A shipment’s safety is vital during cargo movement, but this can be challenging when trucking during harsh weather conditions. Bad weather reportedly causes nearly $3.5 billion in yearly losses to the trucking industry. The industry also feels the consequences of severe climates on time. The U.S. DOT estimates that a trucking company can lose over 32 billion vehicle hours due to weather. While snow and ice make up the majority of setbacks, additional natural causes can impact domestic shipping. Other severe weather conditions include heavy rain, high winds, extreme temperatures, tornados, hurricanes, etc. Along with trucking, other methods of conveyance, like sea and air, can experience the backlash from harsh weather.
What Can Go Wrong When Trucking During Harsh Weather Conditions?
Due to the factors involved in domestic transport, harsh weather conditions can affect the shipment in various ways. The most significant concern is potential damage to the cargo. Damage can occur from wind, causing the truck to fall over or water to get into the trailer. It is essential that the loader securely secures the goods in the truck safely before the journey starts. Damage may look bad on the carrier moving the goods and lead to monetary loss for the shipper. Extreme weather conditions also can delay the transportation process. Too much snow on the road means trucks must slow down or stop to prevent accidents.
Along with directly damaging the cargo, harsh weather conditions can indirectly affect the shipment. A power outage may turn off communication channels, making deliveries more challenging and tracking the shipment impossible. Another example is drayage services, where trucks pick up goods from port terminals. Power outages from hurricanes can halt operations at a port, which can significantly delay a supply chain. Delays can be especially unfavorable if the truck is transporting time-sensitive items. The driver’s safety in moving the shipment is also essential when transporting the cargo. Drivers should follow proper safety standards and prepare for any severe climate.
How Can Shippers Prepare?
While severe weather can be uncontrollable, there are ways that shippers can prepare when needing to move cargo. An essential step that a shipper should take is to plan before even making the shipment. Planning can mean checking weather forecasts on news stations to ensure it is safe to ship. This also can entail preparing for contingencies like bad weather that may lead to damage and delays. A benefit of domestic shipping is that finding an alternative route to prevent pauses in the journey is possible. Many even opt for expedited freight movement to put their shipment at the top of a carrier company’s importance.
Before you have the carrier company load your cargo in the truck, you should adequately package your goods. The right size and packaging may help lessen the damage that a strong storm can do. Speaking to a freight broker regarding what to expect and how to prepare is another step a shipper can take. Brokers have numerous jobs, like educating you on the transportation process while finding a truck that can move your shipment. Contact our brokers at 786-375-9420 or info@a1fsinc.com to begin shipping domestically. We have a network of carriers with experience moving goods during unfavorable weather conditions.