We have seen the news reports: Ten days of trade paralysis from the West Coast ports will mean at least 60 days of recovery and supply chain gridlock.

At BDP, we intend to do everything in our power to defy the speculation and get things moving – sooner, much sooner.

The ports crisis has created another defining moment for international shippers and logistics providers entrusted with managing their supply chains. Make no mistake, it is time for experienced logistics people to stand up and deliver. It is time for all of us to be smarter, more collaborative and tenacious as problem-solvers, to overcome complicating factors and follow through. It is about returning the supply chains of our collective customers to relative normalcy as soon as physically possible.

BDP personnel are working around the clock to cut through the clutter and the backlog of orders. Our Ocean and Air transportation units have developed a number of alternative service packages and remedial options. No doubt, tough times will require tough decisions. We are ready to help:

BDP Transport has secured 200 available container slots per week for all-water transit between East Coast or Gulf Coast ports and the Pacific Rim.

BDP Air has secured additional space from our multiple air gateways to major destinations throughout the Pacific Rim, a viable option for shippers with emergencies and time-definite needs.

Centrx, a BDP knowledge venture™, is on-call to deliver supply chain triage and crisis management contingencies, as a preventative measure if mediation efforts under Taft Hartley prove ineffective at the end of the 80-day cooling-off period.

This is also a very good time to take full advantage of BDPCustomer.com, our web platform, which gives easy access to a suite of on-line customer service tools (including transport and document tracking); carrier and logistics industry links; international time, weather and geographic information; and daily trade alerts.

Let’s think and act creatively to navigate above, around and through the gridlock. Let’s stand up and deliver together.

Thank you for your valued business and patience during this very challenging time.

Rich Bolte
President