How to build a more resilient supply chain before disruption hits

Published on: Sep 25, 2026

Practical steps for improving visibility, flexibility and response speed in an unpredictable global logistics environment

Supply chain disruption is no longer an exceptional event. Geopolitical tensions, trade policy changes, transportation bottlenecks, extreme weather, labor disruptions and parts and materials supplier failures can interrupt the flow of goods with little warning.

Recent data underscores the point. According to Statista, about 2.06 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of shipping container capacity were tied up by delays and rerouting in May 2026. That figure was close to the early 2022 peak of 2.16 million TEUs, when pandemic-related disruptions were commonplace. Supply chain pressure eased in early 2023, but it has risen steadily since then.

As AIT Worldwide Logistics Chairman and CEO, Vaughn Moore, noted on Bloomberg Intelligence's Talking Transports podcast, today's logistics environment is increasingly “volatile, disruption-driven and spot-heavy.” 

In this environment, supply chain resilience is no longer optional – it’s a basic operating requirement. Companies cannot build a disruption strategy around the assumption that conditions will soon return to normal. Instead, shippers need practical systems that help identify risk earlier, make informed decisions faster, and maintain essential operations when conditions change.

1. Diversify your supply chain network

Overreliance on a single material or parts supplier, region or transportation mode can expose organizations to significant risk.

Recent disruptions have highlighted this reality. In 2026, for example, conflict in the Middle East affected global trade lanes and transportation networks. Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty continues to influence sourcing decisions, while many organizations are still adapting strategies first developed during the global pandemic.

Companies should evaluate alternate suppliers for raw materials, parts and/or manufacturing, consider nearshoring opportunities where appropriate, and establish backup transportation options before disruptions occur.

However, Moore cautions against making short-term decisions based solely on current events.

“You need to be smart about investing in areas that are going to be stable for five, 10, 15, 20 years and not just getting out of an immediate problem,” he said.

2. Increase visibility across the supply chain

Resilient supply chains depend on the ability to identify risks early and respond quickly.

That requires visibility into inventory, shipments, carrier capacity and supplier performance. With volatility impacting sea, air and road freight markets, businesses need timely data to make informed decisions.

The challenge is particularly evident with air freight in 2026. According to Moore, capacity, not demand, is often the primary constraint. He noted that “air freight is all about capacity,” with transpacific routes remaining tight while Asia-Europe lanes are experiencing ongoing imbalances due to rerouting and airspace disruptions.

When companies gain greater visibility into transportation conditions, they can pivot before delays become larger business problems.

3. Build flexibility into inventory strategies

The just-in-time model helped companies maximize efficiency for years. Today, many organizations are taking a more balanced approach.

Recent disruptions have demonstrated the value of maintaining strategic inventory buffers, especially for critical products and long-lead-time components. Many retailers and manufacturers are also pulling seasonal inventory forward to reduce disruption risk.

“We can all see it with what's going on in just how early we see Halloween products showing up in our stores,” Moore said. “That aspect of pulling it forward has been a new normal.”

Resilience does not necessarily mean carrying excessive inventory. It means understanding where flexibility can protect service levels and reduce business risk.

4. Lean on expert logistics partners

One of the biggest lessons of the past several years is that navigating disruption requires expertise.

As global trade becomes more complex, organizations increasingly rely on logistics providers for guidance on customs, compliance, capacity constraints and contingency planning.

Moore believes this shift has fundamentally changed the role of the freight forwarder.

“[The pandemic] started that process in the biggest way,” he said. “The geopolitical aspect of what's going on around the world ... has caused companies to start bringing their logistics partner into the boardroom and into a trusted, consultative, solution-oriented type relationship.”

Experienced global freight forwarders can help companies identify risks, develop alternate routing strategies, and quickly implement solutions when market conditions change.

5. Prepare for the unexpected

The most resilient organizations understand that disruption is inevitable.

What matters is being prepared for when it occurs.

Formal contingency plans, scenario planning and strong supplier relationships can dramatically improve response times. Technology also plays an increasingly important role in helping organizations adapt more quickly.

According to Moore, technology should enhance, not replace, expertise. “Technology is an enabler, not a replacement for customer relationships,” he said.

The combination of people, process and technology (including high-functioning supply chain visibility) creates a stronger foundation for navigating uncertainty.

Resilience starts before the crisis

Every disruption creates new challenges, but it can also create new opportunities for companies that are prepared.

In today's environment, resilience is about more than protecting supply chains. It is about protecting customer relationships, maintaining service levels, and gaining a competitive advantage.

As Moore noted, logistics remains one of the world's most essential industries because products must continue moving regardless of economic or geopolitical conditions.

The best time to strengthen your supply chain is before the next disruption hits. By building flexibility, improving visibility and partnering with an experienced global freight forwarder, organizations can position themselves to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Supply chain resilience checklist

• Map critical products, parts, materials and trade lanes
• Qualify at least one alternate source for the most critical products, parts and materials
• Review alternate transportation modes, gateways and routes
• Improve visibility into shipment status, supplier performance and lead times
• Define disruption triggers, decision owners and communication protocols
• Test contingency plans and update them after each disruption or exercise
• Balance resilience investments with inventory, transportation and cash-flow costs

Prepare for the next disruption

Connect with AIT’s global supply chain logistics experts before the next disruption hits. Our consultative freight forwarding team can help you evaluate risk, improve visibility and develop practical options for keeping critical shipments moving when conditions change.

Contact an AIT Representative