Every week, Rinchem shares important articles and topics about chemical and gas logistics, industries we operate in, and the general global supply chain. In this week's review we discuss the Jones Act, the supply chain of 'Pluribus', and a 2026 supply chain outlook.
Keep reading to see this week's hot topics.
U.S. District Court dismisses Constitutional Case against the Jones Act
A U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. dismissed a constitutional challenge to the U.S. Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act, ruling that the law does not violate the Due Process Clause or the rarely used Port Preference Clause of the Constitution. Chief Judge James E. Boasberg’s 46-page opinion held that the Act is neutral, rooted in the long tradition of cabotage laws, and serves legitimate governmental interests by supporting national and economic security, maintaining a strong domestic merchant marine, and protecting U.S. maritime employment. The decision upheld the Trump Administration’s defense and was praised by the American Maritime Partnership, which emphasized the statute’s ongoing importance.
Is the world better off in ‘Pluribus’? A supply chain expert says no
The article discusses how the Apple TV series Pluribus depicts a post-apocalyptic world where nearly all humanity is linked into a collective hive mind that eliminates war, borders, and inefficiencies — creating an extremely streamlined and “perfect” global supply system. Northeastern University supply chain expert Nada Sanders argues that while this hive mind achieves ideal efficiency with flawless information and logistics, it ultimately becomes brittle, unable to adapt or customize, leading to stagnation and systemic collapse over time. Sanders uses the show’s fictional scenario to highlight the importance of flexibility and adaptability in real-world supply chains.
Supply chain certainty, rather than price, will shape shipping in 2026
The Journal of Commerce article argues that in 2026 the shipping industry will be more strongly shaped by supply chain certainty and service reliability than by price competition, as shippers increasingly view threats to service not as occasional disruptions but as ongoing, systemic risks that can undermine operations if not managed through reliable planning and contracts. This focus shift reflects concerns over chronic port congestion, unpredictable trade flows, and broader global supply-chain instability, prompting cargo owners to prioritize contractual service guarantees, stable capacity access, and risk mitigation over merely seeking lower freight rates.
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