our assets in place continually testify to the strength and resilience of our national and
international supply chains.