4 Tips for Inclement Weather Impacts to Supply Chains

2019-05-16T13:22:12+00:00May 15th, 2019|Industry Spotlight, Shipping News|

After a series of severe weather-related disruptions beginning in 2018, importers and exporters have begun focusing on the unpredictable impact extreme weather conditions can wreak on international supply chain trade flows.

Natural disasters are one of a supply chains’ greatest vulnerabilities, unpredictably stalling commercial progress.  For ill-prepared shippers, these weather disruptions can result in severe delays and debilitating additional costs as cargo sits, causing further logistical backlogs.  In 2018, wildfires in California shut down rail lines and trucking routes; Winter Storm Jaden induced wind chill values 30 to 60 degrees below zero, halting all domestic and international shipments; and Denver operations came to a standstill when a ‘Bomb Cyclone’ brought hurricane strengthened winds to the Midwest.

These are just some of the recent events U.S. shippers have had to coordinate through to fill consumer demands.

For the logistics industry, weather disruptions increase the overall cost of production and reduce the speed at which cargo can be delivered for distribution into consumer markets.  The Panama Canal Authority, for example, recently announced their fifth draught restriction in response to low water levels reducing overall capacity for carriers to deliver goods to the East Coast of the United States.  Shrinking water levels hint at a larger underlying problem and weather in the region has become more erratic, with rainfall more intense compared to decades ago.  As a result, carriers have been delaying the arrival of some vessels up to 17 days.

Shippers can prepare for short-term weather disruption by assessing their supply chain risk and preparing for the worst.

AVOIDING IMPACT? FOLLOW THESE 4 USEFUL TIPS:

  1. FORECAST – Although some events are outside human control, shippers should keep a close eye on weather reports and plan accordingly. If a supplier frequently uses the Atlantic to ship cargo during peak hurricane season, it might be best to re-route or source your product to avoid delays.
  2. RESPOND – Most cargo can be re-routed, time permitting, and although airfreight alternatives may not be an international option, your forwarder can quickly provide routing alternatives letting you decide what works best for your supply chain. By responding quickly, you will give the forwarder enough time to reposition the cargo.
  3. PROTECT – Unpredictable severe weather can cause many types of damage including losses at sea. Protect your freight by purchasing cargo insurance to completely cover your costs in case of a loss.Ask your Green representative about how you can protect your freight for 110% of the CIF value.
  4. ASK – Communicate with your carriers! The more open you are with your supply chain partners about weather concerns, the more likely they will be able to provide timely solutions for any short or long-term problems.

Seeing red? Go Green and ease operational friction with timely communication from friendly freight experts.

As Green continues to monitor the situation, stay up-to-date on freight news by following us on FacebookTwitter, and LinkedIn or, subscribe to Green’s Freight Talk blog to received updates directly to your email.

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