The holidays aren’t just the most wonderful time of the year. They’re also the most “shippable” time of the year! With the global economy preparing for all of the logistics to come, this is also the most critical time to prepare for the busy shipping season ahead. Now is the time to make sure your business is prepared to get your products in the hands of your customers with little to no delays. Here are some of the most common questions and answers to all your holiday shipping questions.
Q: What are the key dates that businesses need to keep in mind?
A: Shippers should keep an eye on the major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas (Day and Eve), and New Year’s (Eve and Day). Other holidays, like Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Black Friday are also worth noting.
Q: How should shippers prepare for delays?
A: The best thing to do: PLAN AHEAD! If delays are anticipated or expected, plan as early as possible to negate the impact of delays. Coordinate schedules with your partners to help things flow more fluidly and ship things faster or sooner. Learning about your shipping needs and potential obstacles can also help in avoiding delays and preparing solutions.
Q: What are some of the key things shippers should do now to prepare for the holiday rush?
A: Ordering early is the best way to prepare for the holiday rush. Waiting for the season to get here can be problematic and result in delays or restricted supplies. Be mindful of inventory levels ahead of time. Ask workers to communicate their time off well in advance. Work with businesses you know and trust to ease the stress of a holiday rush. Make sure the lines of communication are wide open between shippers and brokers.
Q: What concerns do you have about holiday shipping this year?
A: Weather can heavily impact the entire supply chain from shippers to carriers to the end consumer. It’s always good to keep an eye on the weather and ensure delivery routes are safe for everyone involved. Another concern is the holiday schedules of delivery workers. This can affect how pick-ups and deliveries are conducted during peak times. Ensure scheduling aligns across the board and, if possible, have solutions in mind. With a holiday rush, inventory volume can also be unpredictable. Be prepared for any major shift, and learn how to anticipate these influxes.
Q: How does your team help both shippers and carriers navigate the holiday season?
A: Communication is vital to the success or failure of navigation during the holiday season. It is also important that all parties can be flexible and understanding. So we work hard to find a solution before a problem arises. We start by ensuring communication is always maintained between both shippers and carriers. We do everything we can to reduce stress and plan for any unforeseen circumstances down the line.
One Final Question…
Q: How do I get in touch with LYNC’s team?
A: Visit our website to contact our team and request a quote. We take care of clients of all sizes across all industries, and we’ll customize a plan to your businesses’ needs.
Our LYNC Logistics team is here to help you not just survive but also this holiday season. Give us a call at 423-305-7600, and one of our logistics specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Happy Holidays!