Transportation difficulties may arise when temperatures drop and snow begins to fall. Commodities still need to get from A to B no matter what the weather has in store for them, and while ice and snow could slow down freight transit, it is still crucial that goods get where they need to go. Transport companies always need to be ready for the coming winter. Shipment delays, shortages, and supply chain nightmares are commonplace during winter due to cold temperatures, hazardous road conditions, and other winter risks.

The trucking business is especially vulnerable to climate change, with annual losses of between $2 and $3.5 billion due to shipping delays and other weather-related issues. If you prepare for the next “snowmageddon,” you won’t have to worry about the effects on your company. It is possible to lessen the impact of winter on your company by preparing for it in advance. We have compiled five guidelines to help shippers get through the winter freight shipping doldrums and have a productive season.

Tips To Consider While Prepping for the Winter Shipping Season

1. Be Patient & Expect Delays

Delays aren’t always caused by things like bad weather or slick roads. Truckers may be unable to help you when you need them most because of holiday traffic, increased demand and seemingly endless service constraints brought on by the winter season. The time it takes to go somewhere will be delayed.

• Though you can’t possibly plan for everything, here are some things you can do:

• Aim to maintain a degree of adaptability and always have a Plan B.

• Get in touch with your carrier as soon as possible to arrange shipping dates.

Make sure your shipping company allows you to track your packages.

It may be worthwhile to invest in rush delivery. Paying a little more to ensure your shipment arrives on time is a good idea if there is any chance it might not.

2. Warehousing

It is common practice for businesses to store their products in several warehouses and distribution hubs located in various locations around the world. This is done to prepare the company for natural swings in business. New products can be swiftly received via a distribution center if a sale at a nearby shop depletes the store’s existing stock.

It is possible to pick up and deliver items without transporting them, thanks to the planned placement of warehouses and distribution centers across the country. Even if a portion of your supply chain is temporarily rendered inoperable due to a significant winter storm, your operations will be able to continue as normal if you implement a DC/warehousing strategy.

3. Communication is Essential.

Winter delays are inevitable, but they can be mitigated by keeping an open line of communication between your company and its suppliers. Communicating and planning with your crew can keep your business functioning smoothly through the harsh winter months. Find a freight shipping company that lets you keep tabs on your packages no matter where they are or when they were sent. Open communication ensures all team members have the information they need to step up.

4. Associate With a Service Provider

Having a freight service provider on your side who knows its way around obstacles and can adjust to sudden changes is a terrific approach to making it through the winter. Working with a service like I-Way logistics will help you feel better about freight transportation during the colder months. You can count on your shipment to arrive on time because we’ll work with you to address any problems that may arise, such as lowering the volume of freight being shipped, rerouting it to avoid traffic, and selecting the most reliable carriers.

5. Utilize Data & Shipment Alternatives

It is a good idea to begin by analyzing the data about the areas where you previously sent items. Still, you should not restrict yourself solely to this data when expanding to other regions. You can more correctly determine the risks associated with the weather, regardless of where your activities are located, if you utilize and analyze all of the data that is now accessible to you to improve your ability to foresee any interruptions. In addition, make sure that you retain all of your delivery alternatives available to you. For instance, if you are exporting commodities such as chemicals, liquids, or perishable foods, you might want to look into services that protect you from freezing temperatures.

Wrapping Up

Businesses in the retail and e-commerce sectors are especially exposed to the effects of severe winter weather variations and should make extra efforts to ensure their continued operation. If you follow these guidelines and prepare for winter, you can lessen its impact. The alternative is to use a professional supply chain provider, and I-way Logistics is one of the best options available. We focus on addressing global demands across all industries by efficiently transporting, storing, and managing freight between developing markets worldwide.