ILA USMX Update

A The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) e a United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX), chegaram a uma tentativa de acordo de salários e estenderam o contrato principal até 15 de Janeiro de 2025, retornando a mesa de negociação todos as questões pendente. A partir de 4 de outubro, a maioria dos portos da Costa Leste e do Golfo dos EUA voltaram a operar. A Maersk retomou suas operações hoje bem como nas negociações futuras durante os próximos 90 dias, apoiando a cadeia de suprimentos dos nossos clientes e consumidores.

Por favor veja abaixo uma lista de portos e terminais disponíveis para os seus bookings com a Maersk. A situação é fluida e os terminais podem mudar seus horários. Por favor visite o site para cada terminal para ter as informações mais atualizadas.

Aceitação de bookings

Incentivamos nossos clientes a pedirem seus bookings normalmente via maersk.com e Maesrk Spot. A aceitação dos bookings está sujeita a espaço e disponibilidade de containers, como sempre. A única exceção até o momento: Bookings Maersk envolvendo carga refrigerada via portos impactados-ILA de origens porta-a-porta ainda não estão sendo aceitos.

Navios e operações dos Terminais

Nosso time operacional está trabalhando de perto com os terminais para estimar o melhor line up. Estamos revisando também, as previsões considerando que as operações retornaram hoje. Por favor veja o primeiro grupo de operações de navio para esse final de semana. Em adição a isso, por favor baixe o Shipping to and from United States of America | Maersk para verificar se há alguma alteração no terminal, omissões, alterações de navio e mais.

Operações intermodal (Caminhão e ferrovia)

As operações de caminhão retomaram de acordo com a escala do gate do terminal.

Operações de importação (porta-a-porta) serão liberadas de acordo com disponibilidade, capacidade do caminhão e último dia de free time.

Operações porta-a-porta de exportação terão liberações com base no cutoff do porto e da ferrovia que são fluidas nesse momento. A Maersk continuará a liberação exportação ferroviária para todos os clientes.

Gate para CSX inland abrirá as 17:00ET de hoje, 4 de outubro, com serviço para toda Costa Leste e Golfo exceto Savannah. Recebimentos para Savannah retornarão no sábado dia 05 de outubro.

Gate para inland do Sul de Norfolk abriu as 500 de sexta 4 de outubro.

Todas as rampas CN permanecem fechadas. Um plano operação será providenciado pela CN, previsão de retorno na segunda/terça da próxima semana.

Equipamentos vazios

Os terminais abriram seus gates para devolução de vazios sexta e sábado. Recomendamos que monitore junto ao terminal local para mais detalhes, visto que alguns terminais não estarão disponíveis até 5 de outubro. Assim que estiverem abertos, a devolução de vazios deve voltar ao normal. Newark, Baltimore e Norfolk estão fechados hoje.

Port Disruption Surcharge

Visto que houve acordo entre The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) e a United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. E a suspensão da interrupção dos trabalhos que impactava os portos da Costa Leste e do Golfo dos EUA, a Maersk suspenderá a taxa de Port Disruption Surcharge (originalmente anunciada em 21 de setembro) e não aplicará tal taxa para exportações ou importações dos EUA.

Desvio de cargas de importação (inland)

A Maersk irá isentar a taxa de cancelamento de inland para os clientes que queiram finalizar as cargas nos portos afetados que tinham seu Booking originalmente solicitado com operação inland.

Demurrage & Detention

Contagem de demurrage e detention retornará com base na escala de abertura do terminal. Por favor tenha em mente as escalas de final de semana que estão sendo oferecidas. Para os terminals que abriram no sábado, esse dia contará para o período de free time (para os containers que ainda estão dentro do free time). Para horário dos terminais verifique em Oct+4_Adv+2_table.jpg (874×2244) (maersk.com). A situação é fluida e os terminais podem alterar seus horários. Por favor visite o site de cada terminal para ter a informação mais atualizada.

Por favor também tenha em mente que você pode encontrar em nosso site na seção de importação dos EUA o procedimento de disputa da Maersk referente ao agendamento de para retirada e retorno de vazio de importação.

Notificações

Continuamos incentivando nossos clientes a se registrarem para Notifications on shipment ETA changes | Support | Maersk e Search for Shipping and Vessel Schedules | Maersk. Como notado a situação tem evoluído constantemente e se manter informado é crucial. Ao se registrar para receber as notificações, você estará a frente das alterações de navios.

Nosso compromisso em encontrar soluções efetivas para os nossos clientes é inabalável, nós valorizamos nossa parceria e acreditem em nós. Nós continuaremos a informar nossos clientes na recuperação das operações através dos nossos comunicados e nosso site. Se você precisar de mais alguma informação, por favor entre em contato com o nosso time de atendimento ao cliente. Por favor tenha em mente que nossas respostas podem sofrer atrasos, visto que estamos dando apoio aos bookings dos nossos clientes e questionamentos durante o período de recuperação.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025, to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues. Starting October 4th, work will resume at most ports along the US East and US Gulf coasts. Maersk looks forward to resuming operations today as well as the future negotiations over the next 90 days, which support our customers’ supply chain and consumers. 

Please find below overview of the port and terminal availability for your Maersk bookings. The situation is fluid and therefore terminals may change their hours.  Please visit each terminal website for the latest information. Later today (Friday Oct 4) you will receive a second communication which will focus on the detailed recovery efforts across terminal operations, vessels waiting to berth, rail operations, equipment, detention & demurrage update, surcharge information, and booking acceptance.  

Our commitment to finding effective solutions for our customers is unwavering, and we value your partnership and trust in us.

We will continue to inform our customers on the recovery operations through our advisories and Maersk.com. Should you need additional information or support, please contact our customer experience team.

The ILA strike began on Tuesday, October 1, impacting U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports and affecting the movement of import and export containers and our operations. We continue monitoring the situation closely and acknowledge its challenges. We are diligently working on and implementing contingency plans to support you. Please be aware that the situation is constantly evolving, and details may change accordingly.

Import Cargo Diversion Requests

Maersk will waive its diversion fees for any bookings to impacted ports if requested to re-route to an alternate unaffected port. You can make this request to re-route via your usual channel on Maersk.com.

This waiver will only apply to cargo that has not loaded its final vessel for the U.S. and is subject to operational feasibility and any additional operational fees or revised prices to route the cargo to its new destination. In addition, Maersk will waive its inland cancellation charges for any customer who wishes to terminate their cargo at an affected ocean port instead of an originally booked inland delivery.

Detention & Demurrage

As an update to our previously communicated policy on demurrage and detention communicated on September 20, Maersk will suspend the detention clock for all containers during the full duration of the work stoppage.

As a summary of our entire policy, please note the updated change below.

1. For any containers within the demurrage or detention, freetime period at the start of the work stoppage, we will suspend the freetime clock until the strike concludes and the freetime period will resume at that time.
2. We will apply demurrage charges in accordance with the terminal operator's policy for any containers in demurrage at the time of the work stoppage. Currently, the only terminal operators assessing storage are the Philadelphia and Miami Pomtoc terminals.
3. For any containers in detention at the time of the work stoppage, Maersk will suspend detention charges for the duration of the strike.
4. For operating refrigerated containers remaining on the terminal during the work stoppage, any electricity and/or monitoring charges assessed by the terminal will be for the cargo owner's account.

Maersk Notifications

We continue encouraging our customers to sign up for Transport Plan and Schedule Change notifications or check schedules on Maersk.com. As noted, the situation is constantly evolving so staying informed is crucial. By signing up for notifications, you can stay ahead of any changes.

Booking Acceptance

We advise our customers to go through your normal booking channels including Maersk.com and Maersk Spot. Maersk booking acceptance is contingent upon space availability, as always.

Export bookings for CY shipments, whether inland or port, reefer or dry, are being processed. US export bookings involving refrigerated containers via ILA-impacted ports with a store-door service are currently not being accepted.

There are no restrictions on new import bookings via ILA-impacted ports imposed by North America; however other regions importing to the US are managing dry & reefer booking acceptance based on their individual guidelines. Please contact your local CX team for guidance.

Equipment

Please continue holding all empty containers until the work stoppage has ceased. We do not have empty return locations at this time. Further inquiries can be sent to NAMEQUEDO@Maersk.com

Our commitment to finding effective solutions for our customers is unwavering, and we value your partnership and trust in us.

We will continue to inform our customers about the situation through daily email advisories and Maersk.com. Should you need additional information or support, please contact our customer experience team.

La huelga de la International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) comenzó el 1 de octubre, afectando el movimiento de contenedores de importación y exportación, así como nuestras operaciones. Estamos monitoreando de cerca la situación y reconocemos los desafíos que esta implica. Estamos trabajando diligentemente en la implementación de planes de contingencia para apoyarte. Ten en cuenta que la situación está en constante evolución y los detalles pueden cambiar en consecuencia.

Notificaciones de Maersk

Te recomendamos encarecidamente que te registres para recibir notificaciones de cambios en el Plan de Transporte y en los horarios, o que revises los horarios en Maersk.com. Como se ha mencionado, la situación está evolucionando constantemente, por lo que es crucial estar informado. Al registrarte para recibir notificaciones, podrás adelantarte a cualquier cambio.

Aceptación de Reservas

Te aconsejamos que realices tus reservas a través de los canales normales, incluyendo Maersk.com y Maersk Spot. La aceptación de reservas por parte de Maersk está sujeta a la disponibilidad de espacio, como siempre.

Las reservas de exportación para envíos CY, ya sea por tierra, en puerto, refrigerados o secos, están siendo procesadas. Las reservas de exportación de Estados Unidos que involucren contenedores refrigerados a través de puertos impactados por la ILA con servicio store-door actualmente no están siendo aceptadas.

No hay restricciones para nuevas reservas de importación a través de puertos afectados por la ILA impuestas por Norteamérica; sin embargo, otras regiones que importan a EE. UU. están gestionando la aceptación de reservas refrigeradas según sus propias directrices. Por favor, contacta a tu equipo local de CX para asistencia.

Exportaciones desde los EE. UU.

Al revisar en línea o recibir nuestras actualizaciones del plan de transporte, podrías notar que tu buque ha cambiado a "Pending Mother Vessel" (PMV); este es un mensaje provisional que utilizamos mientras planificamos nuestras contingencias.

Una vez que entremos en modo de recuperación, es posible que se requieran cambios en el plan de transporte. Nos aseguraremos de actualizar y planificar tu envío lo más rápido posible.

Tenemos muchas contingencias en marcha y estaremos listos para reasignar buques una vez que la huelga se resuelva. Te pedimos paciencia en este asunto. Por favor, no intentes realizar cambios online sobre tu carga, ¡déjanoslo a nosotros!

Para tu carga en el terminal esperando ser cargada, asegúrate de que todos los requisitos de exportación estén listos para que podamos moverla rápidamente y de manera eficiente una vez que la huelga termine.

Importaciones a los EE. UU.

Al revisar en línea o recibir nuestras actualizaciones del plan de transporte, podrías notar que tu buque ha cambiado a "Pending Mother Vessel" (PMV); este es un mensaje provisional que utilizamos mientras planificamos nuestras contingencias. Hemos omitido algunos puertos y es posible que necesitemos omitir más. Mientras trabajamos en la ruta completa, podrías ver este mensaje. No te preocupes, lo gestionaremos lo más rápido posible.

Equipos

Por favor, continúa reteniendo todos los contenedores vacíos hasta que la interrupción laboral haya cesado. En este momento, no tenemos planeados depósitos alternativos para los vacíos. Las consultas adicionales pueden enviarse a NAMEQUEDO@Maersk.com.

Actualizaciones Operativas

Nuestros equipos de operaciones están monitoreando de cerca la situación y ajustando los horarios actuales en respuesta a los cierres de puertos y posibles alineaciones en los atracaderos.

Nuestro compromiso con encontrar soluciones efectivas para nuestros clientes es inquebrantable, y valoramos tu colaboración y confianza en nosotros. Seguiremos informando a nuestros clientes sobre la situación a través de avisos por correo electrónico diarios y Maersk.com.

Si necesitas información adicional o apoyo, por favor contacta a nuestro equipo de experiencia al cliente.

Hoy a las 12:01 a. m., la Asociación Internacional de Estibadores convocó una huelga en toda la costa, cerrando temporalmente los puertos de la Costa Este y la Costa del Golfo de los EE. UU., lo que afectó el movimiento de contenedores de importación y exportación y nuestras operaciones.

Reconocemos los desafíos de esta situación y queremos asegurarte que estamos trabajando diligentemente e implementando planes de contingencia. Si necesitas orientación, puedes comunicarte con tu representante de Maersk. Ten en cuenta que la situación evoluciona constantemente y los detalles pueden cambiar en consecuencia.

Notificaciones de Maersk

Te recomendamos encarecidamente que te registres de manera proactiva para recibir notificaciones de cambios de horarios y planes de transporte o que consultes los horarios en Maersk.com

Como se señaló, la situación evoluciona constantemente y sigue siendo dinámica, por lo que mantenerte informado es fundamental. Al registrarte para recibir notificaciones, puedes mantenerte al tanto de cualquier cambio.

Actualizaciones de aceptación de reservas

Te sugerimos que utilices tus canales de reserva habituales, incluidos Maersk.com y Maersk Spot.

La aceptación de reservas de Maersk depende de la disponibilidad de espacio, como siempre. Se están procesando las reservas de exportación para envíos de CY, ya sea terrestres o portuarios, refrigerados o secos. No hay restricciones para las nuevas reservas de importación a través de los puertos afectados por la ILA. La única excepción en este momento: las reservas de Maersk que involucran contenedores refrigerados de exportación a través de puertos afectados por la ILA desde orígenes de almacén no se están aceptando actualmente.

Actualizaciones operativas

Nuestros equipos operativos de Maersk han trazado posibles contingencias específicas a nivel de buque que se tomarán en cuenta según la duración de la disputa laboral. A medida que avancemos, comunicaremos cada medida específica.

Ferrocarril

Podemos proporcionar rutas terrestres de contingencia desde ubicaciones portuarias de la Costa Oeste en mercados selectos de la Costa Este. Te recomendamos ponerte en contacto con tu representante comercial de Maersk para obtener más detalles.

Equipo

Retén todos los contenedores vacíos hasta que haya cesado la interrupción laboral. En este momento, no tenemos depósitos vacíos alternativos planificados. Para consultas adicionales, envía un correo electrónico a NAMEQUEDO@Maersk.com

Nuestro compromiso de encontrar soluciones efectivas para nuestros clientes es inquebrantable y valoramos tu colaboración y confianza en nosotros.

Seguiremos informando a nuestros clientes sobre la situación a través de avisos diarios por correo electrónico y en Maersk.com. Si necesitas más información o asistencia, no dudes en ponerte en contacto con nuestro equipo de atención al cliente.

As previously communicated, the existing contract between USMX and ILA is set to expire at midnight tonight, September 30th. Contingency plans are in place in anticipation of any potential work stoppage beginning on October 1st. Should you require guidance, you can reach to your Maersk representative. Please be aware that the situation is constantly evolving, and details may change accordingly.

Should there be a labor stoppage, please hold all empty containers until the labor disruption has ceased. At this time, we do not have alternative empty depots planned. Escalations can be sent to NAMEQUEDO@Maersk.com Stay informed by regularly checking for updates on terminal operations to ensure you are up-to-date on any changes.

We recommend customers continue to sign up for Transport Plan and Schedule Change notifications or check schedules on Maersk.com. As noted, the situation is constantly evolving and remains dynamic and signing up for notifications is a great way to stay informed.

We acknowledge this situation's challenges and assure you that we are diligently working to plan and address potential disruptions proactively. Our commitment to finding effective solutions for our customers is unwavering, and we value your partnership and trust in us.

We will continue to inform our customers about the situation through email advisories and Maersk.com. Should you need additional information or support, please contact our customer experience team.

We are committed to informing you about the ongoing negotiations between the International Longshoreman Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX). As previously communicated, the existing contract between USMX and ILA expires on September 30. Due to the ILA’s refusal to negotiate on a new Master Contract, USMX has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and requested immediate injunctive relief – requiring the Union to resume bargaining – so that they can negotiate a deal. USMX is regularly sharing negotiation updates on its website.

A potential ILA labor disruption will have impacts on supply chains, leading to delays in cargo movement, increased costs, and logistical challenges for businesses relying on U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports. Longer labor dispute durations may exacerbate disruptions, affecting import and export activities, container availability, and overall operational efficiency.

Booking updates:

We advise our customers to go thru your normal booking channels including Maersk.com and Maersk Spot. Maersk booking acceptance continues as normal with some exceptions, including bookings for refrigerated containers outbound from inland locations via the US Atlantic and Gulf coast.

Operational Updates:

Customers should follow port authority and intermodal service guidance on gate hours. Since labor disruptions will impact terminal operators’ ability to monitor reefer containers, we encourage customers to plan accordingly to avoid the risk of loss or damage to temperature-controlled cargo.

The operational teams have mapped out specific possible vessel-level contingencies that could be actioned depending on the duration of the labor dispute. As we progress, we will communicate each specific contingency. We are committed to ensuring smooth operations and minimizing disruptions during this period.

Rail updates:

• Imports:
  • Please arrange pickup for as many import containers as possible prior to Oct 1st
  • We are not offering pre-pulls to intermediary locations at this time. All deliveries must be to the customer's delivery location
• Exports:
  • Inland export empty returns will follow gate closure guidance from the railroads
  • All dry export bookings will remain open and we will continue to process export rail billing. The customer must store the containers on their yards. Equipment subject to availability.
  • Rail reservations to be arranged according to vessel cutoffs at resumption of operations
• Empty reefer pick-up for SD export bookings will cease at close of business Friday, Sept 27th to prevent against powered equipment on the street. Exceptions will handled as they arise.
• Maersk is able to provide contingency inland routings from West Coast port locations in select East Coast markets. Please work with your Maersk commercial representative for additional information.

Equipment & Chassis:

Please continue to return all empties to your assigned location with haste. Should there be a labor dispute, please hold all empty containers until the labor disruption has ceased. Escalations can be sent to NAMEQUEDO@Maersk.com

Maersk encourages customers to make all efforts to move equipment prior to October 1. Many terminals are offering extended and additional gate hours to accommodate demand. Please check terminal operator websites for the latest details.

Due to the dynamic situation, we recommend customers continue to sign up for ETA notifications or check schedules on Maersk.com.

We will continue to keep our customers abreast of the situation through email advisories and Maersk.com. Should you need added information or support, please contact our customer experience team.

Maersk is actively monitoring the ongoing negotiations between the International Longshoreman Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX). Due to potential labor disruptions, Maersk is implementing a local Port Disruption Surcharge for all cargo moving to and from the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast terminals, effective October 21, 2024 (based on the price calculation date), as detailed below:

Charge amount per equipment size

20’ USD 1500
40’ / 40’ HC USD 3000
45’ USD 3780

The above charges are subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

This charge may be imposed as of October 21, 2024, depending on the impact of the disruption to the supply chain. This surcharge is necessary to cover the higher operational costs that will be incurred due to the service disruptions, ensuring the sustainability of our services and ongoing support for your supply chain requirements.

We will continue to keep our customers abreast of the labor dispute through email advisories and Maersk.com. Should you have any further questions, please contact your local Maersk professional. Our customer experience and commercial teams are always available to support should you need assistance.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

We are committed to informing you about the ongoing negotiations between the International Longshoreman Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) regarding your supply chain operations. As previously communicated, the existing contract between USMX and ILA expires on September 30. Despite USMX's efforts to resume discussions with ILA on a new Master Contract, they have faced challenges in arranging a meeting with ILA leadership. To provide updated information to the public and stakeholders, USMX is regularly sharing negotiation updates on its website.

A potential ILA strike will have impacts on supply chains, leading to delays in cargo movement, increased costs, and logistical challenges for businesses relying on U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports. Longer strike durations may exacerbate disruptions, affecting import and export activities, container availability, and overall operational efficiency.

Operational Updates:

For exports, we are accepting bookings as usual and monitoring the situation. Customers should follow port authority and intermodal service guidance on gate hours. Since labor disruptions will impact terminal operators’ ability to monitor reefer containers, we encourage customers to plan accordingly to avoid the risk of loss or damage to temperature-controlled cargo.

To mitigate disruptions, we are exploring alternative cargo acceptance and routing options. Please discuss specific shipments with your local Maersk representative. We are expediting earlier bookings and prioritizing import container movements before disruptions take place.

For imports, please expedite documentation and customs clearance to retrieve cargo promptly before a potential work stoppage. During a strike, cargo at affected ports will be inaccessible.

We encourage our customers to maintain close communication with their Maersk representatives to convey their supply chain needs, which will be pivotal in devising customized contingencies if necessary.

Ocean Terminal updates:

All ports and terminals along the US East and Gulf Coasts adhere to ILA Master Labor Agreement guidelines. A labor disruption will impact all connected services, including moving cargo, gating, linehandling, and rail and trucking connectivity.

Cargo onboard vessels

We expect vessels enroute to ILA-impacted ports to anchor temporarily. Daily reviews will determine port calls, and adjustments will be made as needed. Options are being considered based on the affected services and ports. Our aim is to minimize delays and maintain schedules. Market and Operations teams are exploring alternative cargo acceptance/routing for extended strikes. For out-of-gauge and breakbulk cargo, available alternative ports will be reviewed to ensure transportation options are assessed in advance.

Demurrage & Detention

Maersk urges customers to move equipment before October 1, with many terminals offering extended gate hours. Check terminal websites for updates. Please review direct email communication from Maersk on detailed demurrage and detention updates. Or connect with your customer experience and sales representative for direct questions.

Equipment & Chassis:

• Container empty returns: We have limited non-ILA location options that can accept empty returns. Customers and motor carriers should hold their empties during a potential work stoppage.
• Chassis: Maersk will not cover or reimburse any chassis or other 3rd party charges connected to the work stoppage.

We will continue to keep our customers abreast of the situation through email advisories and Maersk.com. Should you need added information or support, please contact our customer experience team.

As part of our commitment to providing transparent information about your supply chain operations, we want to ensure you are well informed about the ongoing negotiations between the International Longshoreman Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX), which could significantly impact your operations.

The current contract between USMX and ILA is scheduled to expire on September 30, drawing increased attention to the negotiation process. In the latest memorandum from USMX, shared with us on September 5, they stated that USMX remains committed to resuming negotiations with the ILA on a new Master Contract. However, despite continued outreach to ILA leadership, they still have been unable to secure a meeting.

Negotiations Update

On September 4-5, the ILA convened its Wage Scale delegates in Teaneck, NJ, to discuss its contract demands and to prepare for the possibility of a strike when our current agreement expires on September 30. At the start of its meetings, the ILA released a video directed to its members, which included a number of messages that strongly signaled it has no interest in bargaining and has already made the decision to call a strike. The meetings concluded with the ILA releasing a statement claiming unanimous support from Wage Scale delegates for an October 1 strike if there is not a new agreement in place.

The ILA has yet to share its current contract demands with USMX or reach out to schedule a bargaining session.

To keep the public and stakeholders informed about the latest developments, USMX continues to provide regular negotiation updates on its website. The most recent update, published on September 5, reiterated the key points from its current offer, including industry leading wage increases and the retention of existing technology language, which we believe demonstrates USMX’s willingness to reach a new deal with the ILA.

As with all industry negotiations over the years, we are confident that the parties involved are committed to reach an agreement that works for everyone and provides for robust and efficient supply chains. However, despite a long history of successful negotiations, the possibility of a strike increases each day without a settled contract in hand. Disruptions may be localized or more broad-based. Should a general work stoppage occur on the U.S. Gulf and East Coasts, even a one-week shutdown could take 4-6 weeks to recover from, with significant backlogs and delays compounding with each passing day.

Should disruptions occur, Maersk stands ready to assist our customers explore options to keep their supply chains moving best as possible via alternate routes, modalities, or distribution schedules. Customers are asked to stay in close contact with their Maersk representatives now as communicating supply chain requirements will be key to developing tailored contingencies if needed.

We will share updates as needed should this developing situation impact your supply chain.