From sheepskin to supply chains: How cold weather disrupts logistics and what SA businesses can learn from it
When we think of winter, we picture frosty mornings, traffic jams, and energy-hungry heating systems. But for South Africa’s logistics and supply chain industry, winter brings a different kind of chill, one that slows operations, raises risks, and drives up costs across warehousing, transport, and distribution.
Warehousing in Winter: Frosty and fire hazards
Warehouses face unique conditions during the colder months, demanding greater resilience. In high-altitude regions like Gauteng and the Free State, sudden temperature drops can cause condensation, posing a serious risk to sensitive goods such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishable foods. Humidity fluctuations may well damage packaging or labels, complicating traceability.
On the flip side, winter also brings a higher risk of fires and equipment failures, driven by increased reliance on heaters and backup generators during load shedding. For example, a Durban-based FMCG distributor reported a 15% increase in power-related incidents last winter, prompting investment in backup systems and staff training in seasonal safety protocols.
Transport delays: Slippery roads, slower routes
The rain, mist, and icy roads slow down deliveries and increase vehicle maintenance costs. While genuine snow-related disruptions are less common in South Africa, mountain passes in KZN and Eastern Cape do become dangerous leading to logistics delays. The cold weather also diminishes tire traction and visibility, resulting in more accidents and insurance claims.
In 2023, a big courier company servicing Lesotho found that weather was shutting down their routes numerous times, provoking the adoption of smaller, and more agile vehicles a smart strategy for winter resilience.
Distribution woes: Energy, efficiency, and economics
Energy typically becomes more expensive in the winter as heating and lighting consumption increases among businesses. This hits the bottom line of cold-chain distributors that already run on slender profit margins added strategy challenges. In South Africa, where load shedding adds yet another layer of uncertainty, efficient energy usage is a must. A dairy company based in Cape Town recently realigned its distribution schedules with off-peak Eskom hours to reduce losses and ensure better delivery times.
Lessons for local logistics
South African businesses cannot control the weather; rather, they must use the time afforded to prepare. Seasonal logistics planning, including weather pattern analysis, preventive maintenance, employee readiness, and alternative routing, can mean the difference between a profit and a loss.
Investment in weather-resistant infrastructure, smarter fleet technology, and flexible scheduling is no longer an option, but rather has become the only way of doing business.
To build true resilience in the face of seasonal supply chain disruptions, understanding the fundamentals of transport and logistics is essential. The Professional Certificate in Transport and Logistics from IMM Institute equips professionals with the practical skills to manage warehousing, optimise distribution, and streamline delivery networks, especially when unpredictable weather puts pressure on operations.
Agility and resilience will increasingly determine success as the climate and weather patterns continue to shift. From sheepskin boots to supply chain resilience, winter is not merely a season, but a strategic consideration worth pondering.
