Known as a crucial time of the year for cargo movement, trucking during the holidays can be demanding for shippers. The holiday season is from November to the end of December. These two months reportedly make up around 20% of annual retail sales. This is a period where customer demand is high, and there is a substantial need for shipping. Supply chains of businesses that ship goods both domestically and internationally are under more significant pressure to be successful. Failure can result in unfavorable situations like upset customers. This article will explain what to expect when shipping goods by truck during the holiday season and how to prepare.
What should I know Before Trucking During the Holidays?
There are certain aspects a shipper should know when needing to move goods by truck during the holiday season. The most significant thing to be aware of is that the demand for transportation increases during this period. Because of Christmas, carriers must transport more substantial amounts of cargo domestically, which leads to tightening trucking capacity. An effect is that shipping costs may become more expensive, and carriers add additional surcharges. A greater number of freight shippers have to move can also lead to congestion, causing delays. Port congestion puts extra pressure on supply chains that rely on trucks for drayage services.
Communication between the carrier and shipper is increasingly crucial since delays have become more common. Before the trucker picks up the cargo, they should have accurate information regarding the shipment details. Examples include dimensions, weight, freight class, and special loading instructions. It is also essential to have the correct packaging, which protects items from potential damage or loss. During the journey, the shipper should have updates on the location and if the shipper needs to make adjustments. Another way to prevent delays is to ensure the paperwork is complete and correct. Businesses and individuals usually hire a freight broker to handle the documentation due to possible errors.
The Growth of Online Shopping
The rise of e-commerce in recent decades has completely transformed the supply chains of many shippers. Online shopping not only results in increasing transportation needs but also raises expectations for customers. Shippers now expect the delivery of goods bought from different states or internationally to move in a shorter period. This can mean two-day and same-day delivery. The holiday season further grows the dependency on quick shipping since goods have to ship before a date like Christmas. A recent boom in online shopping has increased the demand for trucking in recent years. This was because of the coronavirus pandemic, which grew e-commerce sales by over 30% in 2020.
How Can I Prepare?
Moving goods domestically during this holiday season is a perfect opportunity for businesses to add value to their customers. With the demand for trucking significantly high, a shipper must be ready to start. Many steps should be taken beforehand, like finding a carrier to move the cargo. Filing the paperwork correctly and understanding the regulations for transporting are also crucial. An ideal way to prepare is to get a freight broker to coordinate the shipment movement for you. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your company while the broker covers the transportation of your goods. Contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1fsinc.com to speak to our brokers and prepare yourself for this holiday season.