The festive season is here, and for many businesses, that means things are about to get busy.
As Black Friday and Christmas approach, freight volumes increase, delivery expectations tighten and there’s often less room for things to go wrong. While the festive rush comes around every year, a little preparation can go a long way towards making the busy period easier to manage.
Kate Gardner, Manager, Freight Advisors at TIG Freight Management says, ‘The increase in volume in the freight network during peak season is remarkable. The freight industry commences preparation for Christmas months in advance to secure the resources are able to meet these demands.’
With increased pressure across the freight network, one of the best things businesses can do is plan ahead. Take the time to map out expected volumes, key dates, stock requirements and delivery priorities. Having a clear plan gives your team something to work towards and can help take the pressure off when things get busy.
‘Without knowing your priorities and requirements, allows for effective and fast action to achieve the highest ROIs across this period,’ Kate says.
Part of that planning is knowing your key freight dates. Carrier cut-offs and operating schedules can change around Christmas and New Year, so understanding when freight needs to be booked and dispatched can help you avoid unnecessary last-minute pressure.
It can also be helpful to look back at your freight data from previous peak periods. Were there particular weeks where volumes increased? Did certain locations, carriers or services experience additional pressure? Understanding what happened previously can help you anticipate challenges and make more informed decisions about the weeks ahead.
Communication is another important part of staying ahead. Kate highlights that keeping stakeholders informed is an undervalued component to evoke resilience, understanding and even a positive experience out of peak season pressures. The earlier everyone knows what’s coming, the easier it is to plan around potential challenges.
Finally, have a backup plan. As Kate explains, ‘Where the chance of something goes wrong increases, planning allows contingency’s to be enacted immediately keeping your operation moving as smoothly as it can.’
Ultimately, navigating the festive season comes down to being prepared, staying informed and having the right support around you.
If you’re thinking about how TIG Freight Management can help support your business’ freight needs, get in touch and explore a better way to manage your freight.
