While much of the nation's attention has been focused on hurricanes, wildfires have burned more than 8 million acres of land across the west coast. (Photo: Oregon DOT)
Kavanagh, whose company offers fuel cards, payment processing, and other services, said he believes this summer’s events have been widespread enough for most transportation firms to take note.
“Many things can get taken for granted, or you just don’t realize the importance until it is too late,” he said.
Media coverage is also helping.
“Years ago, we didn’t realize the impact of some of these storms,” Kavanagh said. Now, however, we all see it on television and better understand how it affects the supply chain, even for those potentially located far away, he added.
Kavanagh’s advice for fleets is to think more about “things that can be done well in advance,” rather than being reactive.
In particular, he recommended fleets look at their fuel purchasing programs. While they may normally allow a maximum of two fueling transactions in a day, they should consider an emergency profile that removes limits and can be put in place ahead of serious events.