At Dolphin Delivery, we’ve been working hard to keep the supply chain moving forward. Our trucking company based in Abbotsford, BC, has gone through some vast transformations over the last 10 years, but nothing quite as dire as the situation from this November. With floods threatening our community, and the supply chain in general, we thought taking a moment to address BC’s supply chain issues – and some of the day’s top stories – would be helpful to readers. 

Here are a few of BC’s supply chain issues, explained. 

1. How COVID-19 impacted the supply chain

Global supply chains have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in product shortages, shipping delays, manufacturing disruptions, and soaring consumer prices, which are contributing to inflationary pressures.

Throughout the world, factory shutdowns caused by COVID-19 have caused labour shortages in key transportation centers, including Chinese ports and ports on the West Coast of the United States. This has led to a slowdown in supply. 

The problem has worsened due to a series of natural and man-made disasters – a fire in a large semiconductor plant in Japan, and a container ship stuck in the Suez Canal in March have added to the problem. 

As a result of pandemic government and central bank stimulus, there is a surge in demand. The pandemic has caused North American consumers to spend less on vacations, dining out, and live entertainment, resulting in an increase in demand for durable goods – furniture, electronics, and sporting gear, for example.

2. How the BC storms impacted the supply chain

Several major highways in British Columbia have been closed due to mudslides and flooding. Rail lines used by Canadian National and Canadian Pacific to connect Vancouver, the nation’s largest port, to the rest of the country have also been severely hampered. Until all of the rail lines and highways are rebuilt and reopened, no one knows can’t tell how long it will take – which will impact the supply of food, fuel, consumer goods and manufacturing inputs, which were already unstable as a result of global supply chain problems mentioned above.

Following the declaration of a state of emergency, BC Premier John Horgan instituted fuel rationing, allowing each person to purchase 30 litres of gasoline per purchase. The province also announced it will be allowing BC residents to visit the United States for supplies, without undergoing a COVID-19 test on their return.

3. Where we go from here

Our team at Dolphin Delivery is here to be a part of the solution. Trucking is an essential service in Canada, critical to the supply chain and essential for keeping stores stocked with food and goods of all kinds. If you need goods delivered on time, whether it be here in BC or from any of the points we service across Canada and in the USA, don’t hesitate to contact our team of logistics experts. We offer hot shot delivery services for delivery as fast as possible, and have reefers to ship temperature-sensitive goods. We’re here to help and make sure that any issues facing the supply chain are overcome. We stand with the people of Abbotsford and are ready to ship your delivery. 

Need to schedule a delivery? Contact us today.