From November through the end of April, the transportation industry in the northernmost U.S. states undergoes a stark transformation.
The winter weather conditions that set in during these months have a direct impact on freight transportation. Not only are rates affected, truckers must be extra cautious when driving in challenging conditions.inter weather events can cause significant delays.
For shippers that don’t understand the nuances of this seasonal shift (or how to avoid unnecessary price hikes), it could be a cold, dark winter indeed.
Here at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), our decades in this industry have given us a strong understanding of how each season impacts normal transportation operations.
And while the winter logistics landscape may seem unrecognizable compared to warmer months, we can attest that below its frozen surface, it’s not so inhospitable after all.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this industry during the U.S.’s coldest months. You'll walk away feeling confident in your ability to stay nimble in the face of higher rates or unexpected delays due to winter weather.
So, bundle up in your warmest winter coat (or flannel jammies, we won’t judge) and let's get started!
What Happens to the Trucking Industry During Winter?
The impact of winter weather on the trucking industry comes down to location, location, location.
Much of the American West, South, and Southeast doesn’t experience winter the way the Northeast, Northwest, and Midwestern states do. Shippers moving freight in these warmer climates are unlikely to think twice about weather-related considerations during the winter months.
But in the states where winter is synonymous with major snowstorms, perilous road conditions, and below-zero temperatures, shippers must anticipate delays, increased costs, and other seasonal challenges to their supply chains.
Because the transportation industry is essentially a complex web of interwoven networks, the ripple effect of supply chain disruptions can reach businesses well beyond the immediately affected areas. Regardless of where you’re located, it’s important that you understand how winter impacts freight transportation in various parts of our country.
The four largest reasons winter makes it difficult to ship freight — particularly in and around the Northern states — are:
1. Lack of Sunlight
As we edge closer to December 21 — the winter solstice — the sun sets earlier and earlier, shortening our days into long winter nights.
Not only does this have an impact on our collective psyche (raise your hand if you’re going to work and coming home in the dark every day), it also impacts the trucking industry.
Heavy haul truck drivers — and, by extension, shippers of heavy haul freight — will feel the effects of this the most. While oversize (OS) and overweight (OW) travel restrictions vary from state to state, the vast majority limit movement to daylight hours.
OSOW movement already requires permitting and other considerations like route surveys, so this seasonal shrinking of travel windows is just another challenge shippers must contend with.
You can therefore expect the movement of over-dimensional (OD) freight to slow down as winter arrives.
In fact, timelines for all types of freight are more likely to expand during this time of year. Less sunlight also means decreased visibility, forcing truckers to take greater caution behind the wheel.
Safety should be a priority for you and your carriers year-round, so it’s hard to begrudge drivers for practicing responsible driving habits.
Instead of expecting freight to move as expeditiously as it does in the summer, plan to widen your transit windows as the days progressively shorten this winter. Doing so will help you meet deadlines and avoid the frustration of unexpected supply chain slow-downs.
2. Extreme Cold
If you’ve ever been to a northern state between November and April, you know that “cold” up north is a very different beast than “cold” elsewhere in the country.
In the heart of Minnesota, for example, it’s not uncommon to wake up to temperatures well below -10°F. It’s enough to make anyone want to play hooky from work and stay bundled cozily in bed — but for truck drivers, these temperatures can be downright dangerous.
Below-zero temperatures are associated with other weather events like snow and ice storms (which we’ll explore further below) that make the roads treacherous for drivers. And as the weather dips down into the -10°F to -30°F range, semi-tractors are also at an increased risk for engine problems and issues with other internal systems.
These are massive machines not necessarily built to operate under extreme cold conditions, much less operate at peak safety and efficiency. This, in combination with other hazards such as decreased visibility due to blowing snow, increases the chances of accidents and breakdowns.
As a result, truckers often find it difficult to get the most out of their allotted Hours of Service (HOS) in the wintertime, and may be hesitant to drive in winter weather conditions like extreme cold due to the heightened potential for mechanical issues.
For these reasons, it’s a safe bet to plan for the price of moving freight into and around the northern and eastern U.S. to rise in winter. That’s true of all types of freight and trailers, but especially loads that require special services like freeze protection or tarping open-deck cargo.
The colder the temperatures on your route become, the more expensive those extra considerations will become; the frigid temps make it that much more difficult for transportation providers to complete these services.
3. Unpredictable Weather
In locations like the upper Midwest, Northeast, and Northwest, winter can be brutal and unpredictable, a season synonymous with blizzards, harsh winds, and roads slick with ice.
It goes without saying that these weather conditions can be dangerous for truckers and the motoring public — danger that must be taken seriously by transportation providers and shippers alike.
But it also presents a real logistical challenge, as transporting freight safely in these conditions requires slower driving, the anticipation of increased traffic, and literal roadblocks due to weather-related closures.
And while transportation providers make it their business to be prepared for everything, even the most proactive partner can do little to mitigate a rapid-onset snowstorm.
Truckers may get stuck in slowed or stand-still traffic during major winter storms, which eats away at their HOS and limits their ability to operate at peak efficiency.
For this reason, your freight is more likely to experience delays and failures during the winter months in affected states. But that doesn’t mean failure is guaranteed.
Giving your transportation provider advanced notice of any loads you’ll need moved and staying flexible regarding elements like pickup and dropoff windows will help you stay ahead of whatever the forecast has in store.
Still, it’s best to assume your freight rates will rise if you absolutely must move freight within states experiencing extreme winter weather. Even with ample notice and a rock-solid contingency plan, there’s a cost to doing business when Mother Nature is waging wintery war.
4. Challenging Driving Conditions
As you’ve undoubtedly gathered over the last three points, winter is synonymous with risk for truck drivers.
Icy roads, blowing snow, and low visibility create a potent recipe for incidents — especially when hauling 40,000 pounds or more of freight.
To keep themselves and the motoring public safe during winter, truck drivers must slow down, exercise caution, and use their best judgment to determine whether to stay on the road or stop and wait out challenging conditions.
Transportation into areas with poor driving conditions (especially mountainous regions, where the roads are winding and the risk of avalanches and falling ice are greatly increased) will cost more than it would in more seasonable months.
It will also take longer. Shipments will travel unhurriedly through affected regions-- a necessary precaution that keeps everyone (and your freight) safe — and may have to be re-routed to account for road and bridge closures due to snow and ice.
Ultimately, this means shippers should be prepared to be patient. If you’re concerned that the winter months may usher in a season of decreased visibility into your freight’s movements, you’ll benefit from taking advantage of your provider’s load tracking capabilities.
This technology will allow you to keep tabs on where your shipments are and when, so you can update consignees and other stakeholders accordingly.
Avoid Winter Shipping Woes
Just as the winter months change the way we dress, decorate, and celebrate, winter weather has a profound effect on the trucking industry.
Factors like lack of sunlight, extreme cold, unpredictable weather, and challenging road conditions all play a role in delaying shipments and raising freight costs. For shippers, understanding these seasonal obstacles is key to maintaining operational efficiency.
By preparing for slower transit times and potential delays — and collaborating closely with your transportation providers — you can better navigate these challenges and keep your supply chain moving. Stay proactive, and you'll be well-equipped to handle whatever the season throws your way.
If you’re hoping to attack this winter head-on and cement your company among the most reliable suppliers in the business, try out these five tactics for avoiding winter delays. You’ll walk away with an actionable plan for adapting and succeeding in freight transportation, even in the harshest of winters.
