Hurricane season runs June through November, and for ecommerce businesses shipping to the Gulf Coast, the Southeast, or anywhere along the Atlantic Seaboard, it's worth knowing what to expect—and how your carriers are prepared.

According to NOAA's May 2026 seasonal outlook, forecasters are predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season—with eight to 14 named storms, three to six hurricanes, and one to three major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). Forecasters expect a developing El Niño pattern to suppress tropical activity this year. But as forecasters are quick to note, a below-normal season doesn't mean a low-risk one. It only takes one storm making landfall to make a season impactful.

Here's how GlobalPost approaches hurricane season—from preparation through recovery.

How far in advance do you begin preparing for hurricane season, and what does that preparation look like operationally?

GlobalPost starts planning well before hurricane season, reviewing routes, updating contingency plans, and coordinating with suppliers and facilities. Their flexible network and supplier relationships allow them to adjust routes proactively to keep packages moving and minimize delays.

When a hurricane hits a region, how do you communicate service disruptions and estimated recovery timelines to shippers and their customers?

GlobalPost maintains a dedicated GlobalPost Service Updates page that serves as a comprehensive hub—not just for hurricane-related alerts, but for global shipping updates including international customs delays, regional weather events, and geopolitical disruptions worldwide. In addition to this public resource, GlobalPost provides proactive email notifications and real-time tracking milestones to keep merchants and customers aligned.

What options do merchants have for rerouting or holding packages when a storm is approaching a delivery area?

Because GlobalPost sits at the intersection of various transit points, they can often divert high volumes to alternate processing centers outside a storm's path. Their supplier network and flexible routing options help keep packages moving safely and minimize interruptions.

How do you handle packages that are already in transit when a hurricane makes landfall?

Packages in affected facilities are secured until it's safe to resume processing. Where possible, GlobalPost uses its network to reroute shipments around the disruption to reduce delays and keep deliveries on track.

Merchants can file a claim through the GlobalPost website. Their team works to investigate and resolve claims quickly, providing transparency throughout the process.

What steps do you recommend merchants take before hurricane season to minimize shipping disruptions?

GlobalPost recommends using the Service Updates page as your hub for global shipping trends and regional alerts. They also advise against relying on a single service or gateway for high-volume shipments to hurricane-prone areas, leveraging services with added insurance, building in additional transit time during peak storm periods, verifying address accuracy, and preparing standardized customer communications so you can quickly set expectations.

How quickly are you typically able to resume full operations in affected areas after a major storm?

Recovery depends on the severity of the storm, but GlobalPost's teams and suppliers work around the clock to resume operations safely. As conditions improve, they restore service by monitoring local infrastructure, supplier availability, and transportation networks in real time.

Have you made any recent investments specifically to improve your hurricane response?

Yes. GlobalPost has enhanced its tracking systems, strengthened contingency protocols, and invested in partnerships with suppliers to better support shippers during hurricane season. This includes linking to destination final-mile carrier tracking numbers for most shipments to enable more complete visibility. They're also working toward offering predictive delivery insights, with ongoing enhancements focused on speed, transparency, and resilience during disruptions.

Be ready before the first storm forms

Hurricane season doesn't wait for you to be ready—but you can be. Bookmark the GlobalPost Service Updates page before the first storm forms, add coverage for high-value shipments, and build buffer time into your delivery estimates for coastal destinations.Questions about your shipments? Contact GlobalPost support or visit our Service Updates page for real-time alerts throughout the season.