How Freight Brokers Handle Weather Delays

Top Insights

Real-time communication: Use GPS tracking, TMS, and weather-monitoring tools to alert carriers and shippers instantly about delays.
Load reassignment & rerouting: Quickly switch to alternate routes or backup carriers—and even split shipments—to keep freight moving.
Flexible scheduling: Build buffer days and fee waivers into pickup/delivery windows to absorb weather-related disruptions.
Equipment & mode adjustments: Deploy anti-skid tires, chains, insulated trailers, or shift to rail/air when roads are impassable.
Contract contingency clauses: Include force majeure, clear liability terms, and rate‑adjustment provisions for weather events.
Seasonal planning: Pre-book weather‑experienced carriers, stage specialized equipment, and prepare communication templates well in advance.
Thorough documentation: Record all communications and plan changes to support accurate billing and protect against liability.

Nature’s unpredictability can affect the freight industry’s supply chain. Bad weather, from snowstorms to hurricanes, is responsible for 23% of trucking delays. The impact of weather isn’t limited to roads. It can also affect moving freight via air, rail, and sea.

When severe weather hits, it can cause supply chain disruptions. This often leads to missed deadlines, increased costs, and frustrated customers.

This article will explore strategies freight brokers use to handle weather delays in the shipping process.

How Freight Brokers Handle Weather Disruptions in the Supply Chain

Successful freight brokers don’t just react to weather delays. They anticipate and prepare for them. Here are some ways that freight brokers handle these challenges:

Real-time communication with carriers and shippers

GPS tracking, TMS, and tools like WeatherOptics allow brokers to monitor the shipment’s progress and weather conditions in real-time. Whether it’s a storm warning or a road closure, these tools help brokers alert carriers and shippers immediately. Open communication helps set clear expectations and reduces frustration.

Load reassignment and rerouting

When inclement weather blocks a planned route, brokers act fast. They use traffic and route-planning tools to identify alternative routes, even if they take longer. If a primary carrier is delayed, freight can be reassigned to backup carriers.

In some cases, large shipments may be split between multiple logistics providers to ensure that at least part of the freight reaches its destination on time.

Flexible pickup and delivery scheduling

Rather than sticking to rigid delivery times, experienced brokers negotiate more flexible contracts with buffer days built into the timeline. These schedules account for potential delays during storm seasons or winter months.

Brokers may also secure agreements that waive detention, layover, or rescheduling fees. This helps everyone manage costs fairly.

Equipment and transport mode adjustments

When conditions change, brokers adjust the plan.

In winter, that could mean ensuring carriers have anti-skid tires, chains, or insulated trailers. During heat waves, brokers may assign reefers with backup power for temperature-sensitive loads. After floods, flatbeds or dry vans may be chosen for routes with standing water or damaged infrastructure.

If roads are entirely closed, brokers may shift shipments to other modes, like rail, air, or sea, when available. This way, they can reduce delays by avoiding the most affected routes altogether.

The Impact of Weather on Freight Operations

Different regions of the United States face unique weather challenges that create supply chain disruptions. Here’s a breakdown of how various weather events affect the supply chain:

Snow and ice

Snow and ice are responsible for over 50% of all weather-related trucking delays. Winter storms can shut down major highways for days. Ice storms cause widespread power outages that affect freight facilities.

These conditions make driving dangerous and force trucks to slow down or stop altogether. As a result, freeway capacity can drop by 12–27%, and braking distances increase by up to 40%. That means deliveries are delayed, routes are disrupted, and you’ll need to plan carefully to avoid missed deadlines.

Heavy rainfall and flooding

Heavy rain and flooding contribute to 70% of weather-related vehicle crashes, often because of reduced visibility and slippery roads. Rains also affect travel time and can increase it by 5–25%. Delivery delays can even reach 90% in flooded areas.

In a 2021 case, eight inches of rain in just 24 hours shut down over 50 truck routes in Mobile, Alabama. A 2022 flooding also delayed more than 100 shipments by an average of two days.

High winds and severe storms

Strong winds can tip over lightweight trailers, and many trucks shut down completely when winds exceed 65 mph. Even at lower speeds, winds can be dangerous. Crosswinds over 35 mph can significantly reduce a driver’s control, making it harder to keep the truck steady and increasing the risk of accidents.

On a larger scale, hurricanes, tornadoes, and derechos can shut down roads, ports, rail lines, and airports. These events can cost the industry up to $100 million per day.

Fog and low visibility

When visibility drops under 5 feet, safety becomes the priority. Trucks and trains are forced to slow down. This often leads to delayed pickups and missed delivery windows.

Extreme heat

High temperatures can warp rail tracks, forcing trains to slow down or reroute. On the road, heat increases the chance of engine overheating and tire blowouts. The margin for error shrinks for temperature-sensitive loads, like food or pharmaceuticals.

Best Practices Freight Brokers Use to Prepare for Unexpected Delays

These are the strategies freight brokers use to stay ready for weather disruptions, accidents, and supply chain bottlenecks:

Build flexibility into contracts

Brokers work with shippers and carriers to include weather-related contingency clauses in their contracts. This reduces disputes and supports collaboration when delays occur. Key contract terms often include:

Force majeure clauses for protection during extreme weather.
Clear liability definitions for weather-related delays.
Flexible pickup and delivery windows.
Rate adjustments for expedited or rerouted shipments.

Maintain good relationships with drivers

Drivers with a track record of reliability in tough conditions are especially valuable during emergencies. Long-term partnerships built on trust and performance help brokers maintain stability when plans change. You can invest in long-term partnerships by offering:

Fair detention pay for weather-related delays.
Bonus payments for urgent or high-priority shipments.
Quick payment terms.
Steady freight volume during regular operations.

Keep backup carriers on standby

Many freight brokerages use secondary vendors to handle rerouted or delayed shipments. Backup carrier strategies may include:

Regional carriers with local weather expertise.
Multi-modal options across truck, rail, and air.
Emergency agreements for high-priority loads.
Carriers with specialized equipment like reefers, flatbeds, or liftgates.

Leverage technology

Technology helps brokers plan smarter and act faster. From tracking to weather forecasting, modern platforms give brokers the data they need to make informed decisions. Key tools include:

Real-time tracking for load visibility.
Radar maps and predictive analytics for early weather alerts.
TMS integration for dynamic rerouting during poor weather.
Load boards to secure replacement carriers quickly.

Carry out seasonal planning

The most effective brokers don’t wait for bad weather. They prepare months in advance to aid in smooth transportation. Common seasonal preparations include:

Pre-booking carriers with experience in severe weather.
Staging specialized equipment (e.g., insulated trailers, chains) in key locations.
Creating evacuation, storage, or rerouting plans ahead of time.
Preparing customer communication templates for high-volume updates.
Reviewing insurance coverage and updating emergency contact lists.

What should freight brokers do when weather delays occur?

Here’s how you should respond when weather delays strike and threaten on-time delivery.

Assess the situation. Contact the carrier to determine the scope and duration of the delay.
Communicate in a timely manner. Inform the shipper about any potential disruptions that might occur. Proactive communication is key.
Implement contingency plans. Use preplanned alternative solutions like rerouting, reassigning loads, or switching equipment to minimize delays.
Monitor the shipments continuously. Stay alert to changes in weather conditions and traffic updates so you can make quick adjustments if needed.
Document everything. Keep detailed records of all communications and changes to the shipment plan. This documentation supports billing accuracy and helps protect against liability issues.

Accessorial Policy for Weather Delays

Charge	When it applies on weather days	Broker policy guidance
Detention	The driver arrives on time, but the shipping facility is closed or holds the truck due to weather conditions.	Waive or cap the fee if an official force majeure (act of God) is declared. Make sure to document the exact arrival and departure times.
Layover	The driver is forced to stay overnight because the roads are closed due to the weather.	The driver is forced to stay overnight because the roads are closed due to weather conditions.
TONU (Truck Ordered, Not Used)	The truck was ordered and then canceled due to forecast changes.	Use a lower weather-specific cancellation fee (TONU tier) if the cancellation happens very close to the scheduled pickup time.
Redelivery	The facility was closed, or the driver missed their appointment because of the weather, requiring a new delivery attempt the following day.	Pre-approve the range for redelivery fees. Note in the contract who is responsible for paying the fees should facility closures occur.
Reconsginment	If the shipment requires a new route to go around a road closure or weather event.	Quote incremental miles and time. Confirm new route in writing before dispatch.

FAQs

1. Can freight brokers be held responsible for weather-related shipment delays?

In most cases, freight brokers are not liable for shipment delays caused by weather, especially when a force majeure clause is included in the contract. This clause protects the broker from liability when unforeseen events, like storms, floods, or natural disasters, affect delivery.

However, if a broker fails to communicate promptly, provide updates, or take reasonable steps to minimize disruption, they could risk damaging relationships or even facing claims.

2. How do weather delays affect broker earnings or margins?

Weather delays typically affect broker profitability through increased operational costs and potential liability for missed deliveries. These extra costs include detention fees, expedited shipping rates, and communication expenses.

However, some brokers also enjoy increased revenue due to higher demand for their business and expedited solutions. They can request premium pricing for their reliability and service quality.

Final Thoughts

Weather-related delays are unavoidable in the freight industry, but how you respond to them can make all the difference. Skilled freight brokers are essential in keeping shipments moving, even when nature causes unexpected issues.

Proactive planning, effective communication, solid contingency plans, and other strategies covered in this article can help you reduce the impact of unexpected delays or avoid them altogether.

These delays are one of many challenges freight brokers have to overcome. The 90-Day Freight Broker Course gives you practical tips and insights that’ll help you build and run a successful brokerage.

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