Storm Season & Supply Chains: How to Keep Freight Moving
Storm season brings more than just rain and wind—it brings uncertainty to supply chains. From hurricanes and flash floods to severe thunderstorms, extreme weather can halt transportation, damage infrastructure, and delay deliveries. But with proactive planning and the right partners, you can keep your freight moving, no matter the forecast.
1. Build a Storm-Ready Contingency Plan
Preparation is the first line of defense. A storm-season contingency plan should cover alternative shipping routes, secondary distribution centers, and emergency communication protocols. Think of it as your playbook when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Example: If a major hurricane is forecasted to hit the southeastern U.S., having a rerouting plan through the Midwest or Northeast can prevent freight from sitting idle.
2. Use Real-Time Tracking
Advanced GPS tracking and load visibility tools provide up-to-the-minute updates on the location and status of your shipments. Combine that with weather monitoring and predictive analytics, and you’ve got the power to adjust on the fly and reduce costly downtime.
Pro tip: Use geofencing alerts to get notified when a shipment enters or exits high-risk weather zones, allowing your team to act fast.
3. Diversify Your Network
When certain regions are impacted by storms, relying on a single carrier or supplier becomes a risk. Working with a diversified logistics network provides agility—you can shift loads to unaffected partners quickly without halting operations.
Universal Logistics maintains a vetted network of trusted carriers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—ensuring continuity even when one area is down.
4. Stock Strategically
Safety stock can be your secret weapon during storm season. Keep additional inventory at facilities outside of storm-prone regions or in locations closer to your end customers. This ensures order fulfillment can continue, even if your primary route is temporarily shut down.
Inventory management software paired with real-time logistics data can help optimize where and how much to stock.
5. Communicate Early and Often
Clear, consistent updates to customers and internal teams are crucial when navigating delays. Transparency builds trust—and customers will appreciate being kept in the loop, even if the news isn’t perfect.
Tip: Proactively notify clients of expected delays with context and estimated recovery times. That communication goes a long way.
Let Universal Logistics Keep You Moving
At Universal Logistics, we don’t wait for the storm to pass—we plan around it. With 24/7 dispatch, real-time tracking, and a flexible network of carriers, we’re built to keep your freight on track during the toughest conditions. Contact us today!