2022 Holiday Shipping Hub
The holiday season is here once again, bringing chillier weather and the annual shipping rush. To help you stay ahead, we’ve compiled a list (and checked it twice) of important deadlines, resources and more. Check out the 2022 Holiday Shipping Hub below for real-time updates and schedule changes as the season progresses. And don’t forget to reach out to your helpful holiday elves (that’s us!) if you have any questions!
Holiday Service Alerts
Some may say “Let it snow!” but we know that surprise weather delays, natural disasters and other holiday-related service issues can make a big impact on your peak season shipping. Check out our Service Alerts page before booking shipments to make sure that your orders stay on track.
Freight Carrier Holiday Schedules
Managing a holiday calendar and factoring in pickup windows or limited operating hours are key to a successful holiday shipping season. Make sure to keep carriers’ end-of-year schedules in mind to avoid just-in-time or stuck shipments!
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day fall on Saturday and Sunday in 2022. Many companies will extend closures to include Friday, Dec. 23rd and Monday, Dec. 26th, so plan your shipping cutoff times accordingly.
- Work ahead of your typical fulfillment timelines to ensure that you’re on schedule for pickups. Always list your true opening and closing times to provide carriers with the widest available pickup window.
- Set realistic expectations regarding cutoff times, transit times and delays. Communicate these expected timelines with your customers to avoid complications, build rapport and encourage repeat business in the new year.
Holiday Rates and Surcharges
It’s no secret that the holiday season brings the heat in terms of shipping demand. Fuller trucks and more shipments lead to higher costs — an effect you’ve likely experienced throughout the past few years.
While you can’t control the premium on capacity, you can avoid unnecessary fees and know which ones might affect you.
Expedited Service
Being short on time doesn’t necessarily mean you’re short on options. In fact, many of our LTL carrier partners offer shortened transit times, and some guaranteed services may still be available.
Need to rush a holiday shipment? Learn how overnight services for freight shipping offer a quick solution for your even-quicker shipping needs.
Protection for Your Holiday Investments
While it’s a good idea to safeguard your investments at any time of year, the holiday season isn’t the time to skimp on protecting your shipments. We know you pack your holiday shipments with care, but check out our blog post on shipper interest insurance that will help you gain some extra peace of mind this holiday season.
Helpful Resources for Year-End Freight Shipping
Even though we’re officially wrapping up this year, the 2022 holiday freight shipping season is just beginning! We know it’s been a challenging few years for freight shipping. Visit the resource hub for a peak season checklist and more relevant tips, tricks and content to help you this holiday season.