Ice storms, heavy snow and torrential rains are just a few of the weather events that can shut down highways, close ports and disrupt the supply chain. Even just one severe storm can create a ripple effect that leads to missed delivery windows and freight backlogs, followed by a surge in demand once conditions improve. Preparation, flexibility and the right partners can help shippers and fleets minimize the risk of service disruptions to keep freight moving.
Weather’s Grip on Freight
Snow, ice and freezing rain remain among the most challenging weather issues for trucking. Mountain passes close regularly during storms, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires drivers to exercise extreme caution in hazardous conditions, often forcing drivers to park equipment until road conditions improve.
Heavy rain and flooding also create a challenge. High water levels can make roads impassable, while flooding can damage cargo and equipment. Hurricanes and tropical storms pose an even larger threat along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, where port closures, evacuations and widespread power outages can shut down freight movement.
High winds can restrict movement on bridges and exposed highways, particularly for empty or lightly loaded trailers. Wildfires can also close major freight corridors, reducing visibility and affecting both safety and routing. In some areas of the country, extreme heat poses the greatest risk, leading to increased tire failures and engine overheating.
The Cost of Weather Delays
The financial impact of weather disruptions is significant. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. sustained 403 weather and climate disasters from 1980 to 2024 where overall damages/costs reached or exceeded $1 billion. The Federal Highway Administration has reported that weather contributes to a substantial share of congestion and truck delay in major metropolitan areas.
For carriers, delays translate into higher fuel consumption, overtime costs and insurance claims. For shippers, they mean lost sales, production delays and dissatisfied customers. Retailers are especially vulnerable during peak seasons. A storm that delays imports or blocks a regional distribution center can affect an entire holiday sales cycle.
Preparing for an Unstable Operating Environment
For those in the supply chain, the question isn’t whether the weather will create disruptions, but how to be prepared when it does. Penske offers several solutions that can help fleets and shippers increase their resilience and respond quickly when weather disrupts operations.
Leased Trucks and Trailers: Full-service leasing gives fleets access to late-model equipment, data-driven preventive maintenance, 24/7 roadside support, fuel programs, winterization and replacement vehicles. Regular monthly costs support more accurate budgeting and improve financial planning. Learn more.
Rental Trucks and Trailers: When weather damages equipment or creates sudden demand surges, rental trucks and trailers provide fast access to capacity without long-term commitment. Penske's network of more than 2,000 commercial rental locations and one of the newest and largest rental fleets in the industry means equipment is available when and where it is needed. Learn more.
Used Trucks: Used trucks give fleets a cost-effective way to add or replace equipment quickly. With no lengthy build slots or new-model lead times, used trucks can be deployed rapidly to restore capacity after a weather event. Learn more.
Logistics Services: Penske Logistics helps shippers identify alternative routes, access multiple transportation modes, and scale capacity up or down as conditions change. Penske’s technology integrates real-time weather data into routing systems, helping drivers get ahead of delays. Penske also works with customers to identify potential risks and create contingency plans to support faster decision-making and recovery. Learn more.
Equipment Repair: Severe weather significantly increases the risk of collisions and damage, and de-icing chemicals can accelerate corrosion of vehicle panels and components. Penske Collision Repair has 65 locations across the country and can help fleets address collision damage, structural issues, and weather-related wear from snow, ice and road salt. Learn more.