Ongoing conflict in the Middle East is once again disrupting global supply chains. For companies that rely on stable transportation networks, this is not a localized issue. It affects the entire structure of managed freight. In some cases, organizations are even reassessing their access to essential healthcare services as part of broader risk planning, especially when workforce safety and continuity are at stake.
A recent survey by FreightWaves found that logistics leaders now rank geopolitical instability as a greater concern than fuel prices or labor shortages. This shift reflects the growing impact of regional conflict on global shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal are two of the most vulnerable chokepoints. When access to these routes is threatened, carriers are forced to reroute through longer, less efficient paths. This adds time, cost and complexity to every shipment.
The Risks of Geopolitical Trafe
Freight rates are rising due to war risk premiums, fuel surcharges and reduced capacity. Air cargo is also affected. Restricted airspace and safety concerns are forcing carriers to avoid certain regions altogether. This pushes more volume onto ocean lanes, which are already under pressure. In response, many logistics teams are choosing to contact us to evaluate alternative routing strategies and capacity planning.
The impact of these disruptions is not limited to delays. Rerouted shipments often require new customs documentation, transshipment points and intermodal adjustments. These changes increase administrative burden and cost. For companies operating on thin margins, the financial strain can be significant. This is why more organizations are investing in systems that allow them to manage freight with greater control and adaptability.
Traditional logistics models are not built for this level of volatility. What worked five years ago is no longer sufficient.
The Solution Rests in Meticulous Partnerships
Companies must now plan for recurring instability. This includes building transportation networks that can adapt quickly when disruptions occur. It also means developing internal processes that allow for fast decision-making and coordinated responses.
Carrier diversity is essential. Relying on a narrow group of providers increases risk. If a preferred carrier is impacted by sanctions, capacity shortages or route closures, shipments can stall. Maintaining a broader network of carrier relationships gives companies more options when conditions change.
Visibility is another critical factor. Companies using outdated or disconnected systems are slower to respond. A transportation platform with real-time tracking allows teams to monitor shipments across all lanes and modes. It also consolidates updates from ports, customs and carriers into a single view. This reduces confusion and supports faster action.
Systems also must use historical and live data to forecast disruptions. These tools can automatically reroute shipments or flag potential delays before they occur. This level of responsiveness is no longer optional. It is necessary to maintain service levels and avoid cascading delays.
How to Enhance Logistics Stability
Rigid networks are vulnerable. Flexibility is now a requirement. Companies that build in options—such as multimodal shipping, regional distribution centers and alternate sourcing—are better positioned to adapt. These strategies reduce reliance on any single region or mode and allow for faster pivots when needed.
To prepare for continued volatility, logistics leaders should take the following actions:
Choose PRIMO to Maintain Supply Chain Stability
Waiting for global conditions to stabilize is not a viable strategy. Supply chains must be designed to operate under pressure. That means using tools that support fast decisions, building flexible networks and maintaining strong partnerships.
PRIMO provides the systems and support needed to operate in this environment. From real-time tracking to adaptive freight solutions, we help logistics teams stay operational when conditions change.
Connect with a PRIMO team member to get started.