Yard Logistics Emerges as Supply Chain Bottleneck Risk

Event summary

  • YMX Logistics will host an online event on April 2, 2026, featuring Bart De Muynck (formerly Gartner) to discuss emerging risks in yard logistics.
  • The event will focus on findings from De Muynck’s Market Radar research, highlighting yard operations as a growing source of supply chain risk.
  • Panelists include Philippe Lambotte (former SVP of Logistics at Johnson & Johnson, Mattel, and Kraft Heinz) and Tim Scott (former Chief Supply Chain Officer at Grocery Outlet).
  • De Muynck’s research indicates that yard operations are struggling to absorb increasing operational pressure due to volatility across supply chains.

The big picture

The event underscores a growing recognition that supply chain resilience isn't solely about transportation or warehousing; the 'last mile' within distribution networks – specifically yard operations – is a critical, often overlooked vulnerability. As shippers face mounting pressure to control costs and emissions while navigating persistent volatility, the efficiency and reliability of yard logistics will become increasingly important determinants of overall supply chain performance. This trend suggests a potential shift in capital allocation towards yard optimization and specialized logistics services.

What we're watching

Operational Focus
Increased scrutiny of yard operations will likely drive demand for specialized logistics providers like YMX, potentially impacting their growth trajectory and pricing power.
Technology Adoption
The pressure to optimize yard logistics will accelerate the adoption of yard management systems and automation technologies, creating opportunities for technology vendors and potentially increasing capital expenditure for shippers.
Labor Dynamics
The ongoing labor shortage will continue to exacerbate challenges in yard operations, forcing companies to explore alternative staffing models and potentially impacting service levels and costs.