Freight transportation providers issue service updates on Hurricane Ida

As Hurricane Ida makes its way up the Southeast coast and up towards the East Coast, various freight transportation and logistics service providers continue to issue guidance about service levels, for their customers.

FedEx said that Ida is causing hazardous conditions across the U.S. and causing service disruptions to FedEx operations.

“Unavoidable service delays should be expected due to local road conditions,” it said. “FedEx is committed to providing service to the best of our ability in areas affected by the storm and as local conditions allow. We will continue to monitor the situation to minimize the impact on service.”  

UPS said that its services in the South Central part of the U.S. may be impacted by Tropical Storm Ida.

“While all facilities are providing pickup and delivery services as conditions permit, some delays are possible,” it said. “We will work to ensure the safety of our employees while minimizing effects on service. Contingency plans are in place to help ensure that shipments arrive at their final destinations as quickly as possible.”

XPO Logistics reported that flooding, road closures and widespread power outages resulting from Hurricane Ida are impacting operations, adding: 

“The following locations are closed; freight destined for these locations will not be picked up until conditions clear: 

Louisiana - New Orleans, Baton Rouge

Freight that was in-transit to these locations will be held at its current location until freight flow is resumed. We are working hard to resume pickup and delivery service after the Labor Day holiday

The following locations are open and offering limited pickup and delivery service as conditions allow: Alabama - Mobile; Louisiana - Monroe, Lafayette, Greenville, Alexandria; and Mississippi - McComb, Laurel, Gulf Port

Freight originating in, destined for or traveling through the entire area will experience a delay. As soon as conditions clear and are safe, we will resume operations. Check back here for updates throughout the week.”

On the railroad side, Norfolk Southern said it continues to monitor the impacts of Hurricane Ida, adding that its mainline route into New Orleans is open but flood gates affecting interchange operations remain closed.

“We plan on resuming interchange operations tomorrow at the earliest [September 2],” said NS. “The Intermodal Terminal in New Orleans will remain closed through Wednesday, September 1. Local operations in Mobile and New Orleans have resumed but will continue to be affected as the recovery effort continues. Norfolk Southern continues to work with our partners to identify opportunities to detour interline traffic through alternative gateways where possible.  Customers with shipments destined to or through this area should expect delays up to 48 - 72 hours. Norfolk Southern will provide updates as conditions change.”

And CSX said that it is continuing to assess damage from Hurricane Ida, which has been downgraded to a tropical depression.

“Repairs are underway on CSX track and signals on the New Orleans & Mobile (NO&M) Subdivision along the Louisiana-Mississippi coast,” it said. “Shipments on the Southeast portion of the CSX network may be delayed as recovery efforts continue. The company is also monitoring inland conditions as the storm system tracks northeast. No operational impacts have yet been reported beyond the NO&M sub, but flash flood warnings are in effect across portions of Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.”