Tips for Shipping During the Holiday Season

As a business owner, it is never too early to start preparing for the holiday shipping season.  A sound game plan will allow your business to exceed customer expectations and improve shipping efficiency year after year.

Freight Shipping During the Holidays

It is important to be aware of freight holidays when no services are running.   Take note of which holidays are operating with modified service, such as New Year’s Eve, Christmas, July 4th, etc.  Holidays that fall just before or after a weekend will require different departing windows.

If you are shipping internationally, you will want to take note of their holiday dates. While New Year’s Day is the same around the world there are many holidays and celebration dates that are different.  These additional holidays can disrupt transit times.

Freight Shipping Tips and Options to Consider

Holiday freight shipping requires a bit of extra guidance.  Shippers are faced with increased competition and higher rates with several special services revised or reduced.

Whether it is shipping methods or carriers, compare and contrast to ensure you are choosing what is best for you.  Leave yourself enough time to scope out the proper solution.

Communication and streamlining the process will help during the crunch of peak season. Technology can help with other crucial pieces like tracking and communication.  Using a supply management platform, like Transportation Management System (TMS), will let you maintain visibility on your freight and prepare for arrival at the receiving facility.

Expecting Delays and Plan in Advance

With holiday shipping, the possibility of delays increases.   As always, the best is to plan in advance.

Delays are often due to the day of the week they fall on, the weather, and an overall increased volume of shipments.

• The Day of the Week – A Saturday holiday means that there will be a rush at the beginning of that week.  Adjust your week according to the holiday and modified hours of service so that your shipment arrives on time.
• The Weather – The holiday season means cold and unpredictable weather. Prepare for every outcome and monitor the weather so you can adjust your shipping ahead to beat the closures.
• Carriers – You can always expect there to be an exceptional amount of shipments coming through during the holidays. It is good to check with the carrier to make sure that they have a large fleet to be able to handle the extra freight volume.

Common Mistakes

If your business has shipped during the holiday season previously, it is critical to look at what has and has not worked before.  This will help you get ahead of your weak spots and plan for your strengths.

You need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.  This means accounting for bad weather and unexpected costs.  The best place to start is to re-evaluate your everyday shipping strategies.  Take a look at the shipping options that are available, so you are using the best one for your freight needs.

Take care when classifying your freight, while it is always important during, the holiday season it is even more so.  When freight classification is incorrect, your shipment can incur additional fees or delays.  Calibrate all weight scales, this will avoid reweighs by the carrier.  Documenting freight with pictures will assist with reclassification in case of mislabeling.

Benefits of Partnering with a Logistics Provider

Partner with PPLUS Global Logistics so that you do not have to overcome these challenges on your own.  They monitor the performance of carriers throughout the season, so you will work with the one that is best for you.

PPLUS will lead you to the most efficient and cost-effective network of carriers for your freight and help you have a plan in place since you are not at risk for unexpected costs.  Their customizable TMS software will let you get quotes, enter product info and any accessorials, print a bill of lading, and track your shipment.

As a business, it is essential to satisfy customers with on-time deliveries.  Flaws in shipping during the holiday season will add stress and result in loss of sales.