AUSTRALIA’S transport, shipping and logistics operators should revisit their severe‑weather and business‑continuity plans as El Niño conditions intensify heading into summer.
Specialist transport and logistics insurer NTI says the seasonal outlook warrants early preparation, with the Bureau of Meteorology confirming El Niño is now firmly established and expected to strengthen through spring, with impacts likely to persist into autumn 2027.
NTI logistics risk engineer Chelsea Neely said operators should use the lead‑up to summer to ensure emergency procedures, contacts and continuity plans are current and understood across their businesses.
“The Australian summer can be unpredictable, and the potential impact on a business depends on its location, operations and individual circumstances,” Ms Neely said. “This isn’t about assuming what disruption will occur, but about revisiting existing plans and making sure they’re ready if things suddenly change.”
Ms Neely said extreme weather could disrupt freight routes, extend journey times and place pressure on delivery schedules. Seasonal conditions can also influence freight volumes, with reduced rainfall affecting crop yields and prolonged dry periods impacting livestock movements.
She said operators should consider how these shifts may affect their own supply chains and prepare for fluctuations in freight demand.
NTI is encouraging operators to review key freight routes and identify alternatives, update driver and workplace safety procedures for extreme heat and test emergency and business‑continuity plans.
It is also urging them to check emergency equipment, plan for freight delays and diversify suppliers and to review insurance cover and declared values to ensure they reflect current freight and stock costs.
NTI has made several free severe‑weather resources available, including its Guide to Developing a Business Continuity Plan, Flood Mitigation Guide and Preparing for a Bushfire Checklist.