One of the alarming obstacles in domestic shipping is trucking during a hurricane. The state of Florida will be hit with a storm in a few days, which will significantly impact cargo movement. Florida’s governor recently issued a state of emergency for 54 counties that rely on freight transport. Along with a shipper’s supply chain, a trucker’s job is affected by these harsh weather conditions, not only during the storm but also after it passes through. For example, this can lead to road damage and close ports, creating delays. While hurricanes can affect international shipping, this article will focus on moving cargo domestically.
How Do Truckers Prepare For Hurricanes?
Truckers who move goods by land must take extreme caution to protect themselves and the cargo. This includes planning before starting the transportation journey. A critical way to do this is by staying informed by monitoring weather updates from trusted news sources. Knowing the hurricane’s path is essential in deciding how to avoid the storm. Truckers also may delay the freight’s transportation until the hurricane has passed. The supply chain should always value the safety of the people involved over risking lives and delivering the shipment. Rerouting can be necessary during and after the storm passes since highways and bridges could close due to flooding.
If the trucker must drive during the storm, they must take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents. The carrier must be in ideal condition, and truckers do this by checking various components like tire pressure and brakes. Fuel shortages are also common after a hurricane, so truckers must thoroughly fuel their vehicles. They also must securely fasten the cargo to prevent damage from harsh winds. During the journey, The driver must drive safely to reduce speeds and with caution. Communication with the various players in the supply chain is vital for providing updates on shipping status. This can mean constantly speaking to shippers or clients.
What Should Shippers Know When Trucking During A Hurricane?
With a hurricane’s implications on cargo transport, a shipper should understand what to expect and take the necessary precautions. Shippers must prepare for delays due to shipment pauses, road closures, and port shutdowns. As previously mentioned in the article, communication is essential between shippers and carriers. Shippers must also stay updated with the latest hurricane forecast to make decisions like rerouting and pausing shipments. Before the explorer hands the cargo to the carrier, they must package the goods securely. Waterproof materials and reinforced crates can protect it from water exposure and winds. Insuring the freight for scenarios like a hurricane is ideal for protecting against financial loss.
As the hurricane approaches Florida, shippers and truckers must take the necessary steps to protect their cargo. Another step a shipper can take is using the assistance of a freight broker. Brokers are the middleman between the shipper and carrier and coordinate the cargo movement on behalf of the shipper. They provide the best action to mitigate situations like a storm while constantly updating their clients. Reach A1 Freight Solutions at info@a1fsinc.com or 786-375-9420 to speak to a broker regarding your cargo’s movement. We understand how menacing it is to ship during a hurricane and take the necessary precautions to transport your shipment.