TRB’s National Cooperative Freight Research Program (NCFRP) has released a pre-publication version of Research Report 39: Freight Transportation Resilience in Response to Supply Chain Disruptions. The report provides guidance to public and private stakeholders on mitigating and adapting to logistical disruptions to supply chains resulting from regional, multi-regional, and national adverse events, both unanticipated and anticipated.
The report, which makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge on freight transportation and system resiliency:
(1) assesses research, practices, and innovative approaches in the United States and other countries related to improving freight transportation resiliency;
(2) explores strategies to build relationships that result in effective communication, coordination, and cooperation among affected parties;
(3) identifies factors affecting resiliency;
(4) analyzes potential mitigation measures;
(5) characterizes spatial and temporal scale considerations such as emergency planning and response timeframes;
(6) prioritizes response activities by cargo types, recipients, and suppliers;
(7) identifies potential barriers and gaps such as political boundaries, authorities, ownership, modal competition and connectivity, and social and environmental constraints; and
(8) examines the dynamics of supply chain responses to system disruptions.
The report also includes a self-assessment tool that allows users to identify the current capability of their organization and institutional collaboration in preparing for and responding to supply chain disruptions.
Disruptions to the supply chain and their aftermath can have serious implications for both public agencies and companies. When significant cargo delays or diversions occur, the issues facing the public sector can be profound.
Agencies must gauge the potential impact of adverse events on their transportation system, economy, community, and the resources necessary for preventive and remedial actions, even though the emergency could be thousands of miles away.
Increasing temporary or short-term cargo-handling capacity may involve a combination of regulatory, informational, and physical infrastructure actions, as well as coordination across jurisdictional boundaries and between transportation providers and their customers.
For companies, concerns can include such issues as ensuring employee safety, supporting local community health, maintaining customer relationships when products and goods are delayed, and ultimately preserving the financial standing of the company.
This Summary Last Modified On: 5/16/2019