2024: A year of transformation in global supply chains
As 2024 draws to a close, Davies Turner reflects on a year marked by significant events that have reshaped the global supply chain landscape. From geopolitical tensions to evolving logistics trends, this year has underscored the critical importance of resilience, adaptability, and innovation in the industry.
Below are some of the most significant supply chain developments that defined 2024:
- Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea: The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea continued to disrupt maritime trade, forcing vessels to reroute around the southern tip of Africa. This diversion created new delays and challenges for global shipping.
- Labour Unrest: Strikes surged by 42% year-over-year, including a prolonged six-week standstill at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, severely affecting operations on the US West Coast. A three-day strike by dockworkers on the US East Coast in October highlighted growing tensions over automation, with further industrial action expected in early 2025.
- eCommerce Growth: With online shopping continuing to soar, air freight demand, particularly on Asia-North America lanes, surged as businesses scrambled to meet rising consumer demand.
- Global Reefer Shortages:The shortage of refrigerated containers intensified, impacting the transport of perishable goods and adding to supply chain bottlenecks.
- Political Shifts: The re-election of Donald Trump brought renewed concerns about potential changes to trade policies, including the possibility of protectionist measures and tariffs on imports from China.
- Shipping Alliances: Major shifts in global shipping alliances, including Maersk's exit from the Port of Felixstowe, reshaped container shipping routes and introduced new challenges to the flow of goods.
Davies Turner's milestones in 2024
Whilst 2024 brought many challenges to global supply chain, 2024 was also a year of growth and success for Davies Turner:
- We opened another logistics fulfilment centre; our seventh bespoke 3PL facility in the UK, in Atherstone, with 140,000 sq ft of warehousing.
- We signed a five year contract with iconic clothing and fashion brand, Lyle & Scott to provide third party warehousing, and logistics services.
- We formed a joint venture holdings company and purchased freight software company, Forward Computers Ltd.
- Our air cargo division was crowned the Air Freight Company of the Year at the Multimodal Awards.
- We rose six places to 23rd in the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s prestigious list of the Top 30 UK logistics companies.
- Owen Mumford extended its long-term logistics partnership with us.
- Great British Sports Cars reported that its continuing logistics partnership with us is helping to underpin its growth.
- Our air cargo subsidiary upgraded its material handling fleet at its Heathrow HQ.
- We appointed Dave O’Brien to the board of directors at our surface freight subsidiary.
As we look forward to 2025, Davies Turner is well-positioned to face new challenges and continues supporting our clients with expert insights, seamless operations, and innovative logistics solutions.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership throughout 2024.
Wishing you a very pleasant holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
2024: A year of transformation in global supply chains
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