In today’s fast-paced world, unexpected events can disrupt even the most sophisticated supply chains. From planned city infrastructure updates to unforeseen power outages and natural disasters, the ability to swiftly and effectively respond to emergencies is critical for maintaining perishable goods. At Hickory Transportation Services (HTS), we understand the importance of seamless operations during these challenging times, and our Emergency Response Team (ERT) is equipped to handle a range of scenarios with precision and care.
To address our retail customer needs, HTS manages three key types of emergency response needs:
- Planned outages
- Unplanned outages
- Natural disasters
1. Planned Outages
Planned outages are scheduled in advance to update or repair infrastructure, allowing cities to enhance their systems without causing unexpected disruptions. When an outage is planned, retail customers typically notify HTS ERT operations 1 to 5 days in advance. This early notification enables us to deliver refrigerated trailers to the affected locations well before the outage begins.
Our proactive approach ensures that retailers have the necessary equipment ready to store perishable goods—one trailer for dairy products and another for frozen goods—keeping inventory safe and fresh during the outage.
2.Unplanned Outages
Unplanned outages, on the other hand, are less predictable. When power fails unexpectedly and the city needs to act quickly to rectify the issue, HTS is often called upon at the last minute. Our ERT is capable of mobilizing and delivering refrigerated trailers within 2 to 4 hours, ensuring that retailers can maintain their operations and safeguard their perishable inventory.
Despite the urgency, our team remains focused on delivering excellent service and maintaining clear communication with retail locations to ensure everything runs smoothly.
3. Natural Disasters
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, present unique challenges and require an even more agile response. HTS is prepared to act swiftly, often receiving notifications last-minute due to the unpredictable nature of these events. Our response times can be as short as 4 to 24 hours from notification, although in some cases, we may have a bit more lead time depending on the storm’s projected path.
In these critical situations, we deploy refrigerated trailers as needed to help retailers manage the impact of the disaster, ensuring that essential goods remain preserved and available.
24/7/365 Coverage and Proactive Communication
HTS’s ERT operations are available around the clock, 365 days a year, covering the U.S. East Coast, Gulf Coast, and Southeast regions. Our team’s dedication to providing exceptional customer service is evident in our meticulous approach to each emergency response. We engage directly with store managers to offer proactive communication, which is crucial as store managers may not always be aware of corporate decisions regarding emergency services.
When our truck drivers deliver refrigerated trailers, they ensure the reefer unit’s fuel level is full and that the trailer is placed in the correct spot. The driver takes a photo of the fuel gauge and we share it with the store manager for verification, providing reassurance that the trailer is ready for immediate use. Once the retailer no longer requires the trailers, the store manager simply notifies HTS, and we dispatch a driver to collect them within 24 to 48 hours.
Capacity and Reliability
HTS proudly serves as the primary ERT provider for 3,000 retail locations nationwide, with the capability to immediately deliver 100 to 300 refrigerated trailers to locations based on the severity of the situation. Our capacity allows us to scale our services according to the needs of the retailers, ensuring that we can provide additional trailers and support if required.
In times of crisis, HTS stands as a reliable partner, committed to ensuring that your supply chain remains intact and efficient. Our swift, reliable, and detailed approach to emergency response makes us the go-to choice for retailers across the U.S.