Peak shipping season is just around the corner and there’s no better time for companies to start preparing for winter shipping. But like everything else this year, 2020 presents new challenges in the face of COVID-19 including market challenges and unpredictable consumer trends. It’s never been more important for organizations to be ready for this year’s shipping surge.
Important aspects of winter shipping
Explosive E-commerce Growth
In the age of COVID-19, shopping online has never been easier, quicker, or safer. After years of eating away at the in-store competition, e-commerce is going to expand even further through the end of 2020. In fact, this year is shaping up to be record-breaking for e-commerce retailers across the board, and it’s not hard to see why.
With a renewed consumer focus on e-commerce, supply chains across industries will be put to the test. Order fulfillment, secured capacity, and effective, efficient inventory management should be priorities for any organization looking to weather the supply surge.
Slower Shipping Speeds
With a dramatic spike in consumer activity surrounding the end-of-year holidays, the shipping market is sure to be more saturated than at any point in the year. This will inevitably lead to slower shipping speeds and an increased need for the right partner to carry your supply chain over the finish line.
What’s also important is mitigating customer frustration through clear and open communication, constant market awareness, and realistic goal setting.
Supply Chain Resiliency
This year’s peak shipping season will call for more than a ragtag group of suppliers and carriers. Building flexibility into your supply chain takes incorporating multiple partners all working in tandem. Such an approach will provide your organization with agility, accuracy, and adaptability in the face of unpredictable trends and clients.
Building a resilient supply chain will help mitigate the issues an aggressive market can bring. This means having a vast and diverse pool of vendors, manufacturers, shipping partners, etc. The more options you have, the easier it will be to stay flexible. The better the partner by your side, the smoother your season will go.
Winter shipping with PLS Logistics Services
Having a reliable logistics partner by your side is essential during this time. PLS Logistics has the capacity and nearly 30 years of expertise in transportation management. Plan your winter shipping ahead with a free freight quote!
