Case study: container shortage challenges Unexpected events have resulted in a global container shortage, disrupting international trade and causing ripple effects in the supply chain. When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out at the beginning of last year, many countries implemented national lockdowns and halted production, disrupting economic growth. The number of cargo ships dispatched started to decline. This hampered not only the normal flow of commodities imported and exported but also the collection of empty containers. As a result, there has been a container shortage since 2020.

1.1 Evaluate the impact of the container shortage and what role freight forwarders play? [10 marks] 1.2 Discuss what activities a freight forwarder can help with in this case? [10 marks] 1.3 Differentiate which activities will be contacted by a traditional freight forwarder and which will fall within a 3PL scope? [5 marks]