How to Deal with Seasonal Shipping Demand Spikes

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The holiday season is known for leading to an increase in sales, which means that shipping companies are also in higher demand. Seasonal shipping demand spikes are inevitable for any company in the shipping industry, so you must know how to deal with them. Are you as prepared as you think for seasonal shipping demand this year? Be prepared for the holiday season with our guide on how to deal with seasonal shipping demand spikes.

How To Deal With Seasonal Shipping Demand Spikes

Seasonal Demand Shipping Spikes

While January can be quiet, October and November are part of the peak shipping season. Consumer demand and holiday shipping make it the busiest time of the year for shipping companies.

Other busy times of the year often relate to international holidays or festive events, but not always. Some companies and brands will notice that they experience spikes during certain times of the year for other reasons.

For example, a company that sells tents might encounter high demand in the spring or fall when people prepare to go camping for the year.

These companies will have a more specific busy season and prepare to efficiently manage inventory to meet customer demands based on those indicators.

Study Previous Years For Consumer Behavior

If you run a transport or shipping company, study previous years to understand future shipping spikes. For example:

  • You have experienced a sales spike during February
  • Commonly around Valentine’s Day
  • For three years in a row

Demand forecasting can tell you that years four and five will likely have the same spike.

Learn from the history of your company, and use the statistics you gather to predict what could happen in the future. Advanced demand forecasting tools can help you prepare for and manage seasonal products and increased customer demands.

Use Your Software

Uncovering insights about your sales and stock has become more manageable and more efficient. This is because of advancements in software. These days, sales and inventory can be sorted electronically. This is done using whatever software your company prefers – whether open source, paid, or AI-aided.

Some advanced point-of-sale (POS) software systems can even help you make future predictions for which products will have an increased demand and when.

Prepare Your Staff

Staff should be prepared for the rush, from top-level management to freelance contractors. Ensure that they’re equipped to handle it, manage the rising demand, and meet customer expectations.

Managing the spike will be very difficult if you don’t have the essential support that holds the production chain together.

Inventory Management is Essential: Stock Up Ahead Of Time

If you expect a rise in demand, you should stock up on everything essential before the rush. You must ensure you have fueled and repaired your fleet for truckload shipping and freight volumes.

Also, ensure all your contracts for the next few months are in order. Do this to avoid supply chain disruptions.

If you want to keep up with demand, learn to think ahead.

Prepare For Potential Losses

There are also instances where you will face losses. Be prepared for this. You will be much less surprised and damaged if it happens. Losses can occur when your business prepares for a rush in sales and increases inventory levels, and this rush in sales doesn’t go as well as expected.

Expect these losses, which are much more accessible to counter in the short term. Expect easy money, and your company will suffer through quiet periods.

Connect With Alternatives

A rise in shipping demand can lead to pressure on any companies that the shipping provider works with. Even if you can keep up with the increased demand, what if they can’t handle the pressure?

Connect with alternative suppliers, and know exactly what you will do if one of your suppliers struggles to meet the demands. Having a management system in place ensures that the company can fulfill its obligations.

MAI Fulfillment | 3PL Warehouse Chicago, Illinois

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Established in 1981, MAI is a privately-held 3PL company in Chicago specializing in warehousing, fulfillment, and omnichannel contact services. As an experienced outsourced provider, we provide value-added solutions designed to help companies build and maintain relationships with their customers.

The MAI business model offers clients the efficiency and convenience of dealing with a single accountable resource for a wide range of services. MAI areas of specialization include:

  • Custom B2B and B2C warehouse/fulfillment solutions
  • Omni-channel contact center services
  • Technology support

A wide range of service offerings, strategic problem-solving skills, and experience make MAI a valued partner to a broad range of Fortune 500 companies. “Quality” is more than just a word here – it’s the foundation of how we conduct business and an integral part of the processes and metrics we use to deliver value to our clients every day.

Contact MAI today to learn more!

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