Transportation – both air and ground freight – are affected by weather. From ease of mobility to cost, natural disasters, like the 2 recent hurricanes to hit the US, affect overnight air freight and expedited freight.
And while the trucking industry was still digging out from effects of hurricane Harvey, Irma created more challenges. Truckload prices increased post-Harvey as the number of trucks available to carry loads shrank, according to DAT Solutions. And a recent article from TRUCK.COM indicated that spot rates went up 5.5 percent nationwide, while number of loads fell by 10 percent due to the loss of about 72 percent of outbound loads from Houston. Additionally, rates around the country increased.
Now, post-Irma, spot rates continue to be on the rise as efforts to rebuild in Florida and Texas are underway. Industry-wide, rates could rise by 5 to 7 percent in the next few weeks as trucks attempt to bring supplies into parts of Houston and the Southeast hit hardest by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Natural disasters are difficult to plan for. Logistics experts at Distribution By Air in Nebraska are able to solve air freight and ground expedited freight challenges during these difficult circumstances. For the best rates and ease of execution, contact our hot shot expedited shipping experts today!