I remember someone posting a week or so back about grocery shelves being more empty lately, or at least that's what I think was posted. I've noticed that also. Seems the grocery stores near me aren't stocked up as much as usual. I assumed it was some sort of trucking issue or supply chain issue, but I haven't heard about any national trucking issue. I just needed to take my car in for repair and they said they need to order parts. They said it used to be a day or two to get the parts and now it could be a week or two. She mentioned something about shortage of truckers.
So I'm wondering what's going on? I haven't heard of any trucking strike/slow down. I doubt the truckers are moving, en mass, to a new profession. Is it the increase in gas prices? I can understand how that would lead to higher prices of goods but not slowdowns in delivery.
I've been hearing that both diesel-engine parts and computer chips have been delayed, because of manufacturing problems over seas. These manufacturing delays have hurt truck repair the worst. Because of this, the fleet of on-road truckers is down significantly.
The lower quantity of trucks actively shipping has decreased, leading to systemic delivery problems along our just-in-time delivery system.
Someone who works in that area can probably provide more information. I've just been getting it secondhand from my company's supply-chain.
Sounds plausible. And if true could explain the significant delays in delivery.