The 2025–2026 Road Salt Shortage: What Happened and What the Industry Learned

In this episode, Justin Rollin explains what caused the 2025–2026 road salt shortage and what the snow and ice management industry can learn from it. As President of Ninja De-Icer, Justin breaks down how early winter storms, reduced inventory, salt mine production issues, and transportation challenges created supply pressure across the country. The episode also covers why planning ahead, keeping reserve inventory, and working with reliable suppliers can help contractors, municipalities, and facility managers avoid getting caught short in future winters.Key topics covered in this episode:Why early winter storms caused salt demand to spike;How lower port and supplier inventories made the shortage worse;Why salt mine disruptions affected replenishment;How trucking, rail, and port logistics slowed deliveries;What contractors and municipalities should do before next winter;Why strong supplier relationships matter during tight supply seasons.This podcast is for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute operational, procurement, safety, or professional advice. Product availability, pricing, and delivery options may vary by season, location, and market conditions. Please consult with a qualified supplier for specific winter supply planning and deicing product recommendations.