Editor’s note: Want to help? The American Logistics Aid Network has a list of supplies and services in need due to Hurricane Ian. Take a look.
Parcel carriers suspended services and operations in parts of Florida as Hurricane Ian made landfall Wednesday and caused destruction in the southwest portion of the state.
As of Thursday morning, UPS’ website listed more than 800 Florida ZIP codes in which no pickups or deliveries would be made due to the storm. A UPS spokesperson said via email that the company is following local evacuation orders, securing its facilities and enabling employees to secure their homes and keep their families safe.
"We also have been working to safely meet our service commitments in advance of mandatory evacuations by implementing contingency plans so that shipments arrive at their final destinations as quickly as possible," the spokesperson said.
FedEx is also adjusting its operations in response to Hurricane Ian. On Wednesday, the company listed 383 Florida cities in which its Ground segment has temporarily suspended service, including in Tampa, Orlando and Miami. FedEx Express paused service in 151 cities.
"Delays and disruptions can be expected for inbound and outbound shipments across portions of impacted areas," FedEx said on its website. "We are committed to providing service to the best of our ability in areas that can be safely accessed."
A spokesperson for FedEx said in an email that contingency plans are in place to protect employees and facilities and to reduce the storm’s impact on service.
The U.S. Postal Service said in a notice Thursday that all retail and delivery operations have been suspended until further notice for facilities in the 328, 329, 342 and 347 three-digit ZIP code areas in Florida. “No alternate sites are available,” it added.
Spencer Shute, principal consultant at Proxima, said in emailed comments that some products can be easily diverted by carriers, while others "may get stuck in freight networks until a 'normal' flow of operations can be resumed."
Hurricane Ian has advanced northeast since it made landfall. Widespread and life-threatening catastrophic flooding will continue Thursday across parts of central Florida, according to a Thursday morning bulletin from the National Weather Service. There is also "a danger of life-threatening storm surge today through Friday along the coasts of northeast Florida, Georgia and South Carolina."
