Comparing Global Supply Chain Management Companies in the US

The US supply chain economy is one of the largest in the world. According to the Harvard Business Review, the US supply chain accounts for 37% of all jobs in the country—that’s over 44 million workers.

Supply chain management companies are pivotal to the effective running of supply chains. Depending on the contract, they can handle everything from planning, sourcing raw materials, sourcing parts to returns. Often, they handle multiple parts of the supply chain for clients.

Of course, many companies handle supply chains independently. For over 17 years, Gartner has been compiling a list of best-in-class supply chain managers known as the Top 25 Supply Chains. Gartner’s 2020 report listed Cisco Systems as the top company in supply chain management, earning a composite score of 6.25.

The list is a great way to recognize excellence in supply chain management. You can certainly learn a lot by analyzing the business operations of companies on this list. However, it won’t help you find a good supply chain company to manage part of your operations.

Why A Reliable Supply Chain Partner Matters

Manufacturing companies rely on the frictionless movement of goods. Most of the time, things run smoothly. Occasionally, however, problems occur that affect global supply chains. There is always a cost for impacted businesses. The extent of those costs is directly in line with how quickly a company can overcome its supply chain problems.

One of the most notable examples of a threat to the global supply chain was the grounding of the Ever Given in the Suez Canal. Approximately 12% of global trade passes through the canal. Lloyds of London estimated that the grounding held up $9.6 billion of trade.

A case like the Ever Given understandably captures global attention. Issues that impact the supply chains of global companies frequently occur yet rarely get as much exposure. For example, in late 2020, the factory-to-door delivery times from Asia to the US almost doubled from an average of 4-5 weeks to nine weeks.

With shipping freight experiencing delays outside major U.S. ports, many companies turned to air cargo. Naturally, increased demand caused Asia to US air freight delivery rates to jump by over 40% year over year. Those costs are borne by companies that often operate on thin profit margins.

An agile global supply chain management firm that is customer-focused can help companies navigate such troubles and reduce unnecessary expenses. This post will list and examine the best global supply chain management companies in the US. Here is a list of the best companies in the sector:

• Fastbolt
• Wurth
• Fastenal
• Hollingsworth
• Boeing Distribution Services
• Incora

Let’s examine each of these companies in detail.

Fastbolt

Fastbolt is one of the leading supply chain management firms in the US. We are headquartered in New Jersey with facilities in the mainland US and Canada. The company is well regarded for its approach to customer service, providing clients with tailored solutions. The ability to react quickly to customer needs is especially important in times of crisis. The company is an ISO9001:2015, AS9100D & ITAR registered distributor of fasteners & electronic component hardware. Our global presence allows us to deliver those goods almost anywhere in the world while minimizing costs. That skill set is important for businesses that undertake just-in-time manufacturing.  In addition to sourcing products, we also help companies manage their supply chains. We can come into your company, review your operations, and offer advice that will help you improve efficiencies and reduce costs. Here is an overview of the services we offer:

• Program Management
• Proprietary Applications & Development
• 3PL & Supplier Consolidation
• Kitting & Assembly
• Compliance Management
• Diversified Sourcing & Risk Mitigation

Contact one of our helpful customer service representatives to find out more about our services and how we can help your business operations.

Sourcing Supplies From Around the World

Fastbolt works with companies across a wide range of industries, including alternative energy, industrial equipment, automotive and ground, consumer products, military, and aerospace, to name a few. We can source almost any type of product. We provide custom components and stamping, washers, rings, pins, wires, cable management products, threaded fasteners, injection molding, self-clinching hardware, riveting systems, and a variety of industrial safety supplies. One thing that makes us stand out as a global supply chain management company is our quality control and certifications. We can tell you where an item came from and how it was transported to your factory. That ability to keep track of inventory is something that many of our clients require. Especially in sectors like military and aerospace, for example.

Wurth

Wurth was founded in 1945. The company sources electromechanical components, furniture and construction fittings, tools, machines, installation material, automotive hardware, inventory management, storage, and retrieval systems. The Worth Group is one of the largest retail brands globally. It has more than 400 companies under the holding company umbrella with nearly 80,000 workers.

Attributes

• Wurth has a global presence and expertise in supply chain management.
• Wurth provides access to a wide range of products across a global supply chain.

Fastenal

Starting as a small fastener distributor, Fastenal has grown rapidly to become one of the largest distributors in the US. The company prides itself on being an expert consultant, a logistics company, and a technology provider.  Like Fastbolt, Fastenal is an expert in supply chain management. They provide a range of service solutions to aid companies looking to reduce costs and increase productivity.

Attributes

• Fastenal has established itself as a company with green credentials. It promotes a range of green products and has recycling programs.
• The company has a training school called the Fastenal Business School where they teach employees how to provide great customer service. All customer service personnel are graduates of the school.

Hollingsworth

Of all the supply chain management companies listed so far, Hollingsworth is the youngest. The company was founded in 1991. It operates across a range of sectors and ships over 410 million pieces annually.  Hollingsworth’s offers a range of services. They provide assembly and JIT delivery, packaging, warehousing, fulfillment and distribution, reverse logistics, program management, and fastener management.

Attributes

• Hollingsworth is a one-stop solution for supply chain optimization.
• Best-in-class SAP technologies.
• A focus on the US market, though it has a limited presence in Europe and other regions.

Boeing Distribution Services

Boeing Distribution Services Inc. is part of the Boeing group. The company specializes in the delivery of fasteners, chemical tools, lighting, metal products, and composites. Boeing Distribution Services operates primarily in the aerospace and defense sectors. The company stocks over 1 million parts for OEMs, MROs, and airlines.  Boeing Distribution Services provides a wide range of services. Services include kitting solutions, bin management solutions, technical support, inventory planning and management, third and fourth-party logistics, and parts and services optimization.

Attributes

• Boeing Distribution Services are experts in the aerospace supply chain.
• Boeing Distribution Services has a comprehensive quality assurance policy.

Incora

Incora was formed in 2020 out of a merger between Pattonair and Wesco Aircraft. It is a leading global provider of innovative supply chain solutions. The company works with businesses across various sectors like aerospace, defense, space, and automotive. Incora manages all aspects of supply chain logistics, from procurement and warehouse management to on-site services. The business has a strong customer service culture and tries to drive efficiencies for clients.

Attributes

• Incora helps improve efficiencies for customers across the supply chain.
• Incora has a global presence. It is headquartered in Fort Worth.

The Bottomline

There are two reasons you turn to a global supply chain management company. Firstly, you are looking for a firm that can deliver the goods you need to your factory or manufacturing base, wherever you are located. When you’re seeking such a partner, you need a company that can reliably provide the products you need, where you want them, at a competitive price. The second reason you might need a global supply chain company is that you want industry experts’ insights to improve your company’s operations. The company you choose needs extensive knowledge and expertise in the industry. This guide examined six of the best global supply chain management companies in the US. Each of the companies has the expertise, network, and knowledge that has made them global companies. Naturally, we think Fastbolt deserves a special mention. Part of the reason Fastbolt has grown so fast over the last few years is our focus on customer satisfaction. As a company, we do everything we can to ensure you are happy with our service. Our nimble approach to business is something clients appreciate when forced to adapt due to unforeseen problems that impact their supply chain. Furthermore, we have a well-trained and experienced team to help you navigate all your supply chain needs.  Wondering how to get started? Drop us a line.