It seems like wildfire season gets worse every year. In fact, three of the largest wildfires on record have occurred just in the past five years. Shippers are starting to expect a wildfire season every year that produces air quality problems and closes highly trafficked freeways—causing chaos in your supply chain transportation every summer.
In 2021, we have seen continued large fire activity in 14 states across the country. 104 large fires or complexes have burned 2.4 million acres this fire season and the warming weather continues to make it difficult for crews to contain some of the large wildfires burning in the West. Intense heat, dry air, and strong winds have allowed the fires to spread quickly.
In 2021, we have seen continued large fire activity in 14 states across the country. 104 large fires or complexes have burned 2.4 million acres this fire season…
One of the many fires that has caused road closures and delays on highway 395 is the Tamarack Fire, just 16 miles south of Gardnerville, NV. The Tamarack Fire started on July 4, 2021, by lightning and is currently 68,663 acres and 82 percent contained. It has caused delays on Highway 395 for many transportation companies that use it frequently including ITS Logistics.
Photos of fires on the road by ITS driver Paul Rowse.
Planning for wildfires includes preparedness, proactive communication and network knowledge for rerouting
The key to effectively dealing with active fires affecting your supply chain is awareness, being on top of all information including where fires are likely to go and proactive communication with shippers and letting them know as far in advance if loads will have to be rerouted and if so, what the most efficient routes are. Tools like SafeTravel USA and Firms US/Canada provide great information on road closures and current conditions. That way you’re prepared for the worst even if it never happens.
Since the Tamarack fire first started, we have successfully moved over 1,100 loads through Nevada and California for our customers while maintaining a 97 percent on-time delivery rate. We are happy to say that the delays from the fire have not affected our ability to serve our customers safely and effectively.
Since the Tamarack fire first started, we have successfully moved over 1,100 loads through Nevada and California for our customers while maintaining a 97 percent on-time delivery rate.
By following these steps, we have been able to continue our comprehensive service offerings and strengthen our partnerships with our customers. First, we continue to prioritize consistent communication with our customers and our drivers, so everyone knows exactly where products are at all times. Additionally, our amazing drivers and operations team members are extremely dedicated. They never stop looking for solutions to ensure we can deliver on time. We also have 24/7 dispatch that allows us to get loads out on the road in a timely manner so we can meet deadlines, no matter the time of day.
As Northern Nevada’s largest asset-based carrier we implement creative logistics solutions, even when there are road closures or other delays due to natural disasters. We are always providing options to facilitate solutions and solving any issues that come by rerouting, rolling loads over and generally doing whatever is necessary to deliver for our customers. Learn more about our dedicated fleet services today.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about ITS and our process, contact us at (775) 227-4532
