Supply Chain Council of European Union | Scceu.org
Freight

Ocean freight carriers made more money in 2021 than in past 20 years combined

Cargo ship

WASHINGTON – Logistics costs across all industries in the U.S. hit $1.85 trillion in 2021, a 22.4% increase over 2020. The number represents 8% of 2021’s $23 trillion GDP.

Here are the key findings of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals‘ annual State of Logistics report:

  • Inventory-carrying costs rose by 25.9% in 2021, and transportation costs jumped 21.7%. This led to uneven supply chains and inconsistent product availability for consumers (both in-person and online).
  • Efforts to increase multi-shoring are expected to accelerate. Companies are seeking to have operations move closer to the U.S., to respond quicker to fluctuating market demands.
  • Spending on ocean freight transit rose 23.6% for the year, and carriers made more money in 2021 than in the prior 20 years combined.
  • Spending on private trucking and transport fleets or dedicated contract services surged 39.3% to $415.2 billion.
  • Inventory carrying costs rose 25% to $502 billion.
  • Spending on parcel delivery climbed 15.6% and saw a five-year annual growth rate of 11.4%.
  • Last-mile delivery volume is trending upward. The 2022 report notes that e-commerce sales grew 10% last year (to $871 billion), accounting for 14% of U.S. retail sales.
  • Trucking freight continues to see more volume and opportunities. With road freight accounting for the largest segment of the U.S. supply chain spend, it expanded by 23.4%, to a lofty $831 billion spend.

See a summary of the report here.

Related stories:

Robert Dalheim, senior editor of case goods and global sourcing, has been writing about the woodworking industry and business news since 2015. He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with degrees in journalism and political science. Contact Bobby at [email protected] or by calling (336) 605-3815.

Related posts

Canada could help wean Europe from Russian oil and gas by shipping clean hydrogen

scceu

US Air Force team rescues man having heart attack on board cargo ship in Indian Ocean

scceu

Agents kick as FG makes POF payment mandatory for cargo clearance 

scceu