Contingency Logistics 101: Rerouting Ocean Freight & Trucking During Hurricane Disruptions
Even the best-laid supply-chain plans can be derailed by unexpected storm impacts. When hurricanes threaten Puerto Rico, having a robust contingency logistics playbook is critical to keep inventory moving and avoid costly delays.
Eagle Logistics Systems is your gateway service provider during hurricane season. As an NVOCC and forwarder, we coordinate directly with ocean carriers, motor carriers, and drayage providers to reroute cargo dynamically, ensuring essential goods arrive when and where they are needed.
1. Assess & Map Your Critical Lanes
Key Actions:
Identify Vulnerable Ports: San Juan, Ponce and Mayagüez each have different exposure levels to storm surge and wind damage.
Prioritize High-Value & Time-Sensitive Shipments: Pharmaceuticals, fresh produce and industrial parts require alternate, less-exposed corridors.
Chart Secondary Routes: Consider diverting inbound ocean containers to Jacksonville for temporary storage, then forwarding via LTL carriers Puerto Rico or consolidated freight shipping Puerto Rico once ports reopen.
2. Secure Alternative Ocean & Barge Options
Key Actions:
Breakbulk & Barge Services: If container ports are offline, move cargo via breakbulk shipping to Ceiba or Mayagüez, then barge inland.
LCL & FCL Flexibility: Convert planned FCL sailings into Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipments to maintain vessel space and accelerate turnarounds.
Partner with Multiple Carriers: Pre-arrange slots with several ocean freight shipping providers. Eagle’s network spans over 20 ocean carriers, ensuring redundancy.
3. Pivot to Inland Drayage & Rail Intermodal
Key Actions:
Rail-to-Truck Bridges: When coastal roads flood, reroute cargo from Jacksonville or Savannah via rail to Atlanta or Charlotte, then dispatch via freight carriers shipping to Puerto Rico.
Nearby Transload Yards: Eagle’s inland terminals in Florida and Georgia offer cross-dock consolidation, enabling rapid transfer from FCL to LTL Puerto Rico trailers.
Drop-Trailer Pooling: Pre-position empty chassis at rail ramps to avoid appointment delays once weather clears.
4. Leverage Local Carrier Partnerships
Key Actions:
Activate Island Drayage Networks: Eagle’s vetted roster of local drayage and trucking providers in Puerto Rico can navigate alternate roadways and restricted-access zones post-storm.
5. Technology & Communication: Your Real-Time Advantage
Key Actions:
Unified Tracking Portal: Consolidate status across ocean freight, inland drayage and local trucking into one dashboard.
Automated Exception Alerts: Trigger SMS and email updates for port closures, route diversions or equipment shortages.
Collaborative Planning Meetings: Hold daily storm-watch calls with carriers, 3PL partners and internal teams to make rapid decisions.
Conclusion
Hurricane disruptions demand agility, redundancy and clear communication. By assessing vulnerable lanes, securing alternate ocean and barge options, leveraging rail intermodal, partnering with local carriers and harnessing real-time visibility, you’ll reroute cargo seamlessly, even under storm conditions.
Contact Eagle Logistics Systems today to build a hurricane-proof logistics strategy, backed by 40+ years of ocean-transport heritage and tailored Puerto Rico shipping solutions.
