Busiest Time of the Year for Shipping
We are fast approaching the busiest time of the year for shipping and the volume the major carriers are expecting to transport is at a record high.
UPS is expecting to deliver over 700 million packages over the holiday period with their busiest day expected to be on the 19th of December, 2016.1
FedEx is projecting to deliver 351 million packages between black Friday and Christmas Eve and most likely to have their busiest day on December 16th, 2016.2,3
What does this mean for me?
Although the major carriers have prepared themselves for the significant volume increase that occurs during the holiday season, it is prudent to ship your packages before or after the busiest days of the year. Of course, this is not always possible. If you can't, here's what you should know and do:
- Ensure your waybill/label is securely affixed to your package. (A lost label = a delayed package)
- Add an extra address label inside and outside of your package including contact information.
- If you are re-using a box, remove or cover all leftover labels and markings to avoid any confusion that could result in delivery delays.
Is there anything else I can do to make it through?
Absolutely! There are lots of little things you can do to really reduce the odds of things going wrong. Be sure to read Nadine’s tips on shipping fragile items.
References:
1. https://pressroom.ups.com/pressroom/ContentDetailsViewer.page?ConceptType=PressReleases&id=1477506556294-677
2. http://about.van.fedex.com/newsroom/global-english/fedex-forecasts-record-volume-this-holiday-season/
3. http://about.van.fedex.com/newsroom/global-english/fedex-anticipates-another-record-peak-holiday-shipping-season/