WATCH NOW
Mitigating the impact of these events requires both some preemptive strategies and responsive tactics .
Before severe weather strikes , you should be sure to know your supply chain comprehensively , from top to bottom , so you understand how each piece may be impacted by disruption of any other piece .
You also need to assess year-round and seasonal risks for each of your lanes , facilities and suppliers .
Just as importantly , you need to build strong relationships with transportation providers to increase the likelihood of a positive response in times of crisis . On top of this , also source backup transportation options and identify alternative routes wherever possible throughout your supply chain .
During a weather event , be sure to communicate consistently and clearly with your end customers , to set realistic expectations for deliveries and maintain strong relationships .
Also , work with an experienced 3PL who can tap into a vast transportation network at a moment ’ s notice to help you control costs while meeting your evolving capacity needs .
And – if you want to be proactive about mitigation – work to reduce your carbon footprint by optimising your modal mix and eliminating empty miles . The more shippers who take direct action to cut down on emissions , the more effectively we can slow climate change and protect supply chain stability globally .
ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF ?
» Start developing relationships with global organisations as early as possible and commit time and energy to keeping them up .
The stronger and deeper these relationships are , the more reliably you can lean on them to help build a disaster response infrastructure and the more readily you can turn to them for urgent assistance in times of need .
supplychaindigital . com 19