Winter Weather Closures – Protect Cargo from Freezing

According to the National Weather Service, a significant winter storm will impact the Southeast today, bringing significant icing and snowfall which will move into the Mid-Atlantic / Northeast on Thursday and Friday.

In advance to the winter storm, the following ports have announced closures for Thursday February 18, 2021: 

Port of NY / NJ all terminals closed 
Port of Baltimore / Ports America Chesapeake Terminal – closed 

Conditions across the South / Southeast have already been impacted this week from freezing temperatures, ice and power outages.  Temperatures will remain 20-35 degrees below normal throughout the Plains, Mississippi Valley and lower Great Lakes.  Rail service has been interrupted this week on Union Pacific schedules.

Due to the extreme temperatures and likelihood of further weather delays, NASA’s shipping partner Hillebrand strongly recommends the use of temperature controlled equipment or at minimum Hillebrand Liner (VinLiner) for seafreight moves.  See Hillebrand cargo insurance for requirements and limitations of liability for Hillebrand Liner shipments.  

For LTL, intermodal and over the road shipping, only temperature controlled equipment provides guaranteed protection against freezing temperatures.  The use of thermal blankets, bubble foils or non-operating reefer equipment does not adequately protect shipments in extreme temperatures.  Hillebrand is not liable for cargo damaged or destroy from such temperatures in the event it occurs during transport in a non-temperature controlled unit. 

For questions or more information regarding protecting your cargo in any season, please contact your Hillebrand representative.