ZIP Code-Based Weather Alerts Reduced Parcel Shipment Delivery Delays by 30%
At PeriShip, we know that time and temperature are everything when it comes to perishable logistics. To that end, our in-house meteorologist-generated ZIP code-based weather alerts have become a game changer. By marrying logistics with curated weather intelligence and operational workflows, we’ve helped clients cut delivery delays by 30.87% and dramatically reduce spoilage and costly delay risks.
From dairy and meats to fresh produce, to formal wear and pharmaceuticals, any unplanned hold up in transit can cost money and reputation. When local carriers are forced to suspend service because of threats such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, public disturbances, and blizzards, every hour counts. Without timely alerts, shippers can be caught scrambling to reroute or, even worse, watch product go to waste or arrive later than the needed date.
Navigating Shipment Exceptions
At times, a carrier may suspend or limit pickup and delivery services because of outside disruptions. Typically, these “shipment exceptions,” which carriers determine, are temporary and declared when local infrastructure, safety, or accessibility conditions prevent them from fulfilling their normal service obligations. Inclement weather, wildfires, and earthquakes can cause these exceptions.
What is a ZIP Code-Based Weather Alert?
A PeriShip ZIP Code-Based Weather Alert is a list of ZIP codes that pinpoint areas where there is a higher risk of delay for shipping temperature-sensitive, time-sensitive, or valuable shipments on specific blocked ship dates. PeriShip’s meteorologist team creates these alerts to prevent potential losses for the shipper. These alerts are ranked by level of concern or risk—minimal, slightly, likely, or maximum.
How Does PeriShip Leverage ZIP Code-Based Weather Alerts?
PeriShip has a proven workflow to go from alerts to outcome. Achieving a 30% reduction in delivery delays doesn’t happen by chance or simple luck. It is the result of a repeatable process that features multiple nuances, including the PeriShip Customer Portal and Daily and Weekly Email Reports.
Using either of these channels, customers can access ZIP code-based weather alerts to see when predicted severe weather or other disturbances will impact transportation routes and plan their shipping strategy effectively.
Within these channels, customers can view details such as:
• Weather alert type
• Service disruption likelihood
• Impact ship date range
• Operational recommendation
• Operational impact index
Additionally, ZIP code-based weather alerts are integrated with the label print feature in the PeriShip portal. This integration alerts users when they are creating a shipping label that may be destined for an impacted ZIP code, which fuels proactive supply chain planning.
Real World Impact
In 2024, PeriShip’s meteorologist team issued 119 ZIP code-based weather alerts. Each of those alerts, on average, included 825 ZIP codes. In addition to a 30.87% boost in on-time service levels, customers experienced a 7.14% reduction in high-risk late events, which are key drivers of perishable waste.
Key Takeaways from Our Top Users – Speaking with our customers, three themes emerged:
- Act Early and Act Together – Risk huddles unite warehouse, logistics, and customer service teams around the same data, turning alerts into collective action.
- Keep It Simple – Embedding risk flags into existing workflows (label printing, scheduling, customer communication) drives customer satisfaction and reduces disappointment.
- Collaborate Across the Chain – Providing sellers of time-sensitive goods with information in advance enables proactive planning, transforming reactive recovery into proactive action. Ongoing communications and updates enhance the experience and satisfaction.
When weather-driven delays loom, guesswork can be costly. PeriShip’s ZIP Code-Based Weather Alerts equip your team with the foresight to help keep perishable goods moving on schedule.
Ready to see a live demo? Contact us today and discover how proactive planning can turn weather hurdles into routine tasks and deliver peace of mind for you and your customers.
Request a demo of PeriShip’s weathering monitoring services.