Businesses are being urged to explore new solutions to ensure their supply chains are protected during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Business has come under a variety of threats as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic including the closure of borders, increased screening and security measures and the greater frequency of cyber security attacks.
Forward planning has become imperative to ensure business continuity plans are effective.
The need for a recommencement plan for businesses who have temporarily closed and a diversified supply chain for those who operate as essential services is essential for business survival and future success.
C.H. Robinson, a leading global third party logistics provider is advising businesses to immediately start considering if their goods would be considered essential in the event of a complete lockdown, and work with their strategic partner to understand if their goods could be subject to such delays.
“If a business finds it cannot be considered essential, or it is not viable to remain open, it is essential to prepare a recommencement plan to ensure operations can return to full capacity once this pandemic is over,” the company said.
Andrew Coldrey, Vice President of C.H. Robinson Oceania, wants businesses to consider all transport modes in light of this uncertain time.
“With the continued uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic brings to businesses, it is more important than ever to explore a variety of transport methods to keep supply chains moving,” said Andrew
“Due to the pressures on the rail and road market, we have seen more than a 20 per cent increase for the quarter year-on-year of businesses, especially food and beverage suppliers, using C.H. Robinson’s Domestic Coastal Shipping Service. This service provides a saving of up to 60 per cent over rail and road services,” he said.
Andrew said the air freight market is fluid and changing daily, therefore it may be beneficial for international goods to be transported using both air freight and shipping rather than purely using air freight.
“Alternatively, businesses may consider using Less than Container Loads (LCL) if they require certain goods for essential service production, as it is more cost effective than their standard full product shipment in a Full Container Load (FCL),” he said.
“Our role at C.H. Robinson is to help businesses navigate these uncertain times and find the most suitable solution.”