WASHINGTON - Have you ever wondered about the complex journey behind your morning coffee or the hand sanitizer in your bag? The Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) has made it their mission to reveal these hidden supply chain stories through their innovative "Follow That Freight" series.
Bringing Supply Chains to Life
Since 2005, the Washington-based nonprofit has published 15 editions of their educational series, each focusing on a different consumer product. From coffee beans to automobiles, these booklets trace the global journey of everyday items from raw materials to store shelves.
The series avoids technical jargon, instead using accessible language and vivid imagery to engage readers of all ages. "Supply chain professionals understand the complex systems behind every shipment," Nessle notes. "But we simplify these stories to raise awareness about freight infrastructure's importance to every American."
From Farm to Capitol: The Hand Sanitizer Story
One recent edition tracked hand sanitizer's journey from Illinois cornfields to dispensers in the U.S. Capitol. The booklet details each step: raw materials transported by truck and rail between facilities, processing into final products, and distribution to institutions and consumers.
Published during the pandemic's peak demand, this installment also examined supply chain challenges like material shortages, shipping delays, and price fluctuations - offering readers insight into global logistics under stress.
Interactive Education with Real Impact
CAGTC has distributed thousands of booklets on Capitol Hill and through media channels. To enhance engagement, they include small product samples - chocolate cherries with the cherry edition, highlighters with the office supplies installment.
However, Nessle acknowledges limitations: "Private companies often guard supply chain details as competitive advantages. When firms find cost-effective shipping solutions, they're reluctant to share." This tension between transparency and proprietary information presents ongoing challenges for supply chain education.
Beyond Products: Infrastructure's Critical Role
The series ultimately highlights how transportation networks form the backbone of global commerce. Each product's journey reveals the interdependence of roads, rails, ports, and warehouses - infrastructure requiring continuous investment and maintenance.
As supply chains face growing pressures from climate change, geopolitical tensions, and consumer demands, understanding these systems becomes increasingly vital. CAGTC's initiative helps policymakers and citizens alike appreciate the complex logistics delivering everyday conveniences.
Looking Ahead
The "Follow That Freight" series continues evolving, with plans for new product explorations and expanded outreach. By making invisible supply chains visible, CAGTC aims to foster informed discussions about infrastructure priorities in an interconnected world.