Navigate Global Disruptions Successfully with Redwood

Transporting products is always going to involve some level of risk. From a sudden rainstorm to an unexpected traffic jam, even the best-defined plans can be disrupted at a moment’s notice. That risk is only amplified when you’re shipping products across thousands of miles, halfway around the world, via ocean and air routes.  

Just this year, we’ve seen worldwide container ship routes threatened that rely on the Red Sea, the Black Sea and the Panama Canal. From typhoons and record-setting rainfall to drought, climate change is making extreme weather more frequent, devastating port cities and blocking shipping lanes. Recent port-centered labor strikes in both the United States and Canada are yet another source of uncertainty. And, two-and-a-half years after it began, the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to have a devastating impact on the world’s supply chains. 

Unfortunately, it's impossible to eliminate these kinds of disruptions. Across thousands of miles, there’s always going to be a significant risk of surprises and exceptions to plan. But shippers can gain an edge over competitors based on their ability to effectively manage these global transportation disruptions.  

Two Keys to Disruption Management: Identification and Resolution 

Leaders in disruption management always have two key advantages. First, they recognize the disruption at the earliest opportunity, using advanced technology tools and associated best practices. Second, they resolve the disruption fast, strategically and profitably — again, by relying on digital solutions and proven best practices. They protect their cost and service results, in both the short and long terms, by executing optimal decisions in the moment.   

While many logistics teams lack the specialized tools, expertise and processes to accomplish this, they do have an easy solution: Partnering with Redwood on their worldwide shipment execution. As a Modern 4PL, Redwood offers full-services freight forwarding capabilities through our GDL/Global Distribution & Logistics that help customers manage the risks, and maximize the rewards, of international trade. 

Redwood’s air cargo, ocean cargo and customs brokerages services are enabled by advanced technology solutions that provide real-time visibility from the first mile to the last, so any surprises are detected at the earliest chance. As a global leader in logistics technology, Redwood leverages artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), data science, predictive analytics and decision automation to exceed the capabilities of human transportation planners. Redwood International helps shippers gain a significant advantage over competitors who aren’t using these advanced capabilities for disruption identification. 

Once a disruption has been flagged, these same advanced digital capabilities enable Redwood to analyze the risk, quantify the likely impacts of various resolution strategies, and choose an optimal course correction. AI-powered decision engines ensure the resolution considers customers’ specific cost, service, sustainability and other objectives following the disruption. 

Redwood also offers an enormous advantage as the transportation course correction is executed. Redwood’s extensive worldwide carrier and partner network — as well as its on-the-ground, local resources in key regions — ensure a fast, flexible, cost-effective resolution. Because the Redwood GDL team has so many resources and options available, customers are assured of the best response.  

Shippers can’t possibly make these kinds of capital investments just to have a disruption backup plan. But Redwood gives them access to these global resources via its cost-effective freight forwarding solutions through our International division, GDL. 

Redwood Customers Are Always Prepared for the Unexpected  

Global trade is increasing. And there’s a reason for that. Today’s e-commerce enabled, omni-channel landscape has opened incredible new revenue opportunities for companies, no matter where in the world they’re located. Shippers can now send their products from everywhere, to everywhere. The rewards associated with that geographic reach are enormous. 

At the same time, the risks of global trade are significant. Smart shippers are managing and mitigating these risks by partnering with Redwood for their global distribution and logistics needs. Backed by Redwood, they’re always prepared for surprises — and equipped to resolve them in the most expedient, intelligent and profitable manner. 

Don’t take our word for it. Reach out to Redwood today and ask us about our GDL customer success stories. In the wake of a disruption, there will always be leaders and followers. Make sure your company always emerges as a leader by relying on Redwood’s global experience, resources and expertise.