Close
(0) items
You have no items in your shopping cart.
Shop by Category
Preferences
Search

Winter is Clearly Here

Winter is Clearly Here

Winter is clearly here.  All across the country we are seeing temperatures drop and snow is starting to fall.  Although not all of us live in areas that will be affected by snow fall, we will all notice the impact of the weather.  Travel becomes more difficult due to flight delays and our daily commutes get delayed.  Additionally, it will take longer for items to be delivered and unfortunately some of these delays are difficult to predict.  Although the elements are beyond our control there are a number of things we can do to avoid the headaches that are caused by the weathers effect on logistics.

 

Be Part of the Solution.

None of us want our shipments to be delayed and we often do not even think this could happen.  The delivery company tells us a transit time to a destination will take two days and we assume there will not be any issues.  That is our first mistake.  We must realize that we are in the middle of winter and a delay could appear out of nowhere.  Getting mad will not solve the problem.  Unfortunately, we have all had clients that overact to unforeseen issues, they are impossible to deal with.  Do not let yourself turn into that person.  The delivery company loses money when there are delays as well.  In fact no one is happy about it.  Yelling does not solve problems and will only get you a poor reputation.  Instead take a positive approach and see what is being done to correct the issue and offer to help any way you can.  Some companies will ask for more precise directions and others might ask if you have any other delivery windows they can try to hit.  Be flexible and be accommodating.  Odds are the shipping company wants to get your merchandise out of their warehouse and trucks as soon as possible anyways.  They make money by getting the product in your possession, help them do it.

 

Plan Accordingly

All good plans have contingencies for when things go poorly, yours should too.  It is true that plan A usually works the best and that is why we put a lot more effort into it.  We want product and materials delivered on time and put to use right away.  Waiting usually creates additional expenses that all of us want to avoid.  That’s why we schedule installers and technicians when we do, we expect everything to go smoothly.  Most of the time this is the case, but we must know our situation.  In January and February, storms can hit certain areas of the country hard and the issues these storms cause can cause nightmares.   A simple accident on any number of roads can delay shipments and we are stuck with laborers without tasks to do.  So what is the best way to be prepared for the worst?  The best thing to do is make a list of other tasks that need to be done.  This way we can put people to work while we wait for a delayed shipment.  Do not put all of your eggs in one basket.  Make a list of everything that needs to be accomplished and this way if an issue occurs you can be ready for plan B.  

 

Travel and Commuting

One of the worst feelings in the world is having to get up early for work and this is exactly what bad weather forces us to do.  Poor driving conditions is not an acceptable excuse for being late.  There are countless ways to get fairly accurate weather reports quickly.  We can download weather apps, watch the evening news, or simply look it up using any search engine.  This means that we should know when we have to leave early and need to plan for it.  Checking the weather should be a bedtime habit, this way we have the latest information and should know exactly when to wake up.  Additionally, we should plan alternative routes in case of accidents.  Before we leave the house we should look up any potential delays and avoid the areas if possible.  Finally, it is also helpful to know what neighborhoods have better snow plowing.  Certain areas are more efficient at winter road maintenance then others and we should plan our routes through these areas whenever possible.  The worst thing we can do is be in a hurry.  We need to be calm at the wheel, especially in poor weather.  Trying to speed through traffic because we are running late is dangerous and completely avoidable.

 

Remember to Have Fun

Snow can be annoying and can make our lives more difficult, but it can also be a lot of fun.  We often focus on the delays snowy and cold weather cause without thinking about the fun activities.  You are never too old to go sledding.  The thrill of sliding down a large hill is just as exciting as it was years ago.  We are now smart enough to do it safely as well, if we choose too.  For those who prefer to remain on their feet, try snow shoeing, x-country skiing or winter hiking.  Parks can be beautiful places in the winter.  There is still plenty to see and snow gives us a different perspective.  There are countless numbers of outdoor activities.  From snowmobiling to ice hockey, from ice sculpting to snow man making, and even snow ball fights.   It really doesn’t matter how we chose to play in the snow, what matters is we make time for it.  The best part of having different seasons is embracing them all and enjoying them all.

 

Cold weather and snow can be difficult to deal with.  It can delay our chores and can cause issues at work, but it can also be fun.  We must make the most of winter by keeping a good attitude, planning properly, and remembering to enjoy it while it lasts.  It won’t be here forever and for those who hate the cold remember, summer will eventually come.  

Winter is clearly here.  All across the country we are seeing temperatures drop and snow is starting to fall.  Although not all of us live in areas that will be affected by snow fall, we will all notice the impact of the weather.  Travel becomes more difficult due to flight delays and our daily commutes get delayed.  Additionally, it will take longer for items to be delivered and unfortunately some of these delays are difficult to predict.  Although the elements are beyond our control there are a number of things we can do to avoid the headaches that are caused by the weathers effect on logistics.

 

Be Part of the Solution.

None of us want our shipments to be delayed and we often do not even think this could happen.  The delivery company tells us a transit time to a destination will take two days and we assume there will not be any issues.  That is our first mistake.  We must realize that we are in the middle of winter and a delay could appear out of nowhere.  Getting mad will not solve the problem.  Unfortunately, we have all had clients that overact to unforeseen issues, they are impossible to deal with.  Do not let yourself turn into that person.  The delivery company loses money when there are delays as well.  In fact no one is happy about it.  Yelling does not solve problems and will only get you a poor reputation.  Instead take a positive approach and see what is being done to correct the issue and offer to help any way you can.  Some companies will ask for more precise directions and others might ask if you have any other delivery windows they can try to hit.  Be flexible and be accommodating.  Odds are the shipping company wants to get your merchandise out of their warehouse and trucks as soon as possible anyways.  They make money by getting the product in your possession, help them do it.

 

Plan Accordingly

All good plans have contingencies for when things go poorly, yours should too.  It is true that plan A usually works the best and that is why we put a lot more effort into it.  We want product and materials delivered on time and put to use right away.  Waiting usually creates additional expenses that all of us want to avoid.  That’s why we schedule installers and technicians when we do, we expect everything to go smoothly.  Most of the time this is the case, but we must know our situation.  In January and February, storms can hit certain areas of the country hard and the issues these storms cause can cause nightmares.   A simple accident on any number of roads can delay shipments and we are stuck with laborers without tasks to do.  So what is the best way to be prepared for the worst?  The best thing to do is make a list of other tasks that need to be done.  This way we can put people to work while we wait for a delayed shipment.  Do not put all of your eggs in one basket.  Make a list of everything that needs to be accomplished and this way if an issue occurs you can be ready for plan B.  

 

Travel and Commuting

One of the worst feelings in the world is having to get up early for work and this is exactly what bad weather forces us to do.  Poor driving conditions is not an acceptable excuse for being late.  There are countless ways to get fairly accurate weather reports quickly.  We can download weather apps, watch the evening news, or simply look it up using any search engine.  This means that we should know when we have to leave early and need to plan for it.  Checking the weather should be a bedtime habit, this way we have the latest information and should know exactly when to wake up.  Additionally, we should plan alternative routes in case of accidents.  Before we leave the house we should look up any potential delays and avoid the areas if possible.  Finally, it is also helpful to know what neighborhoods have better snow plowing.  Certain areas are more efficient at winter road maintenance then others and we should plan our routes through these areas whenever possible.  The worst thing we can do is be in a hurry.  We need to be calm at the wheel, especially in poor weather.  Trying to speed through traffic because we are running late is dangerous and completely avoidable.

 

Remember to Have Fun

Snow can be annoying and can make our lives more difficult, but it can also be a lot of fun.  We often focus on the delays snowy and cold weather cause without thinking about the fun activities.  You are never too old to go sledding.  The thrill of sliding down a large hill is just as exciting as it was years ago.  We are now smart enough to do it safely as well, if we choose too.  For those who prefer to remain on their feet, try snow shoeing, x-country skiing or winter hiking.  Parks can be beautiful places in the winter.  There is still plenty to see and snow gives us a different perspective.  There are countless numbers of outdoor activities.  From snowmobiling to ice hockey, from ice sculpting to snow man making, and even snow ball fights.   It really doesn’t matter how we chose to play in the snow, what matters is we make time for it.  The best part of having different seasons is embracing them all and enjoying them all.

 

Cold weather and snow can be difficult to deal with.  It can delay our chores and can cause issues at work, but it can also be fun.  We must make the most of winter by keeping a good attitude, planning properly, and remembering to enjoy it while it lasts.  It won’t be here forever and for those who hate the cold remember, summer will eventually come.