Executive Commentary |
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together to not just meet, but exceed, our customers’ expectations.
A strong foundation is essential, as every link in the supply chain plays a critical role in enabling performance and adaptability. Key focus areas include developing value-added supplier partnerships, ensuring multiple qualified sourcing options both domestically and internationally, and maintaining heightened organizational awareness and agility to pivot in response to geopolitical and other market disruptions.
We put an emphasis on trade compliance and customs processing, collaborating with customs brokers and third parties to valid harmonized tariff schedule codes. In addition to these exercises, we explored Foreign-Trade Zone and bonded warehouse options to support efficiency and cost savings.
Here’ s to a bright and promising year in 2026!
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Gemini Shippers Association
Ken O’ Brien
President www. geminishippers. com
Two forces are redefining cost: time and confidence. Rate cycles will always fluctuate, but network integrity has become the real financial variable. Extended routings via the Cape of Good Hope, feeder and port congestion, and a myriad of operational and geopolitical challenges all compound the cost of uncertainty. The most astute shippers are transitioning from“ price per container” thinking to“ predictability per container” planning, valuing stability, speed and service consistency over headline rates.
The past five years have shown that pressures are no longer just about cost, they’ re about confidence. Shippers can budget for changing underlying expenses, or even extended transit times, but not for unpredictability. As networks, trade policy and infrastructure all
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“ Today’ s trade environment seemingly defies methodical analysis as a means to positive supply chain planning.”
Lori Fellmer
“ The focus for 2026 isn’ t only about competitive rates; it’ s for the most dependable outcome.”
Ken O’ Brien
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BassTech International
Lori Fellmer
Vice President, Transportation and Carrier Management www. basstechintl. com
With the rapidly changing and unpredictable US trade policy that is the hallmark of the current administration, a traditional approach to supply chain strategies is no longer effective. Identifying optimal sourcing countries, for example, is impossible when today’ s Most Favored Nation becomes tomorrow’ s unexpected Evil Empire. Today’ s trade environment seemingly defies methodical analysis as a means to positive supply chain planning.
So, when predictability is gone, what we are left with is our ability to react.
A well-placed importer has clear visibility to their import patterns and volumes including tariff classifications and countries of origin. One helpful resource is the US Customs and Border Patrol( CBP) ACE database, available for any importer to generate reports. Understanding the vulnerable products or sourcing locations can guide where to build alternatives“ in case of the
evolve simultaneously, the focus for 2026 isn’ t only about competitive rates; it’ s for the most dependable outcome. The strategy now lies in knowing which variables can be priced, which can be hedged, and which must be managed through more innovative design and faster decision-making.
The challenge ahead for shippers and their carrier partners is network volatility. For carriers, the ability to predict cargo flows and design a network to accommodate shifting trade levels is crucial. For shippers, the need to balance shifting consumer demand,
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unexpected.” Being able to swiftly measure the impact on your supply chain of sudden trade news, such as the tariff changes of 2025, can guide decisions for appropriate reaction.
Likewise, a prompt awareness of trade policy changes allows valuable opportunity to react, such as expediting or delaying certain shipments. Aside from the unofficial indicators found in social or news media, perusal of the official executive orders on the White House website can provide breaking news on imminent changes. Other resources include the CBP, International Trade Administration and the Federal Register websites, which can also provide capability to register for receipt of timely email notifications of updates. Importers should consult with their trusted customs brokers and trade attorneys as well as any industry organizations that they participate in. Importers must remember, however, that compliance of their import entries and duty payment is ultimately their responsibility. Continuous awareness of ever-changing regulations is worthwhile and necessary to ensure compliance and to support the robust and efficient management of their supply chain.
sourcing changes, and tariff and geopolitical challenges against contractual space commitments ensures their ability to deliver goods to market on time and at an economically viable price. Today,“ network design has become the new contract.” Service commitments, not the rate sheet, now dictate performance.
Predictability is the new premium. Those rewarded in 2026 will be those who treat logistics not as a static procurement exercise but as a living system— flexible, diversified and built to absorb disruption rather than react to it.
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