Atlantic hurricane season is underway. Is your supply chain ready?
How shippers can prepare for disruptions and keep freight moving when storms hitBy Shannon Russell
Key points:
- Review critical shipments, alternate facilities and backup transportation options before storms threaten.
- Drop trailers and refrigerated trailers can provide added flexibility when equipment or storage needs change.
- If freight is disrupted in transit, transloading, temporary storage and re-powers can help get shipments moving again.
A few smart steps can help shippers stay ready and avoid delays when storms threaten from June through November.
How does hurricane season impact freight and supply chains?
Storms don’t need to be large or long lasting to affect supply chains. Heavy rain, strong winds and power outages can slow ports, limit driver availability and interrupt facility schedules. Even brief tropical systems can alter timing, routing and equipment availability.
Storms can develop quickly, creating challenges for transportation networks across coastal and inland areas.
When hurricanes affect operations, having a plan in place can help shippers respond faster. Knowing which shipments are most critical, where freight can be rerouted and how to secure additional capacity gives teams more options when routes or facilities are affected.
Related: How TQL ‘Storm Chasers’ kept America moving
What should shippers do to prepare for Atlantic hurricane season?
A good place to start is by looking at what happened during past disruptions. Which shipments were most difficult to move? Which facilities or routes could serve as alternatives? Answering those questions ahead of time can help teams respond faster when the next storm hits.
The best time to make those decisions is before a storm is bearing down. Monitoring forecasts and talking with transportation partners early gives shippers more options if a facility closes, a route becomes impassable or capacity tightens.
A logistics provider can also help identify alternate routes and secure capacity as conditions change.
Related: Can a 3PL give your supply chain a competitive advantage?
How can shippers keep freight moving during a hurricane?
A storm can change a transportation plan in a matter of hours. Having access to equipment and capacity gives shippers more options when that happens.
TQL’s 110,000+ carrier network and nationwide reach give shippers options when weather disrupts transportation plans.
- Capacity where you need it: TQL provides access to spot capacity, drop trailer options and a full range of equipment types for urgent demand.
- Refrigerated support: TQL stages refrigerated trailers in the Southeast to provide temperature-controlled capacity when needed.
- Storm-ready support: TQL’s nationwide office network and customer service teams help provide support when conditions change. If an impacted office loses power or operations, service can shift to another location. Backup power at Cincinnati HQ helps keep essential functions running during major disruptions.
What happens if a shipment is delayed or disrupted by a storm?
Weather disruptions can affect freight already in transit. Quick action can help limit delays and reduce the impact on shipments when conditions change.
TQL’s Distressed Load Assistance supports over-the-road loads impacted by weather disruptions. Solutions may include transloading, short-term storage and re-powers to help get freight moving again.
With immediate drayage at ports and railyards and flexible storage options, TQL helps shippers maintain continuity when transportation plans change.
Hurricanes are unpredictable. But shippers that plan ahead and know where to turn when conditions change have a better chance of keeping freight moving.
Stay ready this season with a team that keeps freight moving no matter the weather. Contact your Logistics Account Executive or call (800) 580 3101.
