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When two states , countries or even regions are at odds , it spells big trouble for a supply chain that passes through them , or even one that runs adjacent to either . These conflicts can affect everything , from the free flow of raw materials and supplies , to readily-available local labour , to 3PL companies within the country . Deutsche Post , for example , ceased all deliveries within the Ukraine in 2016 , due to instability in the region . It was a move that , while arguably smart for the German delivery company , left some 620 German companies in the Ukraine without access to their services .

When nature decides to upset industry ’ s best-laid plans , it isn ’ t always easy to reroute or rebuild . From tsunami waves that could ground a cargo ship for good to earthquakes that cut off well-travelled routes , the transport component of the supply chain is particularly vulnerable to these sudden disruptions . While chains in disasterprone areas can ( and do ) tread lightly , some natural events are completely unanticipated . Consider the aggressive Southeast US blizzard of January 2016 . While veteran truck drivers might have been able to guide their rigs through typically snow-light North Carolina , the lack of local infrastructure for preparations like brining and plowing might have still barred the way .

22 July 2017