Many individuals remain unaware of the intricate processes that govern the movement of goods across the globe.

However, a few years back, the world’s attention was suddenly drawn to supply-chain logistics when a colossal container ship became lodged in the Suez Canal.

This incident provided a unique opportunity for Ryan Petersen, the founder and CEO of Flexport, a company dedicated to facilitating the transportation of a wide array of products from their points of manufacture to their eventual markets.

With a deep understanding of logistics and trade, Petersen seized the moment to demystify the situation for the public.

Once the ship was freed, he published a whimsical yet educational children’s picture book titled “The Big Ship and the Little Digger,” which translated the complexities of ocean freight and global trade into simple, accessible language that resonated with younger audiences and their parents alike.

Currently, Petersen is once again stepping into the spotlight, this time to address the significant concerns surrounding U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.

He warns that these hefty tariffs could spell disaster for America’s small businesses, likening the potential fallout to a cataclysmic event, “an extinction-level, asteroid-wiping-out-the-dinosaurs kind of event,” emphasizing that unlike dinosaurs, these are vibrant, growing businesses that will be deeply affected.

Petersen’s insights are grounded in his firsthand experience with the many small companies that rely on Flexport’s services to transport their products from factories to consumers’ doorsteps.

Flexport manages an extensive array of logistics operations, including securing transport space on various carriers, whether they be planes, trucks, or massive cargo ships, and deftly handling the extensive paperwork involved in international shipping.

With the help of an advanced technology platform, Petersen has acquired a unique vantage point within the global economy, providing him with a real-time overview of trade dynamics.

This allows him not only to track shipping costs for various items but also to quantify the additional financial burdens imposed by tariffs. Flexport’s visibility into around 1% of U.S. trade offers him sufficient data to draw significant conclusions and make relevant connections.

His perspective on the current trade climate is alarming. Petersen asserts that if the tariffs on Chinese goods remain at their current levels, thousands of American businesses risk collapse, which could lead to the loss of millions of jobs.

Despite President Trump’s assurances that the current 145% tariffs on Chinese imports will decrease significantly, uncertainty looms heavily over these companies, resulting in a state of paralysis that could soon escalate into devastation.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Petersen has taken it upon himself to advocate for the interests of small businesses affected by these tariffs.

He has been actively raising awareness through various platforms, appearing on popular podcasts to discuss the detrimental effects of tariffs on American enterprises.

On social media, he has been sharing data related to logistics, illustrating the dire consequences that await small businesses if tariff policies remain unchanged.

His posts have gained notable traction; for instance, a recent tweet regarding container booking statistics amassed an impressive 3 million views.

Adding to his outreach efforts, CEOs from various companies have begun to approach him, drawn by his impactful commentary online.

Many were unaware that their organizations were customers of Flexport, yet they sought his expertise amid these challenging times, recognizing the value of his insights into the complex landscape of international trade and logistics.