How Cold Weather Impacts Supply Chains — And How L&M Keeps Freight Moving Smoothly

L&M Keeps Supply Chains Moving in Cold Weather

How Cold Weather Impacts Supply Chains — And How L&M Keeps Freight Moving Smoothly

Winter weather can be unpredictable — sudden temperature drops, snowstorms, icy roads, and equipment strain can bring even the most resilient supply chains to a halt. For many industries, delays aren’t just inconvenient; they’re costly. At L&M Distribution and Logistics, we know that reliable freight movement is non-negotiable, no matter the forecast.

Here’s a look at how cold weather impacts shipping operations — and how L&M keeps freight moving safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

How Cold Weather Disrupts Supply Chains

1. Hazardous Road Conditions

Snow and ice create dangerous driving environments, leading to slower travel times, accidents, and intermittent road closures. This affects everything from long-haul trucking routes to last-mile deliveries.

2. Equipment and Vehicle Challenges

Cold weather can cause:

  • Diesel fuel gelling
  • Dead batteries
  • Frozen air lines
  • Reduced tire traction
  • Cooling system strain

These issues can sideline equipment unexpectedly if not proactively managed.

3. Slower Warehouse Operations

Extreme cold impacts loading docks, forklifts, and worker efficiency. Weather can also delay inbound shipments, creating bottlenecks for outbound freight.

4. Temperature-Sensitive Freight Risks

Products like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals can suffer from freezing temperatures if they’re not properly protected during transit. Maintaining strict temperature control becomes more challenging — and more essential — in winter.

5. Higher Likelihood of Transit Delays

Severe storms can cause:

  • Airport shutdowns
  • Port delays
  • Carrier capacity strain
  • Missed appointments

Even small delays early in the chain can create ripple effects across downstream operations.

How L&M Keeps Freight Moving — Even in Harsh Winter Conditions

At L&M Distribution and Logistics, we combine experience, preparation, and real-time monitoring to keep our customers’ supply chains running smoothly all winter long.

1. Proactive Weather Monitoring

Our team tracks weather patterns across all lanes and origin/destination points. This allows us to:

  • Adjust routes before storms hit
  • Schedule pickups earlier or later to avoid delays
  • Keep customers updated with real-time ETAs

Planning ahead is key — and we don’t wait for problems to appear before acting.

2. Winterized Fleet and Equipment

We maintain strict winter-readiness standards, including:

  • Engine block heaters
  • Fuel additives to prevent gelling
  • Regular battery and tire checks
  • Heated trailer options for sensitive freight
  • Preventive maintenance schedules tailored for cold conditions

This minimizes downtime and keeps equipment running safely.

3. Skilled Drivers Trained for Winter Operations

Our professional drivers receive ongoing training to navigate winter hazards confidently and safely. From speed management to securement checks to route adjustments, they know how to keep freight protected and on time.

4. Flexible Routing and Load Planning

Winter demands flexibility. Our operations team:

  • Identifies alternative routes
  • Coordinates with shippers and receivers to adjust appointment times
  • Rebalances loads to maintain schedules

This agility helps prevent small issues from snowballing into costly delays.

5. Strong Communication at Every Step

Customers never have to wonder where their freight is. L&M provides:

  • Transparent updates
  • Fast response times
  • Proactive issue alerts
  • Accurate ETA adjustments

Clear communication ensures you can make decisions confidently, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

6. Protective Solutions

For cold-sensitive shipments, L&M offers:

  • Blanket-wrapped freight options
  • Continuous temperature monitoring
  • Fast transit lanes for critical items

Your products stay protected from freezing temperatures the entire journey.

Winter Doesn’t Have to Slow Your Supply Chain

Cold weather may pose challenges, but with the right logistics partner, you can overcome them with ease. At L&M Distribution and Logistics, we’re committed to keeping your freight moving safely and reliably, no matter how harsh the winter gets.

If your supply chain needs a partner who understands winter logistics and delivers peace of mind season after season, L&M is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule winter shipments or learn more about our logistics solutions.