Understanding and navigating seasonal trucking challenges is vital to a supply chain in domestic shipping. The trucking industry has four seasons that vary in operations and demand based on numerous factors. Various influences like holidays, weather, retail, agriculture, and other trends impact a season. Shipping seasons include:
- The Quiet Shipping Season – January to March
- The Produce Shipping Season – April to July
- The Peak Shipping Season – August to October
- The Holiday Shipping Season – November to December
Each season has unique challenges that impact freight movement logistics. Demand for certain types and freight volumes tends to fluctuate based on the time of year. Understanding these challenges and trends can be critical for a supply chain’s success.
What Are The Seasonal Trucking Challenges?
The hurdles a shipper or trucker may face can vary by season. In the quiet season, freight demand is significantly lower compared to the other months. Not only are the holidays in the background, regional trucking trends, but the weather is also less shipping-friendly. Smaller to mid-sized trucking companies may be more concerned with greater capacity and shippers placing fewer orders during this time. Freight volumes start to pick up during the produce season. Weather changes allow for the growth of an abundance of fruits and vegetables. The influx of produce needed to be shipped domestically by carriers results in a tighter capacity. This causes rates to rise and finding a truck more difficult.
Known as the busiest time of the year in the trucking industry, the next period is the peak season. Companies prepare months in advance for the holidays by shipping during the season. The need to ship educational material also increases with school back in session. With demand and scarcity surging, rates are typically at their highest for shippers. Pressure to ship domestically continues during the holiday season. Along with last-minute orders, truckers rush to make minute shipments before holiday closures. Expedited services have become popular with high pressure to ship. Delays are more common, and rates are also high during this period.
How Are Shippers Navigating Seasonal Tucking Challenges?
Due to the various challenges in the article, shippers have found ways to navigate potential disruptions. First, it is essential to understand what to expect during a season when making decisions. For example, shipping specific cargo during the quiet season can help reduce costs. Shipping fruit during the produce season may also be beneficial, with rates not as high as in other seasons. Good relationships with carriers can be helpful during the peak season with rising prices and limited capacity. Shippers may be able to negotiate fees and prevent delays. Domestic and international freight exporters can also benefit from months like the holiday season when the demand is high.
Understanding how to prevent disruptions is significant for the success of a shipper’s supply chain. Another way they can navigate seasonal challenges is by using the help of a freight broker. Brokers connect shippers to carriers while guiding them through the transportation process. Along with acting as a middleman, they educate you on what to expect during the journey and how to prepare. Reach A1 Freight Solutions at 786-375-9420 or info@a1wwl.com to speak to a broker regarding moving your shipment today. Regardless of the season, we have solutions for transporting cargo anywhere domestically.