Dear Customer,
At Freight Systems, we are committed to keeping our clients informed about any developments that may affect our services. The current severe winter storm in the United States has caused extensive disruptions across logistics and supply chain operations. This unprecedented weather event is having far-reaching effects, significantly affecting freight movement and delivery schedules worldwide.
Impact on Air and Road Freight Operations
- Grounded Flights and Delays:
- Over 1,000 flights have been cancelled, and more than 3,000 delayed across key transit hubs, particularly in the Midwest.
- Air cargo operations, crucial for time-sensitive shipments, have been severely impacted, leading to delays expected to last well into the coming week.
- Businesses operating on just-in-time inventory systems may face challenges such as stock shortages and production delays.
- Highway Closures:
- Major highways, including Interstate 70 in Kansas and state highways in northeastern Kansas, have been closed due to dangerous conditions like icy roads and heavy snow.
- Trucking operations, vital for transporting perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial supplies, have been paralyzed.
- Rerouting through longer, less efficient pathways is causing extended delivery timelines, emphasizing the vulnerability of over-reliance on road networks.
- Labour Shortages:
- Emergency advisories in affected states have led to reduced workforce availability at warehouses and distribution centres.
- Tasks such as loading, unloading, and sorting goods are delayed, resulting in extensive backlogs that may take weeks to resolve.
We are actively monitoring shipment routes, rerouting freight where possible, and prioritizing the handling of critical shipments to mitigate delays. Customers are encouraged to adjust shipment timelines, prioritize urgent shipments by coordinating with our team, and rely on regular updates to plan inventory and operations effectively during this period. Freight Systems remains committed to supporting your supply chain needs, ensuring flexibility and reliability even in challenging conditions. If you need any further assistance, please reach out to our customer service or sales team at info@freightsystems.com.
Thank you for your understanding and continued trust in our services.
Regards,
Team Freight Systems