Transporting freight internationally can be challenging. Available ocean capacity, shifting port receiving windows, and dray congestion are just a few common issues. Without proper planning, these and other disruptions can throw off an entire supply chain—delaying deliveries, raising costs, and lowering customer satisfaction.

Despite the list of ever-evolving ocean shipping challenges, there are several strategies you can use to overcome and avoid disruptions when transporting freight over the seas.

What causes supply chain disruption?

Understanding the common causes—both internal and external—of supply chain disruptions is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate them. Here are some key factors that can lead to disruptions:

Natural disasters

Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, snowstorms, and wildfires can severely impact supply chains. These events can damage infrastructure, disrupt transportation routes, and halt production, leading to significant delays and increased costs.

Natural disasters

In addition to natural disasters, ongoing climate change, like low water issues, are changing how goods move around the world. This issue is becoming more widespread, adding costs, and time to supply chains as ocean carriers are forced to limit vessel sizes and weights.