Since the start of the year, the Polar Vortex has become a buzzword. The frigid temperatures resulting from a blast of cold air from the Arctic have made live unbearable for a larger part of Canada and the US. In some areas, temperatures have been reported to be 70 below zero.

While households are suffering a lot, the shipping industry in the Midwest is obviously going through the toughest time of its existence. To consider how serious the situation is, Illinois authorities had to use military wreckers to clear a 375 cars chain crash when the Polar Vortex started.

With such incidences, most of the Midwest State Authorities including Kentucky, Indiana have been forced to issue directives against traffic except in dire situations such as emergencies. The weather is clearly not conducive for long-haul shipping because the damages that can be incurred in case of accidents are insurmountable.

The risk of losing trucks and also personnel has forced most trucking companies to halt operations leading to losses. Moreover, deliveries from international shipping lines have been delayed with spread of ice in most sea.

Most interstate lanes in the Midwest were also closed by order of the authorities, again showing how serious the situation is. The closure not only has to do with slick roads and debris due to high wind but also poor visibility which can easily lead to accidents.