Holiday Season Shipping: Key Tips to Stay Ahead of Delays

The holiday season always brings challenges—crowded ports, limited drivers, and high demand for shipping space. This year is no exception. The logistics industry is bracing for one of its busiest and most unpredictable holiday seasons yet.

To help you prepare, here are the most important shipping considerations to keep in mind this holiday season. With the right planning and flexibility, you can minimize stress and avoid costly delays.

1. Expect Driver Shortages

Driver shortages are affecting nearly every logistics company.
This means deliveries may take longer or require more flexibility in scheduling.

Your logistics provider will do everything possible to stay on time, but being patient and adaptable is key. Consider booking deliveries earlier than usual and allowing extra time for transportation.

2. Prepare for Container Delays

Containers are also in short supply—especially during peak shipping months.
You may need to accept alternative container types or sizes to meet your deadlines.

Work closely with your logistics team to secure what’s available and stay focused on your end goal: getting your shipments where they need to go, on time.

3. Plan for Full Terminals and Rerouting

Ports and terminals are already operating at full capacity.
As a result, trucks may be rerouted at the last minute, causing delivery delays or schedule changes.

Remember, this isn’t a sign of poor planning—it’s simply the reality of a crowded logistics network. Stay in touch with your carrier for real-time updates and plan accordingly.

4. Explore Multiple Shipping Options

While trucking is usually the go-to method, flexibility pays off during the holidays.
For long-distance shipments, consider sea freight or intermodal transport as alternatives to LTL (less-than-truckload) shipping.

Diversifying your shipping methods increases your chances of meeting deadlines despite industry bottlenecks.

5. Book Early and Budget for Higher Costs

During the holidays, demand skyrockets—and so do prices.
Book your logistics services as early as possible to secure space and avoid last-minute price surges.

Also, budget for slightly higher shipping costs. Paying a premium for guaranteed service can prevent much bigger losses caused by delays or missed deliveries.

Start Planning Now for the Holiday Rush

The holidays always come faster than expected—especially in logistics. Start preparing early to avoid disruptions and stress.

Make shipping strategy a top priority, right alongside sales and promotions. The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have when unexpected challenges arise.

If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that logistics can change in an instant. Stay flexible, stay informed, and have backup plans ready. With smart planning and the right logistics partner, you can keep your holiday season running smoothly from start to finish.