Media Tip Sheets

“Holiday Shopping Season in Peril” says Supply Chain Expert, as Backup of Container Ships Continues

Monday, October 4, 2021, By Lily Datz

Syracuse University Professor of Supply Chain Management Pat Penfield offers thoughts and insight on the consumer impact of shipping delays.  Professor Penfield has been interviewed by national print and broadcast outlets and is available for interview on this topic by contacting kkobland@syr.edu.  Please feel free to use his comments below in your coverage.

“Yesterday the US set a record for having 65 container ships waiting to be unloaded at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach which is causing more strain and stress for the US supply chain. One third of shipments to the US flow though those two ports and we are seeing a 25 – 30 day delay in just trying to clear these shipments from the docks. Many retailers will be struggling to fill their shelves for the holiday season. Hard to find items will include sneakers and anything coming from places like China and Malaysia.”

Penfield believes the backup at the ports will ease, but not until after the holidays.  “There will be some amazing deals once the shipping containers are unloaded, but that may not come until January or February or March.”