We value your industry, and we understand the difficulties that come with an increase in demand. At Lake City Logistics, we know that as seasons change for shipping operations, it’s important to prepare for any unexpected issues that arise and strategize logistics solutions. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your shipping process runs smoothly and efficiently when you resource a logistics company.
1. Anticipate Your Peak Seasons
During the year, a variety of factors affect how much you’ll transport products to buyers. However, different holidays and seasonal changes also impact demand.
According to Transvirtual, you want to pay attention to these upcoming peak seasons.
In January, many factories close for the holidays, including the Spring Festival and Lunar New Year. Holdups on shipments require companies to plan ahead for other shipping options.
As the year moves into March, you want to keep in mind holidays such as Eid or Ramadan. Demand will increase for your season shipments and increase the stress on deliveries transported from the warehouse to the home.
During sales in the middle-of-the-year, freight costs in June may increase due to reduced space and increased demand.
As students start school and summer turns to fall, there is more demand for shipping and potential congestion of products at ports in August.
When November starts, Singles’ Day and Black Friday in this month bring more sales. You’ll want to anticipate a high rise in demand, and expect transportation costs to increase.
With holidays around the corner in December, you can expect a busy peak season. A shortage of labor and surcharges (extra charges) during this time have an impact.
With each peak season, make sure you resource a logistics company like us that provides an easy and trouble-free process for your shipping.
2. Take Advantage of Technology
Continual advances in AI provide businesses with more logistics resources throughout the shipping process.
“By automating quoting, booking, tracking, appointment scheduling and final settlement, shippers get faster responses, more accurate data, fewer exceptions and a smoother end-to-end experience regardless of mode or volume,” Unishippers said.
This means that as business gets busier, you can lean on AI to meet demand. During peak season, Transvirtual advises using technology to:
3. Foresee Surcharges
As peak season rounds the corner, it’s important to pay attention to potential expenses. While technology continues to advance for logistics companies, according to Unishippers, this doesn’t decrease surcharges or rates.
“In fact, all major parcel carriers once again announced their general rate increases for 2026 — and there were no surprises,” Unishippers said.
Best Yet Express explains that surcharges go up with operational difficulties and more demand. This means that you want to plan for:
4. Strategize Warehouse Capacity
Peak season is a busy time for businesses and transportation alike when they resource a logistics company.
“Many delays occur not on the road, but at loading docks when facilities are overwhelmed or understaffed,” Best Yet Express said.
They recommend: adding extra time sooner for shipping, anticipating early shipments, communicating about schedules at the docks, and pre-booking at the cross-dock area or warehouse.
5. Keep in Mind the Driver Shortage
When demand increases, and you have a shortage of drivers, it’s difficult to ship products on time. Currently, FMCSA requires drivers to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) through their state. However, in order to work as a driver, you need to first be a U.S. citizen.
“FMCSA found approximately 200,000 non-domiciled CDL holders, and approximately 20,000 non-domiciled commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders,” said Overdrive.
With fewer licensed drivers and these requirements, truck drivers are in more demand. Companies need to be aware that shipping may take more time as they search for logistics solutions. As Best Yet Express recommends, provide a backup plan in case of delays. Make sure to effectively strategize accurate order times to keep up with demand.
Are you ready?
Peak season might be difficult, but Lake City Logistics will be with you every step of the way. From storage to delivery, you can rest assured your products will be safe and secure while they reach their destination. At our logistics company, we provide you honest and reliable service that ensures your products meet your customers on time. Email us at info@lakecity-logistics.com or call (574) 397-0181 for more information.
Drop us a message to find out how we can help you focus on your business by streamlining your warehousing, fulfillment, and logistics processes.
Prefer to chat on the phone? Give us a call at (574) 397-0181
