Why Global Supply Chains May Never Be the Same | WSJ Documentary

Every day, millions of sailors, truck drivers, longshoremen, warehouse workers and delivery drivers keep mountains of goods moving into stores and homes to meet consumers’ increasing expectations of convenience. But this complex movement of goods underpinning the global economy is far more vulnerable than many imagined.

Photo illustration: Adele Morgan

0:00 Where’s my stuff? How record demand broke supply chains
3:10 Ocean shipping—the journey from Asia
8:01 Inside America’s most backlogged port
13:50 Why there aren’t enough truck drivers
26:00 The humans and robots working in fulfillment centers
38:11 The last mile—how products get to your doorstep
50:06 How can we fix supply chains?

#SupplyChain #Documentary #WSJ

[wsj]

“This documentary has been months in the making and throughout production we kept wondering if disruptions in global supply chains would still be an issue by the time it came out. Unfortunately, with intermittent shutdowns of ports and factories in China due to Omicron, sanctions on Russia, and the invasion of Ukraine, supply chain disruptions are in some ways as big an issue as they were during the peak of the pandemic.

With every new report of goods costing more or being more difficult to get, backlogs at ports or walkouts at an e-commerce distribution center, it feels like understanding of how all of that works is more important than ever.”

-WSJ technology columnist Christopher Mims

[missjhey]

THANK YOU TO ALL THE SAILORS, TRUCKER DRIVERS, LONGSHOMEN, CARGO PILOTS, WAREHOUSE WORKERS, DELIVERY DRIVERS, and US POST CARRIERS who delivers my packages in front of my doorstep It must be TOUGH to make 332 million AMERICANs satisfied.

[Remember-Death]

Because of YouTube, my appreciation for logistics, engineering, and construction has skyrocketed. Our problem-solving skills can often be overshadowed by our problem-creating abilities.

[ry.hoshiko]

This documentary should be made a mandatory viewing for all students in business studies in every university. I rather watch this eye opening documentary than lecturers repeating boring theories in class trying to get me to understand what is shown in this real life examples.

[naf]

I for one have essentially stopped unnecessary spending thanks to shortages. Now when I do purchase something it's because I NEED it. I'm not just a trained consumer anymore. My savings account loves it.

[GhostHandGamer]

There's not a labor shortage, there's a wage shortage. If people don't think the compensation is worth their time and effort they won't apply. Cutting costs by decreasing wages and benefits then crying "labor shortage!" is self-fulfilling.

[Batmann]

This is probably one of the most eye-opening subjects on a very overlooked topic that not many people think about. It’s also funny because I literally bought a USB charger from Amazon 2 days ago and it got to my house this morning. Makes me realize how much work/effort was put in just for me to receive this item. So much respect to all the workers involved in the global supply chain.

[davidb]

Hats off to every worker involved in getting these goods to us. An especially big Thank You to all the truck drivers who kept the country functioning during the pandemic and many closures. Good video, WSJ.

[Natalieneptune]

Transfer of wealth usually occur during recession, so the more stocks drop, the more I buy, in the meanwhile I'm just focused on making better investments and earning more as recession fear increases, apparently there are strategies to 3x gains in this present market because I read of someone that pulled a profit of $350k within 6months, what are the best stocks to buy now or put on a watchlist?

[mfebs]

Our level of consumption is honestly a bit frightening

[Arcticwhir]

As a former Amazon warehouse worker, would not recommend working there at all. It is very tiring, repetitive and there is a high lack of respect from management and other higher ups which treat you like a robot.

[dgw]

My uncle was a long haul trucker and I've never seen anyone drive like him. He could drive forever and his map knowledge and sense of direction was superhuman. Not everyone can do what these guys do. Go sit in a truck for 2 weeks with a long haul trucker and u will see.

[davidabrinton]

I was really impressed with all the workers involved in this documentary, especially their attitudes. As a retired person, I truly appreciate all workers involved in the delivery process. I appreciate all workers everywhere who make our world work. As customers we should be appreciative and don't need to make their jobs harder with insignificant complaints and excessive demands. Thank you workers around the world!

[saysimonsaid]

As a truck driver I love how people just think that the product they order just appears at their door like magic.

Everything you will ever own or consume will spend part of its life cycle on a truck.

[myleghurts]

I've worked in a transloading facility and saw first-hand the stress truck drivers have to put up with. Not a glorious job, but very necessary to ordinary citizens. All I can say is when on the road, give truckers the respect they deserve: they just might be heading toward your neighborhood, to deliver your next purchase

[aishakolo]

I'm from California I would like to get some advice if possible from Mr Sam Deymon.

[chandrakanthns]

This is truly an eye opening subject to think about the future of e-commerce market. Hats off to everyone who made this video possible.
This documentary makes me feel so grateful as I work in Trucking industry and Appreciate all the people who are working in the field of supply chain for their limitless effort!
World is one!

[algerienizer]

there isn't a shortage of labor, there is a shortage of good pay/benefits for these jobs allowing one to live a dignified life, offered food, shelter, healthcare, take care of their families, send their kids to school, and retire in dignity

[Pilot]

The last section regarding last mile delivery pretty much summarizes the problem with the broader labor market. A UPS driver has a good job paying +$40/Hr and would be able to retire comfortably. Then Amazon finds that abominable and creates a network of ‘contractors’ who would have to use their own vehicles and be responsible for their expenses and all of that for a pay rate that is just over half the one of the UPS worker. The result? High turnover rates, no one wants to do the job and companies would then blame the workers, the $1, 200 stimulus check or even the President when in reality the problem was created by their own corporate greed.

[bdub]

The appreciation for everyone involved in this process evaporates when your delivery person tosses the package on you porch from 15 feet away! 😂