Rising costs, new tariffs, and how 3PL keeps goods moving with AI

Blind spots: Global supply chains are barely keeping their heads above water amid unprecedented natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and Trump's promise to impose tariffs on foreign goods. Logistics leaders responsible for meeting consumer demand have to prepare for anything.

"A major blind spot in our industry was tariffs, and their effect on the supply chain," says Rob Stevens, Vice President of 3PL at McLane Global. "The incoming administration has said that Chinese and Mexican tariffs will jump to as much as 20%. Nobody knows exactly what is going to happen, but it’s important to plan ahead, especially for our low-margin commodities."

McLane Global is a supply chain and logistics company specializing in food sales and distribution services, with offices in Texas, California, and Utah. They offer 360 3PL warehousing, inventory management, and customs support.

Crisis management: The question is how to manage fallout while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness. McLane Global aims to get ahead of the curve by developing Warehouse Management Systems with native and plug-in AI solutions to drive productivity and visibility for internal teams and customers. Logistics efficiencies come into play when climate catastrophe and disaster response require quick help. But in order to meet the most immediate needs, logistics providers have to think much further ahead. 

"Our strategy starts with preparation. We maintain strong partnerships with major suppliers, relief groups, food banks, and government agencies. This allows us to mobilize resources quickly while maintaining a direct line on the localized needs in the areas that are affected by disasters," says Stevens.

Humanizing AI: While AI offers promising advancements for shipment tracking, there’s a growing awareness of its limitations. Stevens emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with human expertise: "Our commitment to the human element helps us keep both feet planted firmly on the ground. We strive to culminate a culture that prioritizes a level of skill and expertise that only a great team can bring to the table."