As we continue to experience heavy rains and strong winds in the Midwest during the summer season, it is important to be mindful of how the weather can affect the ETA of shipments. Weather is an external and unpredictable factor that cannot always be accounted for when estimating the delivery date of a shipment. Weather can wreak havoc on all aspects of the supply chain.
Location
People often have the misconception that the weather conditions in a particular region of the U.S. will have no effect on the shipping process in a different area of the country. When inclement weather or a natural disaster occurs, multiple aspects of the supply chain can be disrupted and as a result, shipments can be delayed in all regions.
Road Construction
Road work can be a large contributor to traffic and delays. When summer storms hit and damage highway construction, this adds time to the overall construction process. According to the Federal Highway Administration, strong winds can create debris and road obstruction. This can prolong road construction and increase traffic.
Reroute
Since many trucking companies utilize a weather service to predict inclement weather, trucks often take alternative routes to avoid storms. While this procedure ensures the safety of the shipment and driver, rerouting can significantly increase the cost of a shipment due to its inefficiency. It is already difficult for cars to stop when roads are slick, but for a truck carrying thousands of pounds of cargo, it is out of the question for the driver to make a quick stop, according to The Truck Accident Team.
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