What is Peak Season Planning and Why Does It Matter?
In the parcel industry, peak season planning is a supply chain strategy targeted around specific holiday shopping seasons in an effort to serve as many customers as efficiently and quickly as possible. The season with the most concerted effort across all brands is generally the winter holiday/Christmas season, though peak season planning can encompass any season that your shoppers increase shopping activity around, such as Easter or Halloween.
Why is Peak Season Planning Important to Your Parcel Network?
- Online shopping increases during peak holiday seasons. Holiday shoppers are seeking more purchases at the best available prices, and much of that shopping begins online. In fact, for many retailers, online sales during these times can account for up to 40% of annual sales.
- Increased shopping brings increased activity â for you and your carriers. From new sales opportunities, record sales, and increased returns, your parcel network will undoubtedly experience growing pains for any unpredicted or planned for changes, but donât forget about your carriers, too. Theyâre busier than normal also, and that means youâll do well to monitor your parcels closely, seeking out delayed or lost packages, as well as unexpected surcharges or new accessorials.
- Consumer expectations are heightened. Perhaps more than any other time, shoppers are sensitive to price and shipping time. Theyâre seeking better deals (because theyâre buying more than normal), and they want those purchased products faster than ever (because they still need to wrap it and check it off the To-Do list). A brand that delights instead of vexes during this time will likely remain favored when peak seasons end.
Overall, peak season planning is ideally meant to help your brand and parcel network prepare for a busier shopping season. That means more time proactively preparing vs. reactively putting out fires and dealing with unforeseen growing pains. The principles of Parcel Spend Management are just as valid during this time as any other, if not more so.
Related Resources
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âTis the season to make sure your gifts arrive on time â use these U.S. domestic shipping deadlines to ensure they arrive by December 25!
2020 Peak Season Parcel Carrier Satisfaction Survey
How are your parcel carriers performing during the 2020 peak holiday season? Let Green Mountain Technology know with our carrier performance survey!
Our Best Peak Season Planning Advice for Today and Next Year
With peak season upon us, thereâs no better time to look back on some of the peak holiday shipping advice weâve given over the years.
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Lessons Learned from the Largest Brands Operating During COVID-19
It has been an unprecedented year in the transportation industry from elevated volumes during COVID 19 to a highly anticipated peak season, there is a lot to discuss. Join the experts covering lessons learned from the largest brands operating during these times.
PANEL: Peak & Pandemic Fulfillment Strategies: Keys to Operating in a New Environment
Peak season brings on enough challenges. Add those to lingering effects of COVID-19 and your supply chain is pushed to its limits. Join four experts as they help you solve the challenges within your distribution center and delivery channels by providing best practices and answering your questions. Then youâll get a chance to enter a virtual roundtable to brainstorm with your peers on what they are facing and how they are combating the disruptions.
Transportation Trends and the Impact of COVID-19
Insights from GMT's annual Benchmark Report. Featuring Chris Johnson, Senior Analyst at Cleveland Research Center.
