Hurricane Irma: Florida Transportation Update by Mode
Across all modes, you can expect changes and delays for pick-up and delivery as well as likely rerouting through this week.
Truckload
- As seen during Hurricane Harvey, after the storm hits, we anticipate that flooding will be a major issue and will impact all modes of transportation, including truckload. Congestion is already an issue and will continue to be for some time.
Intermodal / Rail Operations
- Intermodal providers have suspended or embargoed service into and out of Florida, Charleston, and Savannah depending on route.
- Drayage carriers in Atlanta will be officially closed until further notice. Still pending confirmation on ramp closures in Atlanta.
Less-than-Truckload (LTL)
- LTL terminals in Florida are closed. The closures and limited service will continue to impact the region through this week. Additional terminals in Alabama, Georgia and
South Carolina are beginning to see disruptions as well.
Global Forwarding – Ocean and Air Shipping
- All ports in Florida and Georgia are closed until further notice.
The Port of Charleston remains open and will continue to monitor the storm as it moves north.
With regard to air shipping, there are flight cancellations throughout the region; most airline cargo operations in Florida will be closed Monday and will likely be limited through the remainder of the week. - The majority of airlines have also placed embargoes on cargo shipments to/from/through locations within the Caribbean and Florida. The affected airport locations include:
- Caribbean: Antigua, Nassau (Bahamas), Providenciales (Turks and Caicos), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Saint Kitts, St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), Saint-Martin
- Florida: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Melbourne, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota, Tampa
- One airline has also placed an embargo on truck freight originating in Atlanta outbound to locations in Florida.
SE Texas & Houston Transportation Update
Recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey continue throughout the regions that endured the storm. At this point, businesses are reopening and recovery efforts will continue in the weeks ahead.
Pick-up and delivery delays as well as possible rerouting are all still common occurrences. In addition, fuel surges and cost increases continue to be seen and are impacting transportation
costs. The biggest concern in the affected areas continue to be the quickly changing landscape as well as significant congestion around ports, terminals and beyond.
- Rail terminals are open and rail companies continue to make improvements to return to normal operating conditions. Service delays should be expected through this week.
- DAT is reporting that spot market freight rates are continuing to increase on loads in a variety of areas including lanes into and out of the affected region. Inbound and outbound shipments are beginning to increase, however road congestion continues to be a challenge in the area.
- LTL terminals in the Houston area are continuing to work toward being fully operational. The limited service will continue to impact the region at least through this week.
- Houston Hobby Airport and IAH have re-opened. Freight cargo operations have resumed beyond general, domestic cargo.
- Port Houston has resumed operations. One shipping line has declared a force majeure; this may result in all cargo on that vessel being unloaded at a different port at this time.
