The recent collapse of a major bridge in Baltimore has had a significant impact on the transportation and logistics sectors, causing widespread disruptions to the flow of goods. This incident is yet another reminder of how vulnerable our supply chains can be to unexpected events. At Motive, we’ve been closely analyzing the data, and the early results paint a clear picture of how the collapse is affecting freight movement — and what it might mean for the future.
Immediate effects: Freight activity takes a hit
Our data shows a sharp decline in freight activity almost immediately following the collapse. Truck visits to the Port of Baltimore have dropped by 45.7% week-over-week, and overall truck activity has decreased by 49.1% since the incident occurred. These numbers indicate a substantial disruption to the supply chain, with fewer trucks able to access critical routes and ports.
The effects are rippling throughout the transportation network, causing delays and requiring companies to reroute shipments. But this isn’t just a short-term issue. The broader implications of events like this will be felt across the industry for months, if not years.
Black Swan Events: A growing pattern
This collapse, while shocking, is part of a growing trend of black swan events that have plagued the transportation sector in recent years. From the Suez Canal blockage in 2021 to the COVID-related pileups at the Port of Long Beach, and even the recent drought-induced slowdown of the Panama Canal, disruptions have become more frequent and more costly.
Each of these events exposed the fragility of global supply chains. And in each case, companies had to scramble to find alternative routes, adapt to delays, and absorb the additional costs of transportation and distribution. This is the new reality logistics leaders are facing: the unexpected is becoming expected.
Adapting to the “new normal”
The key question now is how companies can prepare for these disruptions. In my view, the answer lies in agility and visibility. Flexibility in decision-making has become the single most important skill for supply chain and logistics leaders. Companies must be able to pivot quickly, reroute shipments, and adjust operations when the unexpected happens.
This requires having real-time visibility into your operations—whether it’s monitoring truck activity, tracking port conditions, or managing inventory levels. With the right data at your fingertips, you can make faster, more informed decisions and minimize the impact of disruptions.
Over the past five years, we’ve seen this dynamic play out again and again. Major events—whether natural disasters, political upheaval, or infrastructure failures—have thrown the logistics sector into disarray. Costs have fluctuated wildly, and supply chains have had to evolve at a breakneck pace.
Are these events becoming the new norm?
The big question on everyone’s mind is whether these events are still one-off occurrences or if we should consider them part of a new, ongoing pattern. I believe the latter is true. Disruptions to supply chains are becoming more frequent, and companies need to prepare for that reality.
This means investing in the technology and infrastructure that allows you to adapt in real time. It’s no longer enough to have a contingency plan; businesses need to build resilience into their operations. The ability to reroute shipments, pivot distribution strategies, and make data-driven decisions in the face of disruption will be the defining factor of success in the coming years.
At Motive, we’re committed to helping businesses navigate this new landscape. Our data provides deep insights into the transportation and logistics sectors, and we’re continuously analyzing trends to give companies the tools they need to stay ahead.
If you’re interested in learning more about the data we’ve gathered on the Baltimore bridge collapse—or if you want to explore how your business can build resilience in the face of these increasingly frequent disruptions—reach out. We’d be happy to discuss how Motive can support your efforts.
Conclusion: Agility is key in a disrupted world
The Baltimore bridge collapse is just the latest in a series of events that have shown how fragile our global supply chains can be. But with the right data and the ability to act quickly, businesses can mitigate the impact of these disruptions and continue to thrive.
At Motive, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve. Let’s talk about how we can support your journey to building a more resilient, adaptable supply chain. Contact us today.
Hamish Woodrow is the Head of Strategic Analytics at Motive, where he leads data-driven initiatives to support the transportation and logistics sectors. He specializes in providing actionable insights that help businesses adapt to industry challenges.
