A worldwide logistics backlog is stretching Northern Nevada businesses thin this holiday season. It is also accelerating big changes in the industry as the delivery economy continues to surge.
Here are a few excerpts from the in-depth look at the issues in the supply chain as experienced by several Northern Nevada businesses, featuring long-time ITS Logistics driver, Bob Sprague and CEO Scott Pruneau:
Bob Sprague’s day starts dark and early at 2 a.m.
Like clockwork, the 56-year-old driver for ITS Logistics climbs into his truck and starts delivering cargo to warehouses around Reno-Sparks before ending his shift at noon. Sprague’s customer list includes a veritable who’s-who of familiar companies such as retail giants Amazon and Walmart.
The longtime trucker was only in his 20s when he first started driving big rigs. Since then, truck cabins have served as Sprague’s de facto work office for more than three decades.
“I’ve been doing this longer than anything else I’ve been doing in my life,” he said with a chuckle.
Photos by Jason Bean/RGJ
Many businesses are demonstrating the same kind of resourcefulness as they adapt to new realities brought by the pandemic, according to ITS Logistics’ Pruneau. Businesses certainly need to think creatively as the supply chain continues to catch up in 2022. Although consumer demand is expected to grow at a slower rate next year, it still represents growth nonetheless, Pruneau said.
Whether you’re a business or a consumer, the best bet is to think like a chess player and plan several moves in advance.
“Everyone needs to do the best they can to plan as far ahead as possible,” Pruneau said. “If you’ve got to get an oil change, schedule it early. If you’re planning a Christmas dinner, buy everything that you can in advance. If you’ve got birthdays to plan, buy your gifts now.”
The full article, ‘How do you run out of sand?’ Supply chain crisis squeezes Reno businesses, drives change by Jason Hidalgo and Jenny Kane of the Reno Gazette Journal, is available to read for RGJ subscribers here.
