Supply Chain
Supply Chain Updates for Multifamily
February 2026
Updated February 23, 2025
How Winter Weather Impacts the Supply Chain
Ice, snow, and prolonged freezing temperatures can significantly disrupt the supply chain. What may seem like a temporary inconvenience often creates ripple effects that impact transportation, distribution centers, suppliers, and customers. Understanding these challenges helps set realistic expectations and strengthen communication during the colder months.
Transportation Slows Down - Everywhere
One of the most immediate impacts of winter weather is on transportation. Snow-covered highways, icy conditions, and storm-related accidents slow transit times and can even shut down major shipping routes. Even when roads remain open, carriers frequently reduce speeds or reroute shipments to ensure safety. Freezing temperatures can increase mechanical issues for trucks. Federal safety regulations also limit how long drivers can operate in hazardous conditions. The result is reduced trucking capacity, extended lead times, and less overall flexibility across the network.
While major highways may clear quickly after a storm, secondary roads often remain hazardous for days. These smaller roads are critical for last-mile pickups and deliveries to suppliers, branches, and customer locations. Unsafe local road conditions can delay deliveries even when main interstates appear fine.
Distribution Centers Feel the Cold Too
Winter weather also affects warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing operations. Power outages, reduced staffing, delayed inbound shipments, and extreme cold can slow order processing or temporarily halt operations. Suppliers may face raw material delays or labor shortages.
While these challenges are real, our focus remains unchanged. Chadwell Supply prioritizes safety for our teams, consistency in our operations, and clear communication with our customers. Through proactive planning, strong vendor partnerships, and disciplined inventory management, we work to minimize disruptions and maintain reliable service. Even in unpredictable conditions, our commitment is steady: we are prepared, and we are dedicated to delivering for you.
Supply Chain News by Category:
See a breakdown of product categories and specific items affected here.
