Winter in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) means heavy snowfall, icy roadways, cold temperatures and un-predictable weather. All of which pose logistical challenges for the movement of large equipment and the distribution of medical supplies. Companies that move heavy equipment or medical supplies need to make preparations to minimize delays and prevent disruptions to their operation.
This article will explain how the GTA’s winter affects the logistics of moving large equipment and provide some practical ways to keep your operation running smoothly.
Challenges of moving large equipment in the GTA during winter months.
All aspects of logistics are affected by the winter weather. Even if a company has made arrangements to have their equipment delivered; bad Road conditions can still cause delays. Some of the biggest challenges include:
- Reduced visibility due to snow fall
- Traveling on black ice creates hazardous conditions for all travelers
- Traffic congestion resulting from snow clearing operations
- Closed roads and accidents resulting from the weather
- Increased fuel consumption during cold weather
- Poorly functioning equipment in low temperature environments.
Placing a focus on Planning ahead is key to minimizing potential disruption.
Delays due to transportation issues
Transportation delays are one of the most visible effects of the harsh winter weather. Heavy snow fall can severely limit the ability of trucks to travel at normal speed and/or distance. Icy roads require truckers to drive slower than normal to safely navigate them. Time-sensitive shipments may want to consider having a buffer built into their shipment schedule.
Ways to minimize delays:
- Track local weather forecasts daily.
- Consider scheduling delivery early if possible.
- Provide enough time for the trip.
- Use qualified winter drivers who have experience driving under poor Road conditions.
- Communicate with the end user regarding any changes to the delivery process.
A solid shipping schedule can help prevent frustration and build confidence among the users of the products being shipped.
Protecting your equipment from cold temperatures
Many different types of equipment can suffer damage during the shipment process due to cold temperatures. Hydraulic systems, batteries, electronic control systems and certain medical devices are especially susceptible. Protecting these types of equipment requires special attention to detail prior to shipment.
Methods of protecting your equipment from cold temperatures include:
- Insulated coverings
- Protection from moisture
- Inspecting the equipment before it leaves.
- Checking the condition of the batteries
- Specialized packaging to protect fragile items.
Taking precautions will greatly reduce the chance that your equipment will be damaged during shipment.
Vehicle maintenance is important
Extreme cold poses an added burden on all vehicles used for deliveries. Fleets delivering goods in extreme cold should perform routine vehicle inspections to insure they are operating safely and reliably. Examples of important vehicle maintenance activities include:
- Installing winter tires on delivery vehicles.
- Conducting brake system inspections
- Testing the batteries in each vehicle
- Checking engine coolants
- Replacing windshield wipers
- Equipping vehicles with Emergency roadside service kits.
Regular vehicle maintenance can help prevent unplanned mechanical failures during extreme weather conditions.
Logistics of medical supplies during winter
Medical supply logistics is much more exacting than other forms of logistics because people are relying on those medical supplies for health reasons. This dependency on timely delivery makes it even more imperative that a company that provides medical equipment in Brampton has a good working relationship with its logistics provider. When families are looking for Hospital bed rental services in North York, they should look for companies that have dependable winter delivery schedules and Emergency response capabilities. Reliable logistics ensures that individuals can receive necessary treatment uninterrupted.
Typically, companies providing medical supplies prepare by:
- Having two sets of vehicles available for Emergency situations,
- Continuously monitoring weather conditions,
- Giving priority to deliveries that meet immediate medical needs,
- Keeping excess inventory available,
- Providing customers with flexible scheduling options.
By taking these proactive steps, a company can ensure that patients’ health care continues uninterrupted throughout the entire winter season.
More important than ever—warehouse management
While the winter weather does present challenges related to transportation; it also presents unique challenges for warehousing. Prior to any major snow storm, businesses typically raise their inventory levels so that there is no shortage of product once the business returns to normal.
Warehouses can take advantage of these challenges by using:
- Easier loading/unloading methods
- Temperature controlled indoor storage areas for perishable items
- Equipment and personnel preparedness for removing snow/ice from doorways/walkways/loading docks etc.,
- Safety considerations around loading docks,
- More frequent inventory checks.
Better managed warehouses help reduce losses when transportation times are longer.
Focus on driver safety
During winters in the GTA, drivers are exposed to numerous hazards while making deliveries. Organizations should invest in educating their drivers on defensive driving techniques for winter conditions, as this will contribute to fewer accidents and less downtime for deliveries.
Winter driving education programs for Organizations can include:
- Safe defensive driving techniques during snowy/icy conditions,
- Correct usage of snow chains in required locations,
- Communication procedures for emergencies,
- Management of Fatigue,
- Adjustment of routes based upon current weather conditions,
Education of staff members helps protect themselves and others from harm.