Australian Transport, Shipping & Logistics Operators Encouraged to Review Weather Plans Amid El Niño

Transport, shipping and logistics operators are encouraged to review and familiarise themselves with their severe weather and business continuity plans (BCP) as Australia heads towards summer.

With El Niño underway and expected to strengthen through spring, Australia’s largest specialist transport and logistics insurance provider, NTI, says now is the time for operators to consider how prepared they are for Australia’s variable and oftentimes severe weather conditions.

The Bureau of Meteorology indicates El Niño is firmly established and expected to strengthen through spring, with further warmings forecast and expected to persist into autumn 2027.

NTI Logistics Risk Engineer Chelsea Neely said while more broadly the impacts of El Niño extend beyond Australia, there are things we can do at home to prepare.

“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 moreso about using the lead-up to summer to revisit existing plans, update emergency checklists and contacts, and make sure they are communicated and understood across the business, in case things suddenly change.”

“Disruption to everyday processes could mean changes to routes, longer journeys, shifting schedules, and more pressure to keep deliveries moving,” she said.

“Extreme weather can also impact the types and volumes of goods being moved. For example, reduced rainfall may impact crop yields, while prolonged dry conditions can place pressure on livestock producers and influence the timing and volume of livestock movements.”

“Businesses might consider how these shifts could affect their own supply chains and be prepared for the ebbs and flows in freight demand that may come with changing seasonal conditions. Knowing your alternative routes, suppliers, and contacts before something happens can save valuable time when conditions change quickly.”

NTI is encouraging businesses to:

• Review key freight routes and identify alternatives if roads or major routes are disrupted. 
• Review driver and workplace safety procedures for extreme heat and changing road conditions. 
• Review and test emergency and business continuity plans for use in case of disrupted business operations. 
• Check emergency equipment is in working order. 
• Plan for freight delays, including diversifying suppliers and preparing for changes to delivery schedules. 
• Review insurance cover and declared values to ensure they reflect current freight costs and stock values.

NTI’s free severe weather resources, including Guide to Developing a Business Continuity Plan, Flood Mitigation Guide, and Preparing for a Bushfire Checklist, are available here.

2026 NTI Limited. This Media Release contains general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Limits and exclusions apply. When making decisions about insurance, consider the PDS and TMD on https://www.nti.com.au/. National Transport Insurance is administered on behalf of the insurers by its manager NTI Limited ABN 84 000 746 109 AFSL 237246.