Blame Chicago For Freight Delays

By Freddie Pierce
Share
The modern American supply chain has succeeded in taming the continent with astonishing precision - but the Midwest's heartland of darkness remains...

The modern American supply chain has succeeded in taming the continent with astonishing precision - but the Midwest's heartland of darkness remains a holdout.

Under current circumstances, freight trains make L.A. to Chicago in two days flat - only to languish for another day crossing Chicago.

Shippers are growing frustrated with a state of affairs that's taxing to both their industry and their patience. The pace of movement through the train gridlock of the Windy City tends to average a speed of just over 1 mph - about as fast as a mellow stroll.

SEE RELATED STORIES FROM THE WDM CONTENT NETWORK:

·         The Coming Supply Chain Renaissance

·         Did Steve Jobs’ Death Shine a Light on the Supply Chain?

Click here to read the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital

The reasons why are complex, with a number of competing train companies with their own storied histories finding it difficult to cooperate. But more broadly, the problem underlines the country's severe penury in vital infrastructure - especially in transportation.

This kind of inefficiency is bad for all of us: it loses money, it dissatisfies consumers, and it hardens the government against reform. It's past time for a coordinated effort by all relevant social actors to bring American infrastructure into the 21st century - and cross Chicago in less than a day.

Click here to download Supply Chain Digital’s iPad app!

Share

Featured Articles

Why Supply Chain Transformation Needs a Process-Led Approach

In this new white paper, Supply Chain Digital, in association with Celonis, examines the importance of understanding supply chain processes

Webinar: Coupa & Amazon Business on Streamlining Buying

In this upcoming webinar, leaders from Coupa and Amazon Business will shed light on how their partnership provides a streamlined purchasing experience

Interos: Building Trusted and Transparent Supply Chains

Interos, the supply chain risk intelligence company, has received a huge boost in the form of a US$40m investment from Blue Owl Capital

Kinaxis: The 'Customers' Choice' for Supply Chain Planning

Digital Supply Chain

Why Coupa has been Named a Supply Chain Leader by Forrester

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

Trick or Treat: Inside the $11.6bn US Halloween Supply Chain

Operations