Hurricane Milton: What Carriers Need to Know as It Approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast

Dina Youssef

As Hurricane Milton rapidly approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast, carriers and logistics professionals need to be on high alert. This powerful storm, expected to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, poses significant challenges to transportation and logistics operations. At Stellar Logistix, we want to ensure that all carriers are prepared for the potential risks and can take proactive steps to ensure safety, minimize disruptions, and protect their operations.

With storm-force winds already lashing the Gulf Coast, it’s crucial to act fast. This post outlines the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and offers key advice for carriers operating in the region.

The Impact of Hurricane Milton on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Hurricane Milton has grown into a massive, dangerous storm, with sustained winds reaching 130 mph (215 kph) as of the latest forecasts. It’s currently expected to make landfall late Wednesday, and forecasters warn of extreme weather conditions, including:

• Storm surges up to 13 feet (4 meters) in coastal areas from Anna Maria Island to Boca Grande.
• Damaging winds extending far inland, threatening not only coastal regions but also central Florida.
• Heavy rainfall, with the potential for up to 18 inches of rain in some areas, leading to significant flooding.

For carriers, this means immediate challenges in managing routes, protecting assets, and ensuring the safety of drivers. Florida’s Gulf Coast is highly vulnerable to storm surges and flooding, and Hurricane Milton is predicted to bring some of the worst storm surge seen in over 100 years. According to federal officials, this could lead to widespread flooding, power outages, and severe infrastructure damage—affecting roads, bridges, and even essential services such as fuel supply.

What Does This Mean for Carriers?

For logistics companies and independent carriers, Hurricane Milton’s potential to disrupt supply chains is high. Already, millions of residents have been ordered to evacuate, and key transportation hubs are closing down. With Tampa and St. Petersburg at the center of the storm’s expected landfall, it’s vital to stay informed and take necessary precautions to avoid being caught in dangerous conditions.

Here are some immediate considerations for carriers as Hurricane Milton approaches:

1. Evacuations and Road Closures: Many regions in the storm’s path have issued mandatory evacuation orders. This means bridges and highways may close with little notice, blocking key transport routes. Carriers should anticipate major detours and delays, and drivers should be advised not to travel in areas under evacuation orders.
2. Fuel Shortages: With gas stations in the Tampa area already closed or boarded up, it is critical to secure fuel supplies ahead of time. Fuel shortages could last for days or weeks after the storm, so stock up or adjust routes to avoid affected areas.
3. Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage: Florida’s Gulf Coast is expected to see widespread power outages. This can disrupt not only traffic signals but also critical communication systems, making coordination more difficult. Additionally, roads and bridges may suffer damage, especially from floodwaters, requiring alternative routing for days after the storm passes.
4. Airport and Port Closures: As of Wednesday, major airports such as Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport have ceased operations. Additionally, ports may also suspend operations, halting freight movement by sea. It’s essential to check with ports and airports for updates before dispatching drivers to these locations.

Preparing Your Fleet and Drivers

Hurricane Milton is not just another storm. It’s a major event that could disrupt logistics operations across the region. Preparation is key to minimizing the impact on your fleet, drivers, and bottom line. Here are steps you can take immediately:

1. Communicate with Drivers Regularly

Stay in constant communication with your drivers, especially those who are currently in or near Florida. Make sure they understand the severity of the storm and encourage them to stay updated through local authorities and weather reports. Ensure they have a reliable way to reach you in case of emergencies, even if power and communication lines are down.

2. Re-route and Delay Deliveries

If possible, re-route deliveries away from areas that are directly in the storm’s path. Deliveries into Tampa, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding areas should be postponed until the storm has passed and it is safe to travel again. Safety is the top priority. Delaying deliveries is preferable to risking the safety of your drivers and equipment in hazardous conditions.

3. Secure Vehicles and Freight

For carriers with assets already in affected areas, now is the time to secure vehicles and freight. Park trucks in elevated, flood-resistant locations if possible, and avoid leaving any assets in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Freight that is not time-sensitive should be kept in warehouses or moved to safer locations away from the storm.

4. Prepare for Fuel Shortages

As mentioned earlier, fuel supplies are already strained. In the event of severe flooding, refineries, fuel distribution centers, and gas stations may be offline for extended periods. Encourage drivers to refuel before entering Florida, and consider using fuel cards with extensive networks to find operational stations after the storm.

5. Create Contingency Plans

Develop a contingency plan for the days following the storm. Power outages and flooding may make certain areas inaccessible for extended periods. Coordinate with shippers and receivers to assess potential delays and make alternative arrangements where necessary. This may involve prioritizing critical shipments or reassigning drivers to other regions until Florida’s transportation infrastructure stabilizes.

Post-Storm Considerations for Carriers

After Hurricane Milton passes, the logistics challenges won’t end. The storm’s aftermath could have long-lasting effects on transportation, including:

• Flooded roads and debris: Even after the storm has moved inland, expect flooded roads, fallen trees, and other debris that can block highways and secondary roads.
• Damaged infrastructure: Bridges and overpasses in the Tampa area may require inspection or repair before being deemed safe for truck traffic. Check local transportation departments for updates on infrastructure conditions.
• Power outages and communication challenges: Carriers should prepare for difficulties in reaching customers and drivers, as power outages could disrupt communications for days. Backup communication systems may be necessary to coordinate post-storm recovery efforts.

Staying Informed: Use the Right Resources

As the situation with Hurricane Milton evolves, staying informed is crucial. Here are some key resources for carriers to monitor:

• National Hurricane Center (NHC): For real-time updates on the storm’s path, wind speeds, and potential landfall locations, the NHC provides accurate and up-to-date information.
• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT): Check FDOT’s updates on road closures, bridge conditions, and other infrastructure issues that could impact routes.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA provides guidance on emergency management during storms and offers resources for businesses to recover after disasters.

Conclusion: Safety First

Hurricane Milton is shaping up to be one of the most powerful storms to hit Florida in recent memory. For carriers operating in and around Florida, it is critical to prioritize safety above all else. Be proactive, stay informed, and make the necessary adjustments to protect your drivers, vehicles, and cargo. The storm will pass, but the safety of your team and the resilience of your operations depend on the actions you take now.

At Stellar Logistix, we are committed to helping carriers navigate these challenges and minimize the impact of this and future storms. By staying informed and prepared, carriers can weather the storm and ensure they are ready for recovery efforts once Hurricane Milton has moved on.

Stay safe, and let’s ride out this storm together.