Supply Chain Managers Face Challenges After Baltimore Incident. Evans can help.

Outside of the tragedy, many supply chain managers wondered how it could impact their businesses.

Baltimore is not a significant port for ships transporting containers; it is only the 11^th largest port in the US. However, it is the nation's largest port for roll-on roll-off freight, which includes automobiles, construction equipment, and agricultural equipment. On the export side, Baltimore is the nation's second-largest coal exporter.

At this moment, the biggest concern is the rerouting of ships headed to the port of Baltimore. Most are finding a harbor in New York/ New Jersey ports and surrounding ports. As weeks become months, other ports, such as Savannah, will take on some of the volumes.

While the full impact is still unknown, the below highlights some potential impacts of the bridge's collapse.

• Ships will be rerouted to neighboring ports, which could cause delays in transit and additional costs.
• For equipment requiring open deck equipment, it could cause increased demand and pricing to move from the new locations.
• Due to the rerouting, freight moving in and out of Baltimore should expect an additional hour or more of transit.
• Increased fuel costs since too much of the region's fuel is imported via ships from the Gulf Coast.
• Rail services could see delays as they reorganize to meet the changing demands.
• Suppliers, manufacturers, and distribution centers that rely heavily on the port of Baltimore could see delays in their business.

One of the positives of the pandemic is that it forced many companies to look deeper into their supply chains. Many learned who their supplier's vendors were and the overall risks that they posed. This prepared many companies for challenges, such as this week's tragic events.

If you believe your business could be in jeopardy due to any of the challenges experienced in Baltimore, do not hesitate to contact your Evans representative. We are here to support you in any need, whether getting you a truck to pick up material, helping you source a new warehouse, or just consulting you on where to look. Learn what it is like to have the total #EX on your side. Keep Moving!