🛳 Victory Restoration Voyage
Good morning! As the leaves fall and autumn's chill fills the air, we're excited to bring you the latest news in the world of supply chain and logistics. And on this National Pumpkin Day, we're carving out some time to deliver you a fresh batch of industry insights, trends, and updates that are sure to spice up your workday.
So, grab your favorite pumpkin-spiced beverage, settle in, and let's dive into today's edition of The Workday Dash, where we're turning ordinary logistics into extraordinary opportunities! 🚛🍂
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Reviving HMS Victory: Uncovering Timber Decay and Pioneering Restoration
The $55 million restoration of the famous warship HMS Victory revealed severe timber deterioration, surprising experts. The 15-year project aimed to restore the ship's appearance from Admiral Nelson's era, uncovering hidden rot in the hull and the need for extensive repairs.
Additionally, post-1955 restoration efforts worsened the decay, requiring the replacement of materials and workmanship. Despite the challenges, the National Museum of the Royal Navy is conducting pioneering research and using traditional methods to preserve the ship and share insights with future generations.
Check out today’s featured article from Maritime Executive to learn more about the world’s most famous warship, and why it has been turning into composting for the last 100 years. Will this restoring process help the 1800’s warship? Or is the damage too extensive?
Featured Article:
World's Most Famous Warship Was Turning Into "Potting Compost" | Maritime Executive
“The world’s most famous warship was in far worse condition than experts believed when they started a $55 million revamp, with her timbers reduced to ‘potting compost’.”
Hospital & Supply Chain
Survey Reveals Supply Disruptions Impacting Surgical Procedures and Patient Care
A recent poll conducted by the ECRI Institute highlighted the significant impact of supply disruptions on patient care in the healthcare industry. The FDA currently lists 11 medical devices and over 120 drugs in short supply, with the issue predating the pandemic. The poll collected responses from nearly 200 healthcare professionals, with almost half reporting that drug, supply, or equipment shortages had resulted in delayed patient treatment. Key concerns included shortages of endotracheal tubes, especially in pediatric sizes, and certain pulmonary artery catheters, which were affecting patient care.
Delays in equipment repair also led to patient transfers to other facilities. Additionally, around one-third of respondents resorted to purchasing alternative products from the secondary gray market, raising concerns about product quality and standards.
Derailment & Norfolk Southern
Derailment Charges Impact Norfolk Southern's Q3 Profit Following Ohio Incident
Norfolk Southern's third-quarter net income plummeted by 50%, mainly due to a $163 million charge resulting from a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The incident involved hazardous materials and environmental concerns. Excluding the charge, income from railway operations was $919 million, with earnings per share at $2.65. Despite these challenges, CEO Alan Shaw reiterated the company's dedication to creating a secure and dependable railroad for the future.
Let’s Get Global 🌎
Checking out the scoop outside of the United States…
🛤 Union Pacific Enhances Connectivity Between Mexico and Southeastern United States. Union Pacific has launched a transportation service connecting Mexico to the southeastern United States. The service utilizes Ferromex for transport to Eagle Pass, Texas, and then Union Pacific takes over for the journey to Memphis, Tennessee, where goods will be distributed to markets in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. This initiative comes in the wake of Norfolk Southern's partnership with Florida East Coast Railway, aimed at reducing drayage and highway emissions by granting access to intermodal terminals in Fort Pierce and Fort Lauderdale.
🇪🇺 Europe Faces Calls to Halt Air Travel. In Europe, there is a growing anti-aviation movement, led by environmental groups like Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion. Some governments are taking measures to limit aviation's impact, such as the Dutch government's efforts to reduce flights at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport due to noise and France's ban on short domestic flights with quick train alternatives. There are also proposals to lower altitudes and reduce speeds for long-haul flights to reduce emissions, contrails, and nitrogen oxides, but these changes may result in longer flights and increased costs.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
💻 Trucking Industry Under Growing Threat of Cyberattacks. Cybersecurity experts at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association's Digital Solutions Conference highlighted the growing threat of cyberattacks in the trucking industry. They emphasized the need for awareness training to educate employees about the importance of security at work and in their personal lives. Additionally, experts discussed the rising trend of ransomware attacks in 2023 and the importance of respecting privacy and consent when collecting data to avoid legal issues. The consensus was that the industry must prepare for evolving cybersecurity challenges and operational changes in the years ahead.
📝 Landmark Post-Affirmative Action Ruling Threatens Billions in Small Business Contracts. The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision ending race-conscious admission programs at colleges and universities indirectly influenced legal challenges to the Small Business Administration's (SBA) federal contracting program for disadvantaged small businesses. A U.S. District Court ruled that the SBA violated the Constitution by presuming social disadvantage based solely on race, leading to changes in the 8(a) Business Development Program application process. Now, applicants must provide detailed descriptions of their social disadvantage. The outcome of the ongoing litigation could have significant implications for small businesses' eligibility for federal contracts, prompting the SBA to stress the importance of adhering to the new procedures when applying or updating applications.
🪧 UAW Strike Spurs Layoffs at Suppliers and Automakers. The ongoing UAW strike, now in its sixth week, is causing ripple effects throughout the automotive supply chain. Approximately 40% of suppliers have had to lay off workers since the strike began, and this number is expected to increase by the end of October 2023, according to a survey by the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Ford alone has seen more than 13,000 layoffs at nearly 90 supplier sites due to the strike, affecting the broader automotive ecosystem. While most suppliers have managed to weather the strike thus far, the situation remains challenging, with uncertainty about when it will end and its ultimate impact on the industry's supply chain.
Get Smart 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
🚛 Port of LA's Seroka Reports 5% Volume Increase in September. In September, the Port of Los Angeles witnessed a 5% increase in volume, handling 748,440 TEUs, according to Executive Director Gene Seroka. Loaded imports and exports both saw significant growth, with loaded imports at 392,608 TEUs (up 14% from the previous year) and loaded exports at 120,635 TEUs (a 55% increase compared to 2022). This marks the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year export gains. However, the total volume for 2023 remains 19% below the same period in 2022, largely due to an 18% decrease in imports to the United States from Asia. Despite challenges, Seroka is optimistic about the rest of the year, with expectations that Q4 will perform better than the previous year.
🔋An Electric Vehicle Talent Gap Threatens the U.S. Battery Supply Chain. The U.S. is experiencing a surge in battery production to support the electric vehicle (EV) industry, thanks to significant investments from the Biden administration. However, there's growing concern about the shortage of skilled workers to meet the demand. While some workforce development initiatives are emerging, they receive less funding compared to infrastructure and production, highlighting the need for increased investment in EV job training to match the expected job growth in the industry. A skilled workforce is crucial for the stability of the battery supply chain and the success of the EV sector in the United States.
🧑🏽⚖️ US House Panel Examines Repeal of New Truck Excise Tax. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) is advocating for his Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2023, which aims to repeal the 12% federal excise tax on new truck purchases that dates back to World War I. This tax can increase the cost of new heavy trucks by $15,000 to $30,000. Supporters argue that eliminating the tax would reduce upfront expenses for truckers and small businesses, promote the adoption of safer and cleaner trucks, and help lower emissions while reducing reliance on foreign energy. However, the legislation is still awaiting a vote in a House committee, despite companion legislation introduced in the Senate.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for November 22, 2024, from iLevel Logistics Inc.