摘要: |
IN NEARLY ALL SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICS circles these days, the topic at the top of the list of industry taking points is inflation. This was highlighted in data issued last month by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that indicated that, for calendar year 2021, inflation hit a 40-year high, as the Consumer Price Index was up 7% annually and up 5.5% when excluding food and energy prices. The impact of inflation on supply chain and logistics operations simply can't be overstated and has been on full display for several months going back to the middle of 2021. Examples of how inflation has thwarted the sector include port congestion and import container backlogs; labor availability; and fuel prices. A recent Logistics Management (LM) reader survey of 100 freight transportation, supply chain, and logistics stakeholders reinforces how inflation continues to affect things from both operational an business perspectives. |