Understanding the peak season in trucking is essential for a shipper when shipping domestically. The peak season is when the demand for transporting freight and volume skyrockets. Separate from the November to December holiday rush, this is typically from August to October. Scenarios like back-to-school shopping and retailers preparing for the upcoming holiday season increase the need for carriers. The higher demand may result in greater stress for shippers and truckers from delays and higher costs. This article will explain the challenges that can arise and how to protect your cargo when shipping during this time.
What Should Shippers Know About The Peak Season In Trucking?
The surge in cargo movement during this season can be taxing due to the impact on the shipper’s supply chain. A main effect of the high demand is that shippers’ freight rates tend to rise. The cost to ship also rises due to limited capacity from demand exceeding the available carriers. Fuel prices also tend to increase during this time, leading to higher operational costs for truckers. Another issue that becomes more common during the peak season is a greater likelihood of congestion. A primary cause of the higher cargo volumes that trucks ship domestically during this time comes from increased imports into and exports from the US.
As the cargo volume at ports increases, the likelihood of delays from congestion also rises. When ports and distribution centers are backed up, longer transit times become more common. The chances of detention and demurrage costs also become more likely as cargo takes longer to transport. Demurrage charges are fees for a container overstaying its allotted time in a port, while detention charges are fees for using the container outside the terminal beyond the allowed period. Equipment shortages are an issue that can further increase transit times and costs. While truckers can benefit financially from greater cargo volumes, working longer hours may increase the chances of driver fatigue.
How Can You Prepare When Shipping During The Peak?
Due to the challenges that arise during peak season shipping, you must prepare correctly. Shippers can ship earlier to avoid higher costs and longer traffic times. If you are a business, shipping before the peak season can ensure your customers get your goods on time. You must also prepare for the higher costs of increased demands. Having a good long-term relationship with carriers can help prevent limited capacity. Another solution may be to consider different shipping options. For example, if possible, using LTL (Less Than Truckload) helps ensure on-time delivery while lowering costs.
A1 Freight Solutions
Understanding how to ship during a period of higher pressure is crucial for ensuring a successful supply chain. Failure to prepare correctly can lead to delays, monetary loss, and cargo loss. Another way that a shipper can prepare for shipping during peak season is to contact a freight broker. Brokers are the middlemen between the shipper and carrier and coordinate the cargo movement on behalf of the shipper. They do this by offering services like providing documents, finding rates, freight transportation, and more. Brokers also educate you on what to expect during the journey and how to prepare. Contact A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1wwl.com to speak to our brokers regarding your shipment’s success.