HOW SHIPPERS CAN PREP FOR PEAK SEASON

This year’s peak season will definitely test supply chain efficiencies across the industry. Shippers need to study the market to understand what to look out for and how to prepare. While a knowledgeable 3PL can provide insight to its partners and customers, there are measures that shippers can take to ensure they are well prepared for this year’s unprecedented peak season.

Proactive, Not Reactive

For shippers, staying on top of trends and supply chain news is important in adapting to potential disruptions. Being proactive is better than being reactive, and some peak season issues, such as limited capacity, require more advanced planning than usual. Lengthening lead times and looking to alternative ports are some ways how companies can shift their strategies to maintain expected timelines and avoid congestion.

Leverage Partnerships

Peak season disruptions have the ability to cause increased strain as the supply chain industry works through the next few months. Shippers can utilize a 3PL partner’s vast carrier network to access the right equipment for their freight, ensuring that lingering disruptions do not cause further delays. One such disruption could be when shippers have to pivot to a different carrier last minute. 3PLs have vast access to thousands of carriers from coast to coast who are ready to haul at a moment’s notice. This exclusive partnership advantage allows shippers to handle a surge of freight with ease when shipping strategies do not go according to plan.

Prioritize Freight Based on Deadline

Another tip for shippers is to prioritize freight to meet each load’s delivery deadline. With increased demand and tight capacity, sending shipments out earlier than usual or on alternative routes may be necessary to meet customers’ expectations. Shippers can utilize warehousing services or drop trailer solutions that can store products for an extended period of time during peak season. Such advanced preparation will help shippers handle increased volumes from an expected demand surge and allow for managing of disruptions far easier than otherwise.

From prioritizing shipments and leveraging partnerships to simply staying up-to-date with current industry news, shippers can prepare for this year’s peak season and look toward a successful stretch as we head into the last quarter of the year.

RELATED: SHIPPING TRENDS TO EXPECT THIS PEAK SEASON