Author: Jean-Paul Rodrigue

This primer should provide an overview of the concept of resilience. The current pandemic underlines that the shock was steep and the question remains about how many supply chains are recovering. Some were barely impacted with others have seen demand vanish.

A basic conceptualization of an intermodal transport chain that can be used to explain real-world intermodal systems.

A review of the main drivers that contributed to the growth of container volumes. Counter trends fro each driver are also discussed.

The section dealing with the main types of freight facilities has been updated. There is a complex array of facilities serving different roles and functions. The rise of e-commerce has further contributed to this specialization.

Added a new page explaining a simple transaction and the complex logistics it entails. Helpful to introduce the concepts to a general audience.

Updated the global logistics cost structure by function and by mode. In recent years, the share of transportation costs in the total costs has increased as a consequence of more inventory in transit.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having notable impacts on port activity with declines in traffic. The March 2020 figures for the Port of Los Angeles are 31% lower than March 2019 figures. February 2020 figures were 23% lower than February 2019 figures. The decline is attributed with the disappearance of much

Updated my graph about WTI spot prices. The current pandemic is having significant deflationary impacts on commodity prices, particularly oil. Mainly because of lower transport activity levels, the demand for oil has declined, inciting a collapse in prices.

A brief overview of the impacts of hoarding on retail supply chains and how a pandemic represents a unique challenge.