Supply chain issues: Lummis addresses shipping logistics and disruptions

U.S. consumers are experiencing issues at many points along the supply chain, but the biggest product sinks continue to be backups at U.S. ports of entry. The image of cargo ships sitting in ports waiting to be unloaded continues to be reported as the nation progresses through COVID-19, looming inflation and empty shelves.

“The people of Wyoming are experiencing supply chain issues first-hand, from higher prices for staple foods to a lack of needed home goods,” said Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) during a Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports hearing on Dec. 7. “Its time President Biden and his administration take action to cut red tape and speed up shipping processes.” 

She continued, “The COVID-19 pandemic has put our country in a precarious position, and vaccine mandates and reckless government spending are making the problem worse. If we put aside politics and focus on serving the American people, we can fix these problems for the Christmas season and beyond.” 

                   In early November, Lummis penned a letter to President Biden addressing her concerns in current shipping logistics, noting many disruptions can be traced to federal regulations that negatively affect shippers, truck drivers and railroad workers. In the letter, Lummis outlines recommendations for efficient freight movement, including: streamlining requirements for commercial driver’s licenses; temporary storage location for emptied shipping containers; provisions included within the Infrastructure and Jobs Investment Act for the Council on Environmental Quality; abandoning or providing an exemption for vaccine mandates; and rules under the Federal Railroad Administration and the Surface Transportation Board. 

                  In addition, the American Soybean Association (ASA) led an effort in November for the members of the House Ag Committee to highlight agricultural supply chain issues to the Biden administration. ASA, along with 16 other ag groups, outlined the most problematic areas for the ag industry, including transportation costs and labor availability.

                  “The supply chains which are critical for inputs and sales of goods face multiple and simultaneous challenges, leading to higher prices for inputs, lower prices for outputs and in some cases, the inability to purchase goods or services regardless of price,” the letter from the ag groups reads.  

                  Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.