Hurricane Ida has struck the U.S. Gulf Coast, and the effects are  still inconclusive as of now. As we know from past hurricanes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency  is the point of contact for relief. Natural disasters like these bring upon demand for the trucking industry. Not only this but FEMA is paying up to secure truckers for aid. 

According to Freightwaves,  a different perspective can be seen. FEMA getting capacity will be difficult due to the circumstances of the market. With the numerous rate increases, companies are expecting their freight to be moved. During past hurricanes, the shipping market had more capacity freedom making FEMA a great source to fulfill space. In these market conditions, everyone is battling for space. This poses an issue for FEMA in which they may need to look for alternative methods. 

Small carriers are the ones who can take advantage of the relief freight the most. As they haven’t made huge commitments and are able to capitalize on spot rates at higher costs. This may pose as the backup opportunity for FEMA. As all they care about is getting the capacity and not the rates. In the end, we all hope that hurricane Ida bring the least amount of disruption possible for both the local communities and the shipping industry.