US Supply Chain Intel #002 | Feb 12

M-Star packaging materials reporting +5% price adjustment on stretch wrap inventory effective immediately. Volume buyers seeing cushioned impact through Q1 contracts, but spot rates climbing across West Coast distribution.

Industrial supply demand indicators remain stable at 94.2% capacity utilization. Three major procurement cycles closing this week with $2.4M combined value across federal and education sectors.

DOD facilities maintenance contracts showing increased activity across California installations. Three upcoming solicitations totaling $450K in janitorial and MRO supplies expected to post next week.

WEATHER DISRUPTION: California storm systems causing 24-48 hour delays across FedEx ground network. Los Angeles and San Bernardino hubs operating at reduced capacity through Friday.

Port of Long Beach container processing normalized at 98% capacity following last week's congestion. Ocean freight rates holding steady with Asia-Pacific routes showing -2.3% week-over-week adjustment.

The M-Star price bump on stretch wrap hits right when we're seeing demand surge from our defense contractors. Been through this cycle before - packaging always leads the inflation wave by 60-90 days. Smart operators are locking volume contracts now before the next adjustment.

Our Chino facility weathered the storm impact better than expected. Having that inland position pays dividends when coastal logistics get hammered. We're processing overflow from three competitors who got caught flat-footed by the weather delays.

That Riverside school district opportunity is exactly the type of steady business that builds foundation revenue. Education contracts may be smaller dollar amounts, but they're reliable and often lead to district-wide expansions.

Given today's packaging price volatility, highlighting our Premium Industrial Stretch Wrap inventory. We secured forward contracts before the M-Star adjustment, passing savings to volume buyers.

Perfect timing for contractors looking to lock pricing ahead of the market adjustment wave. Available for immediate deployment from our Chino warehouse.