This article is part of our continuing Fast Forward series, which examines technological, economic, social and cultural shifts that happen as businesses evolve.

The coronavirus outbreak has changed the nation’s dialogue by more than adding “social distancing” and “flattening the curve” to the lexicon.

Just a few weeks ago, many people would have been hard-pressed to talk about the nation’s supply chain. But with shortages of protective gear for medical workers and basics like toilet paper and hand sanitizer, the inner workings of transporting goods from manufacturers to consumers, medical professionals and other businesses suddenly has taken on new importance.

“Shippers are facing huge challenges to ensure that they have the tools and have capacity,” said Lily Shen, president and chief executive of Transfix, an online marketplace that connects companies with trucking services. And the truckers, she said, had enormous pressure as well because “they can’t work from home and are constantly on the road.”