Each year, severe weather disrupts thousands of commercial and construction operations across the United States. Unprepared routes especially during hurricanes, snowstorms, and flash floods create conditions that can cost lives and millions in damages. While weather cannot be controlled, route preparedness can. A structured, data-informed approach ensures fleets and crews stay safe, compliant, and operational.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), nearly 23% of all roadway delays are weather-related, with an estimated $3.4 billion annual cost to freight movement. These conditions often arise from poor route risk assessment and outdated emergency response plans. The National Weather Service (NWS) reinforces that severe-weather alerts, route-specific forecasts, and flood monitoring tools are critical for transportation and project planning.

To address this, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that carriers and fleet operators implement safety management systems that account for weather conditions, route planning, and driver fatigue during emergencies. Failing to document such preparedness can result in compliance violations and costly downtime.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also underscores pre-event planning through its Severe Weather Preparedness Program, which guides organizations to integrate hazard mapping, evacuation planning, and coordination between dispatch and local emergency responders. Incorporating these standards not only saves time but also strengthens operational resilience under OSHA’s general duty clause for maintaining a safe workplace.

At Key Safety LLC, we help clients develop route preparedness and severe-weather contingency protocols tailored to their operations. Our Document Development for Start-up Projects creates OSHA- and DOT-aligned route safety documentation. Through Service on Demand, we audit fleet readiness and ensure compliance with FMCSA and FEMA guidelines. Our Regular Consultation Service builds adaptive route safety frameworks that minimize downtime and protect personnel during unpredictable weather events.

Prepared routes don’t just protect assets they protect people and preserve reputation.

References

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2024, May 10). Severe weather preparedness. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather

Federal Highway Administration. (2024, August 14). Road weather management program. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. (2024, April 9). Safety management systems overview. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety

National Weather Service. (2024, June 20). Severe weather safety. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. https://www.weather.gov/safety/