We’ve heard about issues at the ports, but one transportation, logistics, and supply chain expert says a major issue, impacting herbicides especially, is packaging. Ken Eriksen, Senior Vice President, Head of Client Advisory & Development, Energy & Transportation, and Policy for IHS Markit, explains that plastic and resins are in short supply.
How dire is the shortage? He says some convenience store clients of theirs are unable to get cups.
Back to issues at the ports, Eriksen explains that existing union labor rules are limiting some of the changes that could be made to improve the supply chain. Negotiations between the International Longshore Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association will have to happen soon.
“They’ve been under an extended contract already, and the management has asked to extend it again, and the union saying, ‘No. We’re done extending. Let’s get to work and negotiate a new contract.’ That could be another major pain point coming ahead of us here.”
Hear much more of my conversation with Eriksen in the full MAT interview below. Eriksen was a featured speaker at this year’s Indiana Ag Policy Forum presented by the Indiana Corn Growers Association and Indiana Soybean Alliance.
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