Winter is coming, and while it doesn’t involve an army of the undead, it remains a harsh reality for the shipping industry. The cold season means unstable road conditions and frigid temperatures, both of which can lead to supply chain nightmares like delays, poor packaging, and shortages in the shipment process.
Preparation is the key to avoiding running into major headaches down the line. That’s why the tips below should help prepare your business for winter’s wrath and ensure your goods reach their destination intact.
Tip #1: Understand Your Shipment
The first step to preparing for winter shipment is to understand your products and how it reacts with the cold. Specific temperatures can deal plenty of damage to certain goods like food and chemicals, which you can solve by opting for the following:
Heated Truck Shipping
Heated trucks have enclosed trailers to keep the harsh winds and cold environment from damaging the freight. A heating unit is also attached to regulate temperature and maintain an optimal condition for your goods.
Insolated Shipping
If you are delivering products that are not necessarily sensitive to cold temperatures, you can add more layers of security by wrapping your shipment with blankets and tarps.
Tip #2: Schedule Your Shipments in Advance to Avoid Delays
Hail storms and other extreme weather conditions during winter aren’t the only cause of shipment delays. December also comes with a holiday, gridlock traffic, road closures, and high order volumes that stack up all at once. While some delays are inevitable, you can minimize the chances by plotting out your shipping days as soon as possible with your carrier.
On that note, be sure to choose a carrier that offers tracking features. While it is often handy, being able to track your package is crucial now more than ever as the season comes with a wealth of challenges in its wake.
Tip #3: If you Have Space and Budget, Stockpile!
Once the colder season hits, animals have the age-old habit of gathering month-worth of food in preparation for the harsh weather ahead. Your freight shipping can get ahead of the game by adopting the same mentality.
By preparing for seasonal items and stocking them before winter hits, you can save on shipment fees and avoid the risk of delays down the line. Of course, this is not suitable for all items – particularly perishable goods like food and made-to-order items.
Tip #4: Partnering with a Service Provider
No matter how much you prepare, winter is a time full of surprises down the road. If you want to steer clear of as many potholes as you can, working with an experienced freight service provider is your best bet.
Professional trucking companies like Sterett Heavy Hauling have the resources to adapt to unforeseen changes during the process, allowing for a smooth-sailing delivery. From offering extensive shipment options, tracking, to changing routes, working with a service provider ensures your package arrives on your client’s doorsteps on time.
In Conclusion
The cold season may be a challenging time for businesses and shipment providers, but the tips above should help you navigate the icy road and move past the winter freight shipping blues. If you’re leaving for a heavy hauling solution, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
