Getting shipments from the production facility or warehouse to the retail store or the consumer’s doorstep is a lot more complicated than it used to be. Today’s supply chains span thousands of miles, cross continents and oceans, rely on multiple modes of transportation, and involve many supplier tiers. Geopolitical tensions, rising fuel costs, driver shortages, blocked shipping lanes and frequent supply chain disruptions make it tough to achieve reliable on-time delivery amid this complexity. And let’s not forget demand volatility, which makes the right product/ right place/right time a moving target. As manufacturers and retailers rush to get their products delivered to stores, consumers’ homes and offices, third-party drop points, micro-fulfillment centers and other destinations, shipping delays are inevitable in this complex landscape. But they’re also costly — causing damage to sales numbers, retailer and consumer relationships, and the brand reputation. (....)