Open Options

Michael Berzon, chairman of the National Industrial Transportation League’s ocean transportation committee, recently told LM that a dockside work disruption on the Pacific Rim can be mitigated by sound planning.
"The alternative ports on the U.S. east coast have been explored," he said, "as have those in Mexico and Canada. Shippers are not going to be caught off guard again if the west coast shuts down."
Berzon, who also works as a consultant for Fortune 500 companies, advises his clients to have continegency plans in place for other emergencies as well.
"I tell them that a ‘plan B’ is simply not enough," he said. "They have to have a plan C and D as well. Natural disasters and other unforseen catastrophes can cripple a supply chain, too. Shippers must stay flexible and keep their options open."