2024 Holiday Shipping Hub: Your Home for All Things Peak Season
Stay up to date with the latest holiday shipping information this peak season — like key deadlines, service alerts, peak season best practices and more with our 2024 Holiday Shipping Guide!
*This info is for the 2024 holiday season
"Have yourself a merry little peak season," even though "It's the most, busiest time of the year!". That's why we have created the Holiday Shipping Hub as a special present to you!
Make sure to check back in as the season progresses and unwrap additional peak season shipping tips to help grow customer loyalty and retention — all while making the season merry and bright!
Holiday Shipping Season Service Alerts
Some may say, “let it snow!” But we know that surprise weather delays, natural disasters and other holiday-related service issues can have a big impact on your peak season shipping. Check out our Service Alerts page for holiday and weather-related announcements that could impact your shipments.
Freight Carrier Holiday Shipping Schedules: What You Need To Know
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 Tuesday and Wednesday in 2024. Many companies may extend closures to include Monday, Dec. 23, resulting in a 5-day closure, so plan your shipping cutoff times accordingly. Also, be sure to:
- 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 Shipping Rates and Surcharges
The holiday season always sees an increase in shipping demand, leading to fuller trucks and more shipments, which can drive up costs — a trend you struggle with every year.
While you can't control the premium on capacity, you can avoid unnecessary fees and know which ones might affect you. Get useful tips and tricks in our blog titled 8 Tips on How To Reduce Freight Costs including managing accessorial fees!
Expedited Service During Peak Season
Being short on time doesn't necessarily mean you're short on options. In fact, many of our less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier partners offer shortened transit times, and some guaranteed services may still be available.
You can also consider expedited air shipping. From learning what can and cannot be shipped via air to identifying which expedited freight services fit best with your specific needs and budget, we have gathered the resources you need to feel prepared when exploring your expedited freight options. Download our guide here!
Need to rush a holiday shipment? Learn how overnight services for freight offer a quick solution for your even-quicker shipping needs by reaching out to a GlobalTranz representative. You can also check out the following blog for more information: Which type of expedited freight shipping is right for you?
Shipping Insurance for Peak Season
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 make sure to check out the two resources below to gain some extra peace of mind this holiday season.
What is Shipper's Interest Insurance & Cargo Liability?
Freight Insurance vs Freight Liability: Knowing the Difference For Freight Claims
Helpful Resources for Year-End Freight Shipping
Even though we're officially wrapping up this year, the 2024 holiday freight shipping season is just beginning! We know it's been a challenging few years for freight shipping. Download our peak season checklist and visit this guide in the future to get more relevant tips and content to help you this holiday season.