Planning for the Unexpected: Managing Freight During Extreme Weather

April 28 2025
Customised Freight Solutions

Managing Freight During Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events are increasingly prevalent across Australia, presenting challenges such as flash flooding, storms, bushfires, and heatwaves. These occurrences can lead to unexpected disruptions across major freight routes, regional networks, and last-mile deliveries.

Although these events are not daily occurrences, their growing frequency and unpredictability make them a factor for any business involved in freight movement. Whether your operations involve shipping to metro areas, remote communities, or interstate lanes, having a robust strategy to mitigate the impact of weather-related disruptions is essential.

In the past, freight disruptions followed predictable seasonal patterns: fog or icy roads in winter, bushfires in summer. Now we’re seeing out-of-season disruptions more frequently, and in more locations:

Flash flooding in VIC, NSW, and QLD causing road closures and access delays
Bushfires affecting delivery zones outside traditional fire season windows
Storm activity disrupting depot operations and last-mile delivery in metro areas
Landslides and wet-weather road damage in regional and mountainous areas
Heat-related delays or route diversions for sensitive freight or long-haul deliveries

While carriers and providers swiftly adapt to these events, unforeseen delays, service modifications, or suspended pickups can still occur.

What Happens When a Route Is Affected by Weather?

If an area is experiencing extreme weather, carriers will assess the impact and take safety-first action. Depending on the severity, this may result in:

Delays to linehaul or last-mile delivery
Freight being held at a depot until a safe reattempt is possible
Bookings paused or redirected if access is restricted
Service modifications to accommodate network adjustments

These disruptions are typically communicated by carriers in real-time. However, when you’re operating across multiple regions or under tight timelines, even minor delays can cause downstream issues.

Managing Freight Effectively During Disruptions

Although the weather is out of your control, your freight response strategy doesn’t have to be. A few small adjustments can make a significant difference when conditions change quickly.

Key considerations include:

Build a Buffer into Time-Sensitive Deliveries

Where a delivery is deadline-driven or business-critical, consider dispatching a day earlier to reduce risk if conditions change.

Ensure Clear, Accurate Receiver Instructions

Confirm that receiver contact details, site access information, and delivery instructions are up to date, especially for rural or regional locations.

Stay Flexible with Dispatch Dates

If forecasts are suggesting disruption, rescheduling for earlier or later in the week may reduce pressure on carriers and ensure safer delivery.

4. Use Alternate Delivery Sites Where Practical

Having a backup delivery address—such as a nearby depot, customer service centre, or alternate warehouse can allow the freight to be redirected if needed.

5. Stay Informed and Communicate Early

Stay updated via carrier alerts or BOM warnings, and communicate any anticipated access issues or address changes with your freight provider ahead of time.

Know Your High-Risk Zones

Certain regions are more susceptible to weather-related disruptions. If your business regularly sends freight to or from the following areas, planning ahead is especially important:

Northern NSW – flood and storm-prone areas
Eastern VIC – known for landslides and high rainfall zones
Regional QLD – high storm and heat activity
Rural WA and SA – long haul distances with fire risk and limited alternate access

Identifying these risk zones allows for better route planning and more realistic service expectations.

Extreme weather events are difficult to predict, but their impact can be managed with the right preparation. Businesses that remain flexible, communicate early, and plan dispatches around potential disruptions are better positioned to keep freight moving without unnecessary cost or stress.

If you’d like to review your current freight approach or put a seasonal response plan in place, our team can help you map out a strategy that supports both your day-to-day operations and peak risk periods.

Connect with our team to explore solutions tailored to your business needs.