1. Delays and Road Closures
   Winter storms can shut down highways and slow traffic, derailing even the most carefully planned delivery schedules. Trucks stranded on closed roads don’t just impact one shipment — they create a ripple effect across entire supply chains, causing stockouts, production halts, and lost revenue.
2. Increased Accident and Breakdown Risks
   Over 70% of U.S. roads are in snowy regions, and 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on icy or snowy pavement. Reduced traction, low visibility, and freezing temperatures all contribute to higher accident rates and mechanical failures. Without proper preparation, these risks can lead to costly repairs, missed deliveries, and damaged goods.
3. Higher Operational Costs
   Fuel efficiency drops in cold weather, maintenance costs increase, and labor shortages often drive up expenses. Without a streamlined logistics strategy, winter disruptions strain budgets and make it harder to meet delivery commitments.

Capstone works with shippers, retailers, and carriers to minimize winter-related disruptions and improve supply chain resilience. Here are some proven strategies we’ve learned over the years that you can use to keep freight moving efficiently.

1. Build a Strong Contingency Plan

• Identify alternate routes to avoid road closures and delays.
• Establish flexible scheduling protocols to adjust in real time.
• Prioritize critical loads to ensure essential shipments move first.

2. Use Real-Time Technology for Visibility

• Leverage load-tracking software to monitor shipments and avoid problem areas.
• Utilize predictive analytics to anticipate storms and reroute freight proactively.
• Keep customers informed with real-time updates to maintain trust and transparency.

Capstone’s technology platform provides end-to-end visibility, helping shippers make faster, data-driven decisions in unpredictable conditions.

3. Ensure Winter-Ready Equipment and Drivers

• Equip trucks with winter tires, chains, and emergency kits (food, water, blankets, and flares).
• Conduct pre-trip inspections to check tire tread, battery life, and antifreeze levels.
• Train drivers in winter driving best practices, including safe braking and speed adjustments.

Capstone partners with a highly vetted carrier network, ensuring drivers are trained, vehicles are equipped, and shipments arrive safely.

4. Strengthen Customer Communication

• Be proactive: Notify customers of potential delays before they impact operations.
• Offer alternative delivery options when weather disrupts original plans.
• Maintain visibility so clients know where shipments are at all times.

At Capstone, we prioritize communication and reliability, helping our partners navigate winter uncertainties without sacrificing service quality.

5. Optimize Cash Flow with Freight Factoring
Winter delays often strain cash flow — especially when payments are delayed. Freight factoring provides immediate payment for delivered loads, helping carriers and shippers manage unexpected costs, fuel expenses, and payroll.

Capstone’s freight and last-mile services are built for challenging conditions. Whether facing winter storms, surging demand, or capacity constraints, we help partners stay ahead with solutions that survive the worst winds of winter.

Technology Driven Freight Solutions
Our freight service can play a pivotal role in mitigating winter weather disruptions. We ensure timely deliveries even in challenging conditions by providing end-to-end visibility and leveraging a vast network of carriers. Their advanced technology platform offers real-time tracking and predictive analytics, enabling shippers to make informed decisions and minimize delays.

• Nationwide Carrier Network — Vetted, winter-ready drivers and equipment.
• Mode and Route Optimization — Customized carrier routes that optimize travel time, maximize efficiency, and minimize cost, even during winter.
• Complete Visibility Through Geo-Tracking — End-to-end visibility in real time from point of origin to warehouse receipt.

Customer Service Focused Last Mile Solutions
Capstone’s last-mile solutions are particularly valuable during winter months when urban road conditions can be treacherous. With a focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction, these services help businesses maintain reliable delivery schedules and uphold their commitments to end customers.

• Flexible Last-Mile Solutions — Seamless deliveries, even in difficult conditions.
• Trusted Couriers — Over 2,000 vetted and trained couriers handle 43,000+ deliveries, 200K+ packages, and 1,800+ routes daily and can be co-branded to enhance your customer relationships.
• Extensive Network — Our cross-dock facilities get you closer to your customers, drive down costs and transit times, and offer expedited options — even in inclement weather.

The Capstone Advantage
When winter threatens supply chain efficiency, Capstone delivers results — not excuses. Our decades of service in the industry give us an edge that blows away the competition.

• Real-Time Tracking & Predictive Analytics — Our technology offers full shipment visibility from dock to door to anticipate or head off delays.
• Integration across services — Customers who use more than one service, such as combining freight and warehouse management, see compounding improvements in optimization, efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Pay-for-Performance Efficiency — Reduce costs and improve reliability with performance-driven solutions.

Be Ready, Stay Agile, and Keep Moving
Winter will always bring challenges, but the right partner makes all the difference. With Capstone’s technology, carrier network, and customer-first approach, you can maintain efficiency, reduce disruptions, and keep your deliveries on track — even when the weather says otherwise.

Let’s make this winter your most resilient yet. Partner with Capstone today.