Shippers are still steaming over delays caused by West Coast dockworkers during contract negotiations with terminal operators in late 2014 and early 2015. But problems at the region's ports extend well beyond union intransigence.

Thanks to advancing capabilities and greater accessibility, the use of drones is continuing to increase. In fact, global drone sales reached $4.3m in 2015, a 167-percent jump from two years ago. This surge should come as no surprise as people find more and more useful ways to put drones to work.

It's been about five years since ocean carriers began selling off their chassis in the U.S., forcing shippers to obtain the equipment elsewhere. But the new regime is anything but settled.

Bad things are bound to happen in your supply chain. Are you ready for them?

APICS and APICS Supply Chain Council have expanded their offerings to members and affiliates.