Expect a longer and more unpredictable peak season. Here's how companies can get their logistics operations prepared for what's to come.
THE CHALLENGE
Peak season 2021 is shaping up to be especially challenging, as shippers are already dealing with tight capacity and other market-wide complications. Shippers whose volumes may not increase at this time of year will still be impacted, as strong demand for shipping from other companies can lead to higher rates and limited capacity.
Historically, peak season occurs from August to November every year; this year, peak season has the potential to last even longer than normal and have an even greater impact on shippers due to unique market dynamics.
While transportation networks have been strained over the past year due to the impact of the pandemic, peak season will likely spark even more freight shipping activity as more people get vaccinated, businesses fully reopen, and parts of the economy return to pre-pandemic levels. Closely following market trends and adjusting transportation plans if necessary will enable businesses to create a successful shipping strategy this peak season.
Because of the effects of the pandemic, there has been high demand for freight transportation, resulting in a continued tight capacity market. In fact, some carriers have had to cut back on servicing select shippers in order to maintain optimal service levels.
The tight market is causing many shippers to compete for space from carriers. As a result, carriers may increase rates on top of the premiums and surcharges many have already added.
THE SOLUTION
Working toward becoming a shipper of choice—a company that carriers want to work with because they create a positive and valuable partnership—should be a priority right now for every company. For tips on building strong relationships with carriers, read our shipper of choice white paper at www.echo.com/resources/white-papers.
During peak season, shippers can also expect increased transit times and more delays that could hurt on-time delivery performance. Shippers can mitigate these issues by shipping freight as early as possible, building flexibility into a shipment's delivery date, factoring in the extra lead time it may take to source trucks, and exploring alternate shipping solutions.
Trusted and established third-party logistics providers (3PLs) are invaluable when your logistics operations are stretched to the max and you're facing time constraints, tight capacity, and overwhelming consumer expectations.
By working with a 3PL, such as Echo Global Logistics, you'll be able to better manage through this year's peak season and stay ahead of your competition.
As a leading 3PL, our team at Echo uses a unique combination of industry expertise, best-in-class technology, and award-winning customer service to simplify transportation management for our clients. Our logistics experts are here to help you navigate the freight market during peak season and beyond. We can evaluate your transportation needs, discover efficiencies, and deliver the transportation solutions that are best for your business.
Echo services all modes of transportation, including truckload, partial truckload, less than truckload (LTL), intermodal, and expedited. If you are in need of expedited shipping for your freight, Echo offers hot shot ground and air cargo services all over the United States for time-sensitive shipments.
Drawing on our network of more than 10,000 expedited carriers, and more than 50,000 carriers overall, our team diligently monitors your shipments from origin to destination to ensure your freight delivers on time, safely, and within budget.
