Delays happen when winter comes. Snowstorms slow down shipping, holidays stop production, and the first quarter crunch makes it harder to get what you need when you need it. This means one thing for procurement teams, project managers, and manufacturers: plan ahead.
If you need perforated metal panels for your job, don’t wait until winter. A little planning can save you weeks of frustration, from making custom perforations to keeping standard sheet patterns in stock.
Why Winter Supply Chains Take Longer
Even the best suppliers have problems in the first quarter. As the weather gets less predictable, transportation routes get tighter. Many industries do more maintenance, retrofits, and equipment upgrades during their “off-season.” That puts more stress on the stock that is already there.
In Canada, where snow and salt can slow down the movement of freight between provinces or across the border, lead times for perforated sheet stock can be longer than usual. It’s easy to see why “out of stock” is a common phrase in January when you add in the year-end inventory resets that many fabricators do.
Order metal panels ahead of time to stay on track.
The best plan? Get ahead of the game. Order your custom-cut or specialty perforations before the busiest time of winter if you need them for your project. Early orders help fabricators plan production, find the right alloys, and finish on time.
Even regular perforated metal panels are better off if you ask for them early. A lot of suppliers keep popular sizes and patterns in stock, but they sell out quickly when the snow starts to fall.
For project managers, ordering early isn’t just about getting what they want; it’s also about feeling good. When you know your materials are safe, you can keep crews working, stay on schedule, and not have to look for other options.
Inquire About Quick-Ship Perforated Metal
If you don’t have a lot of time, look for suppliers who offer quick-ship perforated metal programs. These sheets are already made and in stock, so they can ship in days instead of weeks. It’s a good choice for repairs, replacements, or small projects that need to be done right away and can’t wait for custom runs.
Even in bad winter weather, Canadian manufacturers with national distribution (that’s us!) can make more beneficial shipping arrangements due to long-standing relationships with reliable delivery companies. When the weather makes long-haul transport difficult, picking a supplier with more robust logistics makes all the difference.
Make a plan for buying materials in the winter that you can count on.
Relationships are the first step to making the supply chain work better. Working with a Canadian perforated metal supplier who knows your field and your deadlines can help you get things done faster and give you more options when things don’t go as planned.
Ask questions early, make sure everyone knows when things need to be done, and double-check lead times before the holidays. During the cold months, a strong procurement plan based on your supplier’s production schedule keeps your projects on track.
It’s not just about faster shipping to avoid winter delays; it’s about setting yourself up for success year-round. Contact our team and let’s get your projects ahead of schedule.