The powerful snowstorm that hit the mid-Atlantic on Monday caused enough accidents to shut down Interstate 95 in Virginia for nearly 50 miles, from just south of Washington to just north of Richmond.
Snowfall was heavier than expected, and roads quickly froze over. Hundreds of truckers and other drivers were stranded overnight in below-freezing temperatures as a result of the daylong shutdown. After damaged and broken-down vehicles were cleared, the highway reopened Tuesday evening.
One of the truckers stranded in the gridlock works for Bully Breed Logistics, which is based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, right in the middle of the road closure. Jeremy Slovak, the company’s owner, told FreightWaves that the driver was returning from Wilmington, Delaware.
“We attempted delivery yesterday [Monday].” They said they couldn’t take it anymore. So we had to drive back with that load,” Slovak explained, explaining that the load had been refused due to a shortage of personnel at the receiver.
The driver dozed off in his truck on I-95 in Occoquan, about 30 miles north of Fredericksburg. After traffic began to move at daybreak Tuesday, he was able to take an exit for U.S. Highway 1.
This was a lot of time and money wasted for a small regional carrier like Bully Breed, which only has four trucks.
“I’ll have to pay my driver for that.” I’ll have to pay for the fuel. Then there’s the cold, ice, and salt, which cause a lot of problems for the trucks,” Slovak explained. “Upkeep, wear and tear.”
The shipment returned was a load of rolled paper. Because of the storm, Slovak held all other ready-to-go freight. This included a shipment of construction equipment for a roofing company as well as a shipment of arcade games.
Slovak estimates that total losses, including lost revenue, will be close to $10,000.
“It hurts a lot. “I’m having to dip into my reserves, my little nest egg, for repairs and other expenses just to keep my guys paid,” Slovak explained. “Even though they’re staying at home, if I have the money, I’ll pay my guys.” This isn’t their fault. They were able to feed families.”
Slovak stated that he is aware of other local small carriers who are experiencing similar difficulties. He believes his company will be able to survive without going bankrupt.
“We’ll make it,” Slovak assured them. “Worse has happened.”
