Logistics Industry Worldwide
The logistics industry is a very large sector that reached a volume of 16.52 billion dollars in 2023, growing by 5.5%. Considering that there has never been a period in human history where trade has been so dynamic and chaotic, it is necessary for the tools needed to manage logistics operations to develop.
This necessity can be attributed to the growth of artificial intelligence tools used in logistics by 19.4% annually, reaching 2.6 billion dollars in 2023. With such rapid growth, the digital logistics sector is expected to reach a volume of 77.52 billion dollars in 2030. Operational problems that may occur in a sector that affects so many people can lead to significant revenue loss and customer dissatisfaction.
How Much Loss Does Weather Create in the Logistics Industry?
Weather can cost the logistics industry up to $3.5 billion annually and is responsible for almost 25% of all truck delays. Snow and ice account for more than 50% of all weather-related delays and are a significant risk factor.
Weather not only affects the ability of logistics companies to deliver products, but also the safety of drivers and everyone on the road. It is known that about 21% of all vehicle accidents are related to weather conditions, with 70% of these occurring on wet roads and 46% occurring while it is raining.
How Does Weather Cause Problems in the Logistics Industry?
Delays are not only caused by unusual weather events such as hurricanes and sudden rainstorms. Daily weather events such as temperature changes or heavy rain can negatively affect the operational process of logistics companies if not managed properly.
Heavy Snowfall
Snow accumulation causes roads to become slippery and dangerous, leading to traffic slowing down or coming to a complete stop. In blizzard conditions, visibility is reduced, making it difficult for drivers to see the road ahead or other vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents. If snow removal efforts are not done at a sufficient speed, roads can be closed.
Floods and Heavy Rainfall
Floods make roads impassable, forcing trucks to take alternative routes and be redirected. Heavy rainfall reduces visibility and increases the likelihood of tire skidding, leading to accidents.
Frozen Roads and Freezing Rain
Icy roads are one of the most dangerous conditions for all vehicles, including large trucks. Slippery roads can cause trucks to slide. Freezing rain can cause ice to build up on the vehicle itself, affecting mechanics and adding weight. Under normal conditions, even the shortest and easiest drives can become dangerous and unsafe for drivers
Severe Winds
High winds can disrupt the balance of trucks. Controlling them, especially on bridges or long stretches of open highway, can be difficult for drivers. High-profile trucks, such as those carrying empty trailers, are at a higher risk of overturning due to the large areas in contact with the wind.
Extreme Temperatures
Exposure to high temperatures can cause the engine to overheat, especially if not properly maintained. Hot weather also softens the asphalt, making the roads filled with potholes or grooves, which can be dangerous for heavy vehicles. The expansion of gas in the tires of trucks and the increase in road temperature can cause them to explode. In addition, operational processes in cold chain transportation should always be managed taking into account extreme temperatures.
Buluttan Weather Intelligence: A Strategic Partner for Your Logistics and Micro Logistics Operations
Buluttan Weather Intelligence enables you to access reliable and timely meteorological information for the protection of your fleet and products, thanks to high-accuracy and high-resolution hyper-local weather forecasts. With models that can reach up to 100m resolution, your assets are safer than ever against unexpected weather events.
With the Buluttan API, you can have the meteorological parameters you need provided to you at regular intervals. You can also have the opportunity to verify a past extreme weather event for your insured products in case of any damage.
With the Buluttan SkyWatch, your micro logistics operations personnel can access a web-based and mobile-compatible severe weather control panel while managing logistics operations. Through this panel, they can observe hyper-local weather risks in real-time, understand where, when, and how severe the risks will be, monitor real-time radar images, and adjust their operations according to weather conditions, taking proactive measures against future extreme weather events.
With the Buluttan Map Layer, you can notify both your drivers and dispatchers of real-time weather risks on the road and develop proactive approaches against them in your logistics operations.
