Preparing for hurricane season is quite possibly one of the most looked-at forms of prep in the world of logistics. Knowing and planning the first steps following the prediction and eventual landfall of a hurricane can save businesses time and money. Hurricane season for the Atlantic Coast and Gulf Coast runs from June 1st through November 30th, with heightened chances from mid-August through the end of October. Everyone has heard the phrase “better safe than sorry,” and this couldn’t ring truer when discussing the possibility of a potentially devastating hurricane interrupting your supply chain.
How Supply Chains Can Be Disrupted During Hurricane Season
Supply chains are the backbone of any well-functioning society. Supply and demand are the basis of business in the United States and worldwide; when one side lacks, this disruption can instantly plague millions of people. In 2015, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported that the total value of shipments in the United States topped over $19 trillion, with an overwhelming majority of those shipments coming by way of freight trucks. Given the importance and dependence the U.S. has on freight trucking, it is crucial to prepare for the worst once hurricane season arrives.
Oftentimes, when areas experience destruction from these storms, supply chains will become overwhelmed with demand for various items, leading carriers and other logistics companies to shift their focus towards the tragedy, taking priority away from their everyday services. This can cause a ripple effect, which may halt the production of certain items or even create a higher demand, potentially leading to scarcity.
When devastation strikes, especially in the form of a tropical storm or hurricane, supply chains must be well-equipped to withstand the damage and recover, while ensuring the infrastructure is robust enough to meet any challenge. Hurricanes bring a plethora of potential roadblocks, including heavy rain, dangerously gusty winds, flooding, and limited road visibility. Impassable roadways can lead to stranded trucks and drivers, resulting in cargo loss and extended delivery delays.
Unfortunately, catastrophic flooding can and will happen when hurricanes are present. When disasters like these hit, logistics companies feel the effects, as each shipment that suffers a delay can lead to hundreds and thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
Freight shipping via freight truck is dependent on clear roadways and clear weather forecasts. With increased chances of devastating storms due to hurricane season, it is extremely important to keep a watchful eye on incoming weather systems.
The best way to stay alert and be prepared for incoming storms is to set up a forecasting alert system. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues severe weather warnings by using any of its 122 Weather Forecast Offices.
There are a number of media that deliver these warnings on behalf of the NWS, but the most effective form of alerts comes via mobile phone or weather radio. The full list includes:
– Emergency Alert System (EAS)
– Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
– Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS)
– NOAA Weather Radio (NWR)
– NOAA Weather Wire Service (NWWS)
– Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN)
– Interactive Weather Information Network (IWIN)
– NOAAPORT
How the Logistics Industry Can Protect Freight During Storm Season
While storms are unpredictable, there are still ways for the logistics industry to plan for them. Companies that lack a hurricane preparation plan before a storm form find themselves dealing with weeks of delays.
Increasing Inventory
Another part of storm preparation should include increasing inventory during hurricane season. If you are in the business of manufacturing goods that are often sought after following the landfall of a devastating hurricane, you should prepare for increased needs.
Materials such as wood, non-perishable food items, water, metals, and safety equipment are all likely to see increased demand during these times. In addition to increasing inventory, supply chain managers should run monthly resiliency checks to ensure their slated inventory meets all needs, including in emergencies.
Explore Alternative Routes and Use a Diverse Set of Carriers
When a hurricane hits, the possibility of flooding is at an all-time high. Flooding can restrict normal routes for carriers, resulting in delays and potential cargo loss. When preparing for hurricane season, logistics companies should consider exploring alternative routes and a wider range of potential carriers.
Using alternative routes can help maintain the flow of goods in unaffected areas. Implementing a diverse group of carriers can also ensure you are able to resume business in and around areas that a hurricane or tropical storm has hit.
Map Supply Chain Exposure
When a storm forms in the Atlantic, the entire eastern seaboard is on alert, watching and waiting for where it may strike. If certain parts of a company’s supply chain, such as ports, supplies, and distribution centers, lie along the coast, that could mean a disruption is imminent.
Knowing where these crucial points are makes plans easier when a storm is approaching. If time-sensitive freight comes to a port in the Southeast, time is of the essence to get that freight to and from the port before it closes due to weather. If one of those points would cause widespread supply chain disruptions, make sure to prepare properly to minimize the delays.
Confirm Cargo Insurance
Before the storm hits, ensure insurance for cargo is correct. When trucks aren’t able to move and ports close down, the risk of damage to cargo increases. Standard freight insurance may not cover damage such as flooding and wind that occur during a hurricane. Many companies aren’t able to recover their losses with only standard freight insurance.
Companies that conduct research on their insurance policies and make changes before hurricane season are much more likely to recover any financial losses than those who don’t. Make sure that if damage occurs, claims are filed correctly and with the proper documentation. If not well-documented, the claims process will be tedious and costly.
Set up Real-Time Monitoring
During storm season, freight and weather should be monitored and tracked.
Tracking the weather lets companies have information about when a storm forms and when its track is finalized. If a business’s main carriers, ports, distribution centers, and customers are in the path of the storm, they have time to find alternative plans or estimate delay times.
Real-time visibility when it comes to freight is important for carriers and customers alike. Monitoring a delivery gives the customer the knowledge of when to expect the freight to arrive, while also letting companies know where their cargo is. During delays caused by hurricanes, it’s important that freight can be tracked even when there are power outages or other complications.
How Emergency Managers Can Weather the Storm with Supply Chains
Designated emergency managers are in place in communities across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts in the event of a hurricane. Along with the help of federal partners such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Hurricane Center, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, emergency managers help implement and distribute hurricane preparedness training, response and evacuation planning, and operational decision support.
One way emergency managers can positively impact their community before and after a hurricane hits is to establish close contact with local supply chains to ensure readiness and resilience. It is crucially important for emergency managers to collaborate with local supply chains to ensure critical goods and services will be available in the event of a hurricane. Becoming involved and understanding preexisting networks, vulnerabilities, and threats helps emergency managers interact with supply chain managers to support and improve supply chain resilience and post-incident restoration.
It is important for emergency managers to develop a strong understanding of the supply chain and distribution networks, as well as the legal constraints that can impact them. Several components can hinder the implementation of supply chain resilience. Labeling these concerns ahead of time and tackling them head-on before a storm hits can ensure resiliency in the face of tragedy. A few of these attributes include:
– Just-in-time inventory practices
– Communication networks
– Facilities
– People
– A diverse risk landscape
– Industry consolidation into a small set of large suppliers
2026 Hurricane Season Predictions
Now that we’re halfway through the hurricane season, it’s best to take a look at how the next half will go.
In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted that the 2026 hurricane season would be below normal. Whereas the 2025 hurricane season had near-normal activity and 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes, the 2026 season is projected to have a total of 8-14 named storms, 3-6 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes. As of September 2026, so far only 6 named storms have formed, and there have been no hurricanes or major hurricanes.
In August, NOAA updated its predictions: 7-13 named storms would form, with 2-6 becoming hurricanes and 0-2 becoming major hurricanes. As tropical storm Fay fizzled out in the Atlantic on September 21st, there were no further indicators of storms forming. That doesn’t mean it’s time to let your guard down; historically, most Atlantic storm activity happens from mid-September to mid-November.
Prepare for Hurricane Season Now with FreightCenter
Here at FreightCenter, we’ve been operating in the great state of Florida for over 20 years, dealing with our fair share of hurricanes during this time. We have the resources and experience you need to wade through the tricky waters of hurricane season. Our team of trusted and industry-intelligent shipping agents can help assist with any and all shipping needs you may have this time of year. Log on now to run a free online quote or give us a call at 800-716-7608.
