Cross-Cutting Supply Chain Services Issues
America’s supply chains – and our nation’s connection to global trade – are critically dependent on the seamless and end-to-end operation of interconnected transportation and logistics services and facilities. These interconnected supply chain services are essential for moving products and commodities from their origin to manufacturers, producers, and end users. Understanding how each of these services and facilities interact with each other and affect the entire system is crucial to facilitating domestic manufacturing and international trade. As demonstrated by the 2021-2023 supply chain crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, any capacity shortage, overload, or breakdown at any point can cause bottlenecks or disruptions with the potential to ripple through the entire supply chain. These can occur anywhere in the supply chain, including at a port of entry, inland trucking or rail facility, warehouse or distribution center, or last-mile infrastructure. These bottlenecks and disruptions can delay or block the delivery of crucially needed materials; halt production at critical U.S. production facilities; impede imports and exports; and cause significant supply chain congestion.
Our work includes:
- Evaluating the end-to-end operations of interconnected transportation and logistics.
- Monitoring current and emerging trends and technological advancements within supply chain services.
- Providing expertise and perspective on U.S. supply chain services’ interests during U.S. trade negotiations.
- Enhancing the Department’s ability to proactively identify supply chain bottlenecks and crises and offer insights on mitigating disruptions.
- Contributing to various ongoing interagency supply chain and data-sharing initiatives.