Ways to Winterproof Your Supply Chain

As temperatures drop, supply chain pressure heats up

Whether it's dealing with unexpected snowstorms or increased orders during the holiday rush, businesses have a lot to manage each winter. That's why staying on top of logistics processes is so important. With a well-prepared supply chain, you can face challenges head-on - keeping shipments moving smoothly, customers happy and the season stress-free.

Simple solutions for winter's toughest issues

Not every supply chain disruption can be predicted, but there are ways to avoid being caught off guard. Stay ahead of inbound and outbound freight challenges with these tips:

Be weather aware

Knowing when and where snow, ice and freezing temperatures are expected will help you plan effectively. With enough notice, you and your transportation provider can adjust for things like road closures, slower transit times and shortened business hours.

Understanding the weather also helps you know when to use services like freeze protection to help keep shipments safe from cold and wet conditions. Work with your carrier to find the right solution for your needs and follow these tips to protect temperature-sensitive goods.

Have a plan (and a backup plan)

Even the most organized operations can be derailed by winter weather and holiday closures. But you can prevent severe disruption by thinking through common challenges and outlining clear, actionable steps for how to handle them. This may mean relying on new solutions like expedite to get shipments on the road before a storm hits or identifying backup suppliers in case your normal providers run into issues.

Work with your logistics provider to plan for every "what-if" so you have a roadmap to follow when things go wrong. Knowing exactly when you'll use an alternate shipping route or transportation mode can make the difference between a minor setback and a major delay.

Prepare your staff and facilities

Winter can be tough on your team and create hazards in the workplace, but a few simple steps can help keep things safe and fully operating.

Focus on safety

Train your staff on cold-weather safety practices. This includes wearing proper gear (gloves, boots, jackets, etc.), knowing how to handle machinery that might be slower or more difficult to use in freezing temperatures, and monitoring temperature-sensitive freight that might be stored in your warehouse.

Winterize buildings

Check that heating systems are working properly, have a plan for clearing ice and snow from loading docks, and make sure pipes are insulated to avoid freezing. This will keep your operations running smoothly and your team comfortable and safe.

Keep everyone informed

Establish a communication plan that keeps all stakeholders - both internal and external - informed about potential disruptions. Regular updates on weather forecasts, road conditions and delivery timelines help avoid misunderstandings, reduce delays and ensure your supply chain remains as efficient as possible.

Get winter-ready with ArcBest

Winter often brings challenges that lead to delays, and that's where a dependable carrier can make all the difference. Work with a logistics provider that has the expertise and resources to keep your shipments moving. Whether you need temperature-controlled services, multiple capacity options or help analyzing your supply chain for potential issues, ArcBest can help.

Contact us today to see how we can help ease the pressure of the coming season.

Related Read: How to Prepare Freight for the Holiday Shopping Season

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