The Trucking Industry Feels Pressure of Effects If Hurricane Irma Hits Georgia & North Carolina

As the United States prepares for the most powerful storm to hit the Atlantic in a century, trucking analysts are expecting an industry disruption. The states of Georgia and North Carolina are major national distribution centers and will feel the effects if hurricane Irma hits. If this was the case, it can be expected that shipping rates will rise as well as truck traffic in that region.  While in Florida, the hurricane will affect the industry as a state but not have as such as a big impact on the industry as a nation. This is because most freight goes inbound from other states. The effects of a hurricane can already be seen in Texas after Hurricane Harvey. There are many national distribution centers as well as oil refining business in that state. Post Harvey resulted in an increase of 5.5% in rates nationally and shortage of trucks after Texas and its distribution centers were struck. In addition, after a hurricane many of the vehicles and freight will need to be replaced which would leave an increase of demand but shortage of vehicles. To read more about trucking analysts’ expectations of the hurricane read Trucks.com article

---