This summer, the US has taken two direct hits with Hurricanes. Harvey and Irma have caused a great deal of devastation in areas impacted. They have caused a congestion of containers at US ports and have also created a large shortage of freight carriers throughout the US. This shortage is due the high demand of freight trucks needed to replenish supplies in the hard hit areas. This demand for trucks to the hurricane stricken areas will continue for some time which will put even more pressure on the current truck demand and rising freight rates. To prepare for this shortage of trucks, please do what you can to prepare for slower delivery times by ordering 2-3 weeks in advance of what you normally order. If ordering overseas containers, it is recommended that you add an additional 30-45 days on top of your normal schedule.
This article was written to let not only our customers know the impact that large weather events have on freight availability, it was also written to inform businesses that rely on freight to keep a closer eye on their inventory. The demand of freight carriers are getting higher and higher each day and the supply of fleets can't keep up. Now with the new ELD (electronic logging device) mandate starting mid December of 2017, that supply chain will slow down even more. I highly encourage all companies that require freight service to add an additional 1-2 weeks from what they were estimating before. Do not wait till your inventory is so low that you will have to pay an exorbitant rate just to get your product delivered. Plan this with your supplier and assume the worst delivery time. If you have room to keep extra inventory, I recommend doing so. Bottom line, keep in close contact with your supplier because they will have a good understanding of the supply lane and days to cover and deliver a load. Keys to Keeping your inventory: Order in advance Keep extra inventory Keep in close contact with your suppliers