By Amanda Blackwood, President & CEO, Supply Chain Federation
If America wants to lower costs, boost productivity, and strengthen its global competitiveness, we must start treating the supply chain as a strategic national priority. It’s not just a set of logistics or infrastructure challenges— it’s the foundation of economic stability and growth.
From the ports that drive international commerce to the railways, highways, and distribution networks that move goods across the country, the supply chain touches every community and every industry. Yet its value is too often recognized only when disruptions occur.
The supply chain is not an abstract economic concept. It’s the complex, interconnected system of systems that ensures groceries reach shelves, life-saving medications arrive at hospitals, and manufacturers get the components they need to build, innovate, and compete. It fuels infrastructure projects, empowers small businesses, builds housing and sustains millions of jobs—from the docks and rail yards to warehouses, storefronts, and beyond.
A healthy, resilient supply chain is the single most powerful tool we have to lower costs for consumers and improve quality of life. It influences the price and availability of nearly everything—from food and fuel to housing and healthcare.
In short: when the supply chain runs well, so does America.
This is why a new voice has emerged at this critical time: the Supply Chain Federation — a high-impact, national, nonpartisan coalition bringing together business experts, labor leaders, and key stakeholders from every link in the chain. Our mission is simple but urgent: to protect and strengthen the supply chain in the face of economic, environmental, and political uncertainty.
For too long, key policies shaping the supply chain have been made without sufficient input from those on the ground. Legislators, regulators, and media commentators often overlook the complexity, scale, and interdependence that make the supply chain work — and the consequences are showing.
In California, for example, one-size-fits-all environmental mandates are setting national precedents without adequate consideration for feasibility or cost. Across the country, we see local land use restrictions choking off new infrastructure development. And on Capitol Hill, broad policy efforts sometimes overlook the operational realities of the supply chain—jeopardizing the very systems they aim to improve.”
The Supply Chain Federation is here to change that.
A Three-Pronged Strategy
Our work focuses on three urgent areas:
Across the country, states are moving quickly – shaping the rules that will define the future of freight, logistics, retail, manufacturing, and beyond. Too often, those decisions are made without the perspective of the people who keep goods moving and the economy growing. That ends now.
We’re building a national coalition to ensure supply chain leaders shape the policies that shape their future—state by state, coast to coast, and at the highest levels of federal decision- making.
Together, we can lead with solutions that are practical, sustainable, and built for the future.
For too long, the essential role of the supply chain in powering daily life—delivering medicine, food, goods, keeping the cost of living affordable and sustaining millions of jobs—has been overlooked in the national conversation.
While others have invested heavily in shaping public narratives, our voice has been missing.
The Supply Chain Federation is bringing data, perspective, and real-world experience to the forefront—ensuring media, policymakers, and the public understand the full impact of supply chain policy and the opportunity we have to get it right.
Fueled by political and media pressure, sweeping regulations are being pushed through at unprecedented speed—without real input from the industries they impact most.
Much of this happens quietly, at the local level, driven by unelected boards and agencies that lack any real understanding of how the supply chain works or why it matters.
Without our voice at the table, the rules are being written without regard for long-term feasibility, economic impact, or operational reality.
Now is the time to lead with insight, experience, and solutions that work.
We advocate for balanced rulemaking that protects public interests without sidelining operational and economic realities.
The Federation’s approach is anchored in three pillars:
The Federation is focused on three immediate policy priorities:
As challenges evolve, so must the response. The Supply Chain Federation is focused on delivering practical solutions rooted in frontline experience—bridging the gap between industry realities and policymaking.
By promoting data-driven best practice policy and storytelling, elevating industry expertise, and helping regulators and lawmakers understand the real impacts of their decisions, the Federation is working to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more secure future for the supply chain — and for all Americans who depend on it.
For further insights, research collaborations, or policy expertise, visit www.supplychainfederation. com.
The Supply Chain Federation is the leading national advocacy group working to secure and strengthen America’s supply chain, uniting business and labor to protect jobs, invest in domestic infrastructure and safeguard the supply chain and economy from global instability. The Supply Chain Federation is the unifying force working collectively to create a strong and resilient supply chain, ensuring access to the goods and services Americans depend on. The Supply Chain Federation is fighting for regulatory and legislative measures that protect and strengthen the supply chain and against unnecessary and shortsighted policies on the federal, state, and local level that make it more difficult to get the goods and services Americans rely on where they need them most.
About the Author:
Amanda Blackwood is the President and CEO of the Supply Chain Federation, the leading national trade association representing America’s freight, logistics, retail, manufacturing, and trade sectors. With more than two decades of experience as a CEO, CFO, and COO across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, she is widely respected for her ability to build coalitions, shape policy, and lead organizations through transformation and growth.
Prior to joining SCF, Amanda earned national recognition as an executive leader in economic development, media, and public affairs. Known for blending private sector innovation with public impact, she’s led major advocacy campaigns, launched high-profile ventures, and received honors from the U.S. Chamber and others for her influence on policy and civic leadership.
Amanda is building SCF into the most effective and influential supply chain policy organization in America.
Want to connect with Amanda? | Phone | (916) 708.6061
Supply Chain Federation
A new voice has emerged at this critical time: the Supply Chain Federation — a national, nonpartisan coalition bringing together business experts, labor leaders, and stakeholders to protect and strengthen the supply chain in the face of economic, environmental, and political uncertainty.
From the ports that drive international commerce to the railways, highways, and distribution networks that move goods across the country, the supply chain touches every community and every industry.
A healthy, resilient supply chain is the single most powerful tool to lower costs for consumers and improve quality of life. It influences the price and availability of nearly everything—from food and fuel to housing and medicine.
In short: when the supply chain runs well, so does America.
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