While much of the southeast is still in major recovery mode from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall in central Florida near Tampa in the coming days.
The storm is unfortunately projected to cause significant damage, which means impacted areas will need a lot of support.
One way to help is to sign up for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) loads, as they will seek help getting aid to those in need.
Here is a brief article on everything you need to know about running FEMA loads: https://otrsolutions.com/running-fema-loads/
In short – here are a few critical things to keep in mind with FEMA loads.
- Prioritize safety: As you head into a disaster zone, make sure you should always be prepared. Damaged roads, spotty cell service, closed truck stops and other stores may be an issue, so make sure to be prepared and stay informed.
- Delays are likely: Most FEMA loads will be booked through freight brokers. But they may not pay out in the standard terms as payment from FEMA could be delayed. Make sure to factor loads posted from brokers to get access to your earnings quickly.
- Route planning is critical: while the rates may be great for FEMA loads, you may not be able to have a load on your way home. Plan your route efficiently so the entire trip is most profitable to you.
- Be aware of detention pay: delays are likely when working with disaster relief. Monitor detention pay and keep a written log of any delays you experience.
OTR is Here to Help
Carriers are uniquely positioned to provide direct support by delivering resources and supplies vital to recovery efforts. If you choose to run FEMA loads during the hurricane or wildfire season, be prepared and stay patient. These loads might not go as smoothly as you’re used to, but they can be worth it, and OTR will do everything to get you funded as normal.
If you have any questions or expect to regularly run disaster relief loads this season, please reach out to your account manager. If you aren’t with OTR Solutions yet, please apply to factor with us to receive all our benefits that help you run FEMA loads. OTR Solutions uses the best true non-recourse factoring program in the industry with several innovative tools for truckers including our industry-leading fuel card, because we know how funds can be slow during FEMA runs. If you aren’t working with OTR Solutions yet, explore our factoring services and additional resources to help you run FEMA loads as smoothly as possible.
A smart move in the right direction.
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