A new MacBook Pro. There are none in the local stores. Order today and it will be shipped in two to three weeks. Charmin Toilet Paper at Costco. Sorry all we have is our own Kirkland Signature in stock. Orville Redenbacher Kettle Corn at the local supermarket. There will be a delivery sometime next week. Rice Krispies. Try our house brand, it’s really good.
What’s going on? Why all the shortages? It’s called logistics or the supply chain. Logistics is the network of supply chain participants engaged in storage, handling, transfer, transportation, and communications functions that contribute to the efficient flow of goods.
Of course some of this situation is due to high demand but the real issue is the lack of personnel in warehouses, port workers, and the shortage of truck drivers.
When any of the functions don’t work as expected we have shortages and stock-outs.
Why now? Low paying jobs and the impact of COVID-19 causing many people to remain unemployed or searching other work opportunities. This is a worldwide issue. A shortage of truck drivers in the UK resulted from that country’s departure from the EU. Non-citizens were forced to leave that country. The result is not enough drivers to deliver gasoline (petrol) and other products.
Big plans for Christmas shopping? You best start shopping now if there are special things you was to give. The ports have ships waiting to unload.
Coast Contact 