How Hurricane Season Can Impact Intermodal Transportation

Hurricane season officially started on June 1 and continues through the end of November. Coincidentally, the peak of transportation season coincides with this time as well. After Labor Day, we head into the holiday season when an influx of shipping and freight transportation occurs. Unfortunately, hurricane season can impact intermodal transportation due to the extreme weather conditions that go along with it. Read on to learn more about what can be affected within intermodal transport during this hurricane season and why.

Ship, Rail, & Trucking Issues

Hurricanes can bring varying levels of rainfall, causing unsatisfactory conditions to travel and, most drastically, flooding. Rainy, windy conditions can cause issues for each step in the intermodal transportation process. Ships, trains, and trucks can all be put off track in the event of a hurricane. Ships may be unable to sail due to stormy weather and changes in sea levels. Railroads can be disrupted by warped and washed-out tracks, unsafe visibility levels, and high winds affecting locomotive stability. Truck driving can be affected by high winds, rainfall, and potential flooding. Floods may cause trucks to be unable to follow a standard route, and heavy rain and wind can present hazards while driving. Damage to roads and bridges could also prevent the shipment from following its typical path. If one step in the intermodal transportation process is disrupted, it can cause the following step to be delayed, ultimately resulting in untimely delivery.

Closures and Power Outages

In the event of a severe hurricane, ports, depots, rails, and roads can all become damaged or closed. Although this scenario is not ideal, halting labor may be the only way to keep all workers in these service locations safe. Closures can result from power outages, which are highly likely during hurricane season due to extreme rainfall and powerful winds. Unfortunately, if ports or terminals are closed, this can result in a backup of freight shipping. Shipping containers may be held up at specific locations in the intermodal process, which can cause a strain on the shippers as well as the receivers.

Financial Impact

The financial impact due to hurricane season can also significantly affect the transportation industry. The shift in supply and demand can result in higher costs of transporting goods, impacting the intermodal transportation industry, distributors, and many retail outlets. Fuel prices and shipping costs also increase in the event of a hurricane, which can greatly impact profit margins. Fuel can even become scarce during the time of a natural disaster, which can lead to delays and shortages for intermodal transport.

Prevention

Logistics and transportation organizations must prepare and plan for a hurricane or other extreme weather conditions. Weather intelligence software can be immensely beneficial, predicting the outcome of weather events days and weeks in advance. Although no one cannot change the weather or its impacts, businesses can adapt to these conditions and make sure they are as prepared as possible. Clear communication, support teams, attention to the road, rail, and shipping conditions, as well as ensuring all equipment is running correctly can increase your chances of a successful logistics plan.

Although hurricane season can occasionally throw a wrench into the intermodal transportation process, it is vital to be aware of the impacts and struggles companies can encounter. Here At Northstar Transport Services, our mission is to provide the highest quality transportation service to our customers. We realize that through the implementation of strategic company goals that focus on service, we can do the best job of meeting our customer’s requirements in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. For more information, visit Northstar Transport Services.

Intermodal Truck Driving Safety Tips

Intermodal truck driving can be a great career choice that pays off well. However, ensuring you are as safe as possible while on the road is crucial. Responsible driving benefits you as the driver but also everyone on the road around you. Read on to discover more safety tips and precautions to follow while driving a truck!

1. Check the Forecast

Harsh weather conditions can happen at any time. This is especially concerning when traveling in a vehicle, especially a truck. Before heading to your destination, check the forecast for threatening weather conditions. Consider taking detours if the weather obstructs your travel path. Even in the rain, you should take precautions and drive slower. If you are suddenly confronted with severe weather, pull to the side of the road and wait until it passes. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

2. Buckle up

This safety tip is simple but can also be the difference between life and death. No matter how far you travel, remember to fasten your seatbelt. Even if you practice safe driving techniques, you can never predict the actions of others. Wearing your seatbelt can reduce the chance of death in a car crash by 45%. A second “click” can save your life.

3. Keep alert

Long road trips can seem endless and may cause drowsiness if you’re not well rested. Do you have heavy eyes? Yawning too much? Don’t be afraid to pull over if so. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Always stay alert and make sure you are not fatigued. If you are, it is crucial to pull over and relax until you feel awake again. If you are a full-time driver, you probably drive 40-50 plus hours a week and sometimes more than eight plus a day. Make sure to get enough sleep before your trips to avoid drowsy driving.

4. Blind spots

Checking blind spots every 5-10 seconds is critical. Especially in a large vehicle like a truck, you have less visibility of your surroundings. Always be aware of others on the road. Unlike a typical vehicle’s blindsight, your truck's blind spots include behind your truck, along each side, below the cab of your car, and one behind. If you are changing lanes or turning, always check carefully before moving.

5. No distractions

Staring at the road for an extended period of time may seem tedious. Still, it is imperative to stay focused and not deter yourself from concentrating on your surroundings—distractions such as cell phones and eating while on the road can do just this. When 100% of your focus isn’t on the road, you are already putting yourself and others at risk of a possible collision. Taking a break can be good for concentration, so sit back and relax while pulled over instead of risking your safety on the road.

6. No need to speed

No matter the reason, don’t speed! Trucks are not made to be racecars or fast-driving vehicles overall. When approaching turns, ensure you are going at a safe speed to avoid losing control of your truck. Always be aware of the car in front of you when braking, and maintain a safe braking distance to avoid a collision. A truck’s stopping distance is equivalent to almost two football fields, nearly 200 yards. Driving at a safe speed can reduce the likelihood of losing control and posing a danger to yourself and others on the road.

7. Safety Checks

Last but certainly not least, before you get on the road, perform safety checks on your truck to ensure safe travel. Check your tire pressure before driving and ensure you have the proper tools for opening and closing your vehicle. Tools like the OPNbar can reduce injury and help avoid strain while opening and closing your doors.

Before you hit the road, think of these safety tips as an intermodal truck driver. They can save your life and others around you. Northstar is here to help. Visit our website by clicking here to view resources, including road regulations and fuel prices, and find general information on intermodal truck driving. Are you interested in joining our team? We offer steady year-round work and other great benefits for all of our drivers. Learn more information here!

Perks of Being an Intermodal Truck Driver

Intermodal trucking is an excellent job option for truck drivers looking for a change of pace or those looking to enter truck driving as a career. There are many perks to intermodal truck driving that drivers may not experience when exploring other trucking jobs, such as over-the-road trucking. One of the main benefits of intermodal truck driving is that it allows for shorter trips that can be completed in one day or less. These trips typically include making stops at stores, distribution centers, farms, or processing facilities. Driving from these businesses usually adheres to the same schedule as the employees at these facilities, so drivers generally work between the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. With over-the-road truck driving, you may spend days to weeks on the road, driving hundreds to thousands of miles. Read on to discover more perks of the intermodal truck driving profession!

A Healthy Work-Life Balance

Intermodal truck driving promotes a healthy balance between work and life and provides flexible scheduling options, a competitive salary, and dependable home time. Most of the time, this can not be said for other truck driving jobs. An intermodal truck driver permits time for drivers to be parents, find new hobbies, exercise, and much more. In addition, drivers are home enough to care for their family and any pets they may have, which makes being an intermodal truck driver that much better.

Most transportation with intermodal trucking does not involve hands-on deliveries, so drivers spend more time on the road and less time waiting around loading dock stations. This takes the pressure off many truck drivers, considering the low labor aspect of the job. In addition, containers can be efficiently dropped off and picked up in the yard, so drivers do not have to spend extensive time parking and waiting to load and unload their cargo.

Intermodal Truck Driver Compensation

Depending on experience, most intermodal truck drivers earn around $70,000, and the highest earners can make approximately $90,000 annually. Regional drivers generally earn more than local drivers. That being said, an intermodal truck driver’s salary is excellent for supporting a family. To become an intermodal truck driver, a person must graduate high school or get a GED and pass their state’s standard driver’s license exam. Then, they must complete professional truck driving training and earn a commercial motor vehicle license (CDL). After that, drivers can then apply for truck driving jobs! After the interview, some companies may require extra courses, but after all qualifications are met, they can get started driving.

A More Sustainable World

The sustainability of intermodal truck driving is another great bonus of the job. Transporting goods using intermodal methods can reduce the carbon footprint of shipping companies, while over-the-road trucking can be a significant source of pollution. Intermodal truck driving combines with rail travel, which ultimately reduces emissions. Also, railways and cargo ships used to transport large volumes of cargo yield less CO2 emissions than over-the-road trucking. The containers used for intermodal transport are made of durable materials designed to increase space efficiency and eliminate the need for single-use packing materials. Having a job that focuses on being more eco-friendly is a movement we are seeing now more than ever.

Many truck drivers prefer a more consistent schedule that keeps them close to home, which is why intermodal truck driving could be the perfect option! Because most routes include short hauls between local warehouses and shipyards or rail yards, there’s no long-distance hauling involved. Intermodal truck drivers typically stay in a small vicinity, meaning fewer hours on the road, fewer nights away from home, and more time to spend with friends and family! This profession also provides increased security, cost savings, and a reduced environmental footprint for companies.

Here at Northstar Transport Services, we specialize in Local, Regional & Over the Road, Full Containers, Reefer Containers, Hazardous Materials, Heavy Overweight Containers, Transload Services, United States Customs and Border Protection Bonded Carrier, Owned Fleet of 40’ & 20’ Chassis, and Specialized Tri-Axle for Overweight Containers. We focus on doing the best job of meeting our customers’ requirements in the most efficient and cost-effective manner with the same value-added service they have come to expect! For more information, visit our website.