Florida is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. At least 23 people have died as a result of the storm. Homes and businesses are now counting the cost and dealing with the effects of the weather phenomenon.
Milton left over three million people without power, but thanks to 50,000 powerline workers from 43 states and Canada, power has already been restored to one million people.
On Saturday, 12 October, Port Tampa Bay reported vessel operations and the port’s shipping channels re-opened.
The latest hurricane caused road closures, affecting the movement of goods, also disrupting trucking operations.
On Sunday, the US Coast Guard highlighted it had responded to multiple search and rescue cases.
Recovery of goods
Total Quality Logistics (TQL), a Cincinnati-based freight brokerage and 3PL provider, looks at the effects of the hurricane. “Diversion is only part of the story,” says Kerry Byrne, president of TQL.
Byrne adds there is a lot to consider when major storms occur. This includes protecting freight, ensuring critical recovery goods are positioned in a safe area.
US President Joe Biden visited Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton on Sunday, saying experts estimate damage to be at $50 billion from this storm alone.
“And I want everyone in the impacted areas to know we’re going to do everything we can to let you — help you pick back up the pieces and get back to where you were,” says Biden.
Hurricane Helene recovery efforts
Federal disaster aid for Hurricane Helene survivors has now exceeded $474 million. Over $86 million is going towards housing and other assistance for those affected in North Carolina.
How to prepare for hurricane season and what to do
Here are key measures to ensure continuity and efficiency during this period.
Develop comprehensive contingency plans
The best way to deal with weather disasters is to always have contingency plans in place to keep your cargo moving. Be sure to identify and assess risks specific to your supply chain.
Shippers should evaluate which routes, ports, and facilities are most vulnerable to hurricanes – and also if these are likely to be closed for extended periods during and in the aftermath.
Plan alternative shipping routes and modes of transport. These routes should be easily accessible.
A good idea would be to increase inventory levels of in-demand products before the hurricane season to mitigate possible stock delays.
Communicate your contingency plans with your team and other stakeholders to ensure everyone can adapt quickly to any logistics changes.
Ensure real-time visibility of the supply chain
Shippers can implement advanced tracking technologies such as GPS, IoT sensors to monitor the movement of goods in real-time.
This data will allow you to make decisions quickly and adapt to changing circumstances in your logistics operations.
Manage delays in the supply chain
Maintain flexibility in scheduling to plan for delays. Adjust shipping schedules proactively based on weather forecasts and updates. Ensure you prioritize critical shipments that need to be moved quickly.
Keep customers informed about potential delays in cargo movement and expected delivery times. Transparency helps manage expectations and maintain trust with customers.
Partner with local carriers
Form partnerships with local carriers who have a better understanding of regional conditions and can navigate local disruptions effectively.
Leverage the extensive networks of third-party logistics (3PL) providers. They can offer additional resources, alternative routes, and expertise in managing logistics during disruptions.
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
