FedEx has been reporting disruption at its Memphis Airport (MEM) hub for days. Now, a second storm, “Winter Storm Inga,” is moving through the region, and a growing list of forwarders and carriers are advising their customers across the U.S. Midwest and South that their shipments could be impacted.
“Winter weather continues to impact supply chain operations from Texas to Georgia,” advised MIQ Logistics, which operates out of a number of airports that have experienced delays or cancellations due to the winter storm.
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal issued a state of emergency on Tuesday night, covering 83 counties. MI Logistics warned its customers that, as of 8:06 a.m. ET, there were reports from AJC.com that more than 250 flights had been delayed and another 190 cancelations at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL).
Delta said it is working to get its flights back on schedule after cancelling 400 flights due to weather conditions. The carrier’s cargo arm, Delta Cargo, issued an alert this morning that “Delta teams are managing the ATL operation following the winter weather that impacted this location. Shipments are being accepted at ATL; however, safety is a top priority for Delta and we will accommodate shipments as conditions improve.”
Delta said that many airports it operates out of throughout the Southeastern U.S. and along the Gulf Coast are “digging out after a winter storm brought snow and ice to several airports throughout the region.” The airline has canceled an additional 200 mainline and Delta Connection regional flights as a result of snow accumulation and strong winds.
Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing today at ATL. The airport saw more than 1.5 inches of snowfall, prompting extensive aircraft deicing and the closure of some of the airport’s five runways early Wednesday morning.
FedEx Express’s storm-related woes have dragged into their second week. Earlier today, the integrator warned its customers of more flight and sort disruptions at its Memphis and Indianapolis hubs last night due to severe winter weather. FedEx said that, “potential delays are possible for package deliveries across the U.S. with a delivery commitment of January 17, 2018.”