As Winter Storm Fern moves toward the South and Southeast, logistics professionals are once again on high alert with the fresh memories of the historic Great Texas Freeze of 2021. That storm brought to light how vulnerable supply chains can be when extreme winter weather hits regions that are not fully prepared for it.

In early 2021, severe ice and snow affected freight movement across large parts of the country, forcing carriers to park equipment and causing widespread delivery delays. The disruptions rippled through multiple industries and took weeks to fully unwind. Those lessons are now shaping how the logistics industry is preparing for Fern.

Key Freight Hubs in the Storm’s Path

Forecasts show that Winter Storm Fern could impact several major transportation and distribution hubs, including:

• Dallas
• Atlanta
• Nashville
• Memphis

These cities sit along critical interstate roads such as I-40 and I-75, which handle a significant portion of U.S. freight. Because winter maintenance infrastructure in the Southeast is limited, even a small amount of snow or ice can quickly slow or shut down operations.

Why the Industry Is Watching Closely

Several factors are increasing the potential impact of this storm:

• Ice is expected to form on major freight lanes
• Many southern states lack extensive snow-removal capabilities
• Trucking capacity remains tight
• Freight movement depends heavily on a few key roads

Under these conditions, even short disruptions can quickly cascade into larger supply chain delays nationwide.

Lessons from the 2021 Freeze

The February 2021 freeze demonstrated how extreme weather can disrupt freight on a massive scale. During that event:

• Freight volumes dropped sharply in the Southwest
• Carriers rejected loads at unusually high rates
• Intermodal and rail operations in Texas experienced significant slowdowns
• Thousands of trucks were forced off the road due to unsafe conditions

Beyond logistics, the storm caused widespread power outages and community-wide disruptions, reinforcing the importance of preparedness across the entire supply chain.

How Logistics Providers Are Preparing for Fern

To reduce risk and maintain service continuity, logistics teams are taking proactive steps, including:

Contingency and emergency planning

Facilities are reviewing backup power systems, staffing plans, and safety protocols to ensure readiness.

Winter-ready fleets

Carriers are equipping trucks with appropriate tires, chains, and emergency kits to handle deteriorating conditions safely.

Real-time communication and visibility

Frequent updates, real-time tracking, and transparent communication help keep customers informed and operations flexible.

Dynamic routing strategies

Advanced planning tools allow teams to reroute freight around weather-impacted regions whenever possible.

Five years after the Great Texas Freeze, the logistics industry is better prepared for winter disruptions but caution remains essential. Winter Storm Fern is a reminder that proactive planning, clear communication, and flexible operations are key to keeping freight moving when weather threatens to bring it to a standstill.