Snow disruption in UK freezes supply chain efficiency

07 Dec 2010

Source: Supply Management
Shortages of fuel, food and other basic supplies caused by bad weather can be prevented with stronger supply chain contingency plans, professional groups have said. 

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) said its members are reporting appalling road conditions in Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Cumbria and the Grampian regions, which is stopping fuel and basic goods getting to petrol stations and shops.

David Scott-Smith, RHA’s area manager for London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex said better supply chain planning by retailers in response to snow forecasts could alleviate shortages in the future.

“The transport sector has been hit severely again by snow. Two weeks ago, this cold wintry spell was predicted. Supermarkets and garages should stockpile and over-subscribe to mitigate for such a snow warning,” he said.
n a separate warning, CIPS CEO David Noble, said yet more winter weather disruption was proof enough that the UK needs tougher supply chain contingency plans.

“Although many local councils are better prepared than last year, budgets are stretched and it shows. It’s also distressing that shortages of basic supplies such as food and fuel are on the agenda again. More needs to be done to ensure that supply chains are robust and flexible enough to cope with changes in demand, and ensure people can get on with their day-to-day lives,” he said.

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