As temperatures drop across the UK and Europe, the logistics industry faces a challenging period, with delays and safety concerns. Winter weather doesn't just inconvenience supply chains; it tests their resilience, exposes vulnerabilities, and, in extreme cases, costs businesses millions.
For those of us working in transport and the supply chain, understanding these challenges isn't just useful; it's necessary to keep goods moving year-round.
This January alone has demonstrated just how quickly winter can bring operations to a standstill. Severe storms have swept across Western Europe, whilst Winter Storm Fern has paralysed freight corridors across the United States, underscoring how disruptive extreme conditions can be to the supply chain and businesses.
The cost of winter weather
According to AccuGrit, government reports suggest that snowstorms can cost the economy between £200 million and £300 million per event. For example, a particularly severe snowstorm in January 2013 was estimated to have cost the UK approximately half a billion pounds in a single day.
These figures account for halted business activity, supply chain disruptions, delays, and other knock-on effects that ripple through every sector reliant on winter travel.
The US saw similar findings in a Taylor Logistics report, indicating that more than 70% of roads are located in areas that receive more than 5 inches of annual snowfall. Last year, extreme weather events caused over $100 billion in supply chain costs worldwide. This is mainly due to the reliance on logistics to coordinate and collaborate. If one part falls behind, it hurts every subsequent step. Road freight can be particularly vulnerable as even just a buildup of snow and ice can reduce highway speeds by 30% to 40%, often doubling transit times during active storms.
AccuGrit notes that increased snowfall also entails additional operational costs, including higher fuel consumption due to slower speeds, overtime payments for emergency staff and drivers, and the expense of snow removal services.
Current disruptions: Europe and beyond
The start of 2026 has been no different, with Maersk reporting that:
“South-West and Western Europe are experiencing severe winter weather conditions, including heavy storms and snowfall, causing significant industry-wide disruptions”.
Vessels have been forced to shelter, terminals have suspended operations or are working at reduced capacity, and cargo flows to and from Northern Europe have been seriously affected.
The situation has been particularly acute at major terminals in Rotterdam and Hamburg, where productivity has dropped substantially. Snow and icy road conditions are causing traffic congestion and delays for inland transportation, whilst frozen track switches have disrupted rail services. The result is longer waiting times for both import and export cargo, along with increasing yard congestion, which compounds the issue as delays accumulate.
How cold weather affects different transport modes
So with this, we can see how cold-weather hazards create treacherous conditions for winter travel.
Road freight suffers most visibly. Ice and snow reduce tyre grip, increasing braking distances and the likelihood of vehicles becoming stranded or involved in accidents.
Rail services face their own challenges. Ice and snow accumulation on overhead power cables and electrified rail can prevent trains from drawing power. The added weight can cause power lines to sag and tree branches to break, blocking lines entirely. The DfT notes that frozen track switches have been a particular problem during the current European cold snap.
Air freight is equally vulnerable. De-icing aircraft to prevent ice build-up causes operational delays, whilst heavy snowfall can force temporary runway closures. In the winter of 2009-2010, the coldest in the UK for 30 years, several airports, including London Heathrow and Manchester, experienced temporary closures due to snow accumulation.
Sea freight can also be affected, with ports icing over and coastal waters becoming more dangerous to navigate.
Infrastructure and cascade effects
Alongside vehicles, roads and tracks can suffer. The DfT highlights that repeated freeze-thaw cycles worsen pothole formation on road surfaces, causing ongoing dangers to vehicles and cyclists long after the snow has melted.
Cold weather can also disrupt heating systems by freezing water pipes, increase energy demand, and strain power networks, which may already be affected by reduced renewable energy output.
The climate question: less frequent but still dangerous
There's a belief that warming global temperatures will reduce winter disruption. The DfT and Met Office project that frost days could decrease as a result of emissions, whilst icy days are projected to fall below long-term averages across most parts of the UK by mid-century.
However, this doesn't mean the risk disappears. The risk of extreme cold will not disappear entirely, and its effects will vary geographically. Perhaps the larger issue, as cold-weather events become less frequent, is that those travelling and people working in transport may not be as prepared to handle winter conditions, with businesses and government bodies needing to keep on top of procedures in case of a cold snap.
Building resilience: what can be done
For logistics providers and supply chain managers, preparation is everything. Businesses can build inventory buffers by holding extra stock in strategic locations. Alternatively, front-loading shipments or raw material orders can help avoid transit through snow-prone regions during peak UK snowstorm windows.
Real-time visibility has become increasingly important. For example, Sensos argues that during major weather events, logistics teams often lose real-time insight precisely when they need it most. Automated alerts and systems can help counteract this and ensure your teams have all the data they need to make informed decisions.
Flexible warehousing strategies also help. When a major snowstorm hits the UK, having all inventory in a single location poses a significant risk.
Creating a hub or network of hubs allows you to plan around issues if one area is snowed in. For example, Maersk has been urging customers to collect import containers as early as possible to help ease terminal congestion and minimise the risk of further delays.
Other ideas for SMEs and smaller firms include spending time updating winter preparedness plans, practising exercises to prevent loss of skills or knowledge, stockpiling salt and de-icing agents, and scheduling maintenance for vehicles and infrastructure storage units.
Looking ahead
Winter weather will always be a factor for UK and European logistics. The question isn't whether cold conditions will disrupt supply chains, but how well prepared we are when they do.
At Multimodal, we've been bringing together the transport, logistics, and supply chain community since 2008. Events like the current winter disruptions remind us why that community matters: sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and learning from each other's experiences help the entire industry become more resilient.
The winter months may test our networks, but they also demonstrate the remarkable adaptability of those who keep goods moving across the UK and beyond. With proper planning, the right technology, and strong partnerships, the logistics industry can weather whatever the season brings. For more information, consider visiting Multimodal this year and discover cutting-edge technologies, industry-defining conversations, and more at the UK’s biggest logistics expo and awards ceremony.
