Capri Holdings, the parent company of brands like Michael Kors, has reported that its inventory receipts are being delayed due to persistent port congestion. To counteract these disruptions, the company is implementing strategies to expedite cargo movement. This includes increasing its reliance on air freight for urgent shipments and working closely with freight forwarders to identify and book space on faster ocean vessels.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this situation highlights the ongoing challenges in global supply chains. The shift towards air freight by major brands indicates a willingness to incur higher costs to maintain inventory flow and meet consumer demand, suggesting potential increases in air cargo volumes and rates on key lanes. Furthermore, the demand for faster ocean vessel options could put pressure on carrier schedules and lead to premium service offerings from forwarders who can secure such capacity.
