How Summer Heat Affects Freight and What Logistics Managers Can Do About It

When the summer sun starts cranking up the heat, it’s not just people who feel the burn—freight and logistics operations can take a serious hit, too. 

High temperatures introduce a whole new set of challenges for shipping schedules, vehicle performance, and product integrity. For logistics managers, staying ahead of the heat isn’t just good practice—it’s a necessity for smooth, safe, and cost-effective operations.

Temperature-Sensitive Freight Needs Extra Attention

Some freight just doesn’t do well in the heat. Think pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, chemicals, and electronics. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can spoil, warp, or degrade these items during transport. Inconsistent cooling inside a trailer, even for a short period, can mean the difference between an on-time, intact delivery and a costly spoilage claim.

That’s why refrigerated units (reefers) must be regularly inspected and well-maintained during summer months. It’s also crucial to ensure that warehouse staff are trained to load temperature-sensitive goods efficiently, minimizing the time spent outside of cooled environments.

Tires, Engines, and Downtime—Oh My

Heat affects trucks, too. Tire blowouts become more common in high temperatures, especially if tires are underinflated or already worn. Engines are also more likely to overheat, and battery life can suffer under extreme conditions. These factors can lead to more breakdowns, delays, and costly repairs.

Proactive fleet maintenance is key. Logistics managers should schedule tire inspections, coolant checks, and AC system servicing regularly during summer months. Telematics systems can help monitor vehicle health in real time, offering alerts before small issues become big problems.

Shifting Schedules to Beat the Heat

Summer also brings increased traffic, construction delays, and time-of-day heat spikes. All of these can impact delivery windows and driver safety. Consider adjusting pickup and delivery times to early mornings or evenings when temperatures are cooler and roads are less congested. Route optimization software can also help plan the most efficient paths while avoiding hotspots and traffic slowdowns.

Keep Communication Flowing

In hot weather, logistics coordination matters more than ever. Keeping open communication between drivers, dispatchers, warehouse teams, and customers helps everyone respond quickly to unexpected delays or conditions. If there’s ever a time to double-check that GPS systems, temperature monitors, and mobile devices are working smoothly—it’s summer.

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