When you run an e-commerce logistics and delivery business, one of the most challenging times for drivers is during the winter. Harsh conditions like snow, wind, and rain pose a host of difficulties that can affect the entire supply chain. This makes it important to understand the challenges of deliveries during periods of snow and ice, as well as tips that can help you minimize disruption.
What Are Some of the Main Challenges of Winter Weather to Delivery Drivers?
It Can Cause Transportation Delays
Snow, sleet, and ice make roads treacherous and dangerous, with accidents more likely to occur. To combat this, drivers have to take routes much slower or wait for conditions to improve, causing delays in deliveries.
The Solution? Anticipating and Preparing for the Weather Where You Work
One of the most important things you can do to help your staff and keep deliveries on track is to prepare the area you work in for the winter weather conditions. Buy solutions for icy conditions online, such as a grit bin and de-icing salt, caution signs so people know the snow and ice, and equipping your staff with safety wellingtons and high-vis jackets. This can help to stop accidents from occurring.
It Happens During a Time of Increased Demand
Winter coincides with events such as Christmas and Black Friday when demand for deliveries is at an all-time high. This surge in demand can strain warehouses and delivery systems, made even worse when you factor in weather-related disruptions too.
Goods Are Unable to Come In
Severe weather will also impact goods coming in from other countries that then need to be transported by logistics drivers. Flights can be canceled or delayed, impacting air cargo shipments, and port operations can also be affected by the weather. Winter supply chain demands can be tricky at the best of times, and bad weather doesn’t help.
Injuries Can Lead to Time Off
If staff are injured in the weather, such as from getting in an accident in their vehicle or slipping on ice, this can lead to them needing time off. This can cause you to be short-staffed and an even greater strain on your company.
How Can These Issues Be Helped?
Luckily, while the weather can cause issues, there are things you can do to mitigate the impact it has. This includes:
Improving Communication
Ensure you speak to your staff members about what the plan is and offer help where you can. Have them also communicate with those on all points of the logistics system so everyone knows if there will be delays and what to expect. This helps manage expectations.
Provide Additional Training for Staff
In addition to the above, another good idea is sending your staff for training so they know what to do in winter conditions. This could be training to help them navigate the roads and know what to do in an emergency, as well as first aid.
By understanding and planning for winter weather challenges, e-commerce logistics and delivery businesses can maintain efficiency and protect customer satisfaction, even in the harshest conditions.
