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Echo’s Top 8 Tips for Navigating Peak Season Shipping 

Author Sean Burke

Though the summer is often a slower season for other industries, the supply chain never rests. Peak Season kicked off in August, a global surge in demand for goods, that typically lasts into the fall. Optimizing transportation is essential during such a busy time, and having the knowledge to prepare for and adapt to changes helps suppliers manage business functionality. As we get further into a busy summer, supply chain optimization requires strategic planning and thoughtful execution. We’ve put together our top eight tips for how to best navigate shipping throughout this Peak Season:  

  1. Account for delays – it may sound basic, but planning for disruptions, even with small changes to shipments, can make all the difference. Incorporate buffer time into schedules, if possible, to account for delays in transit times. For international freight in particular, monitor news and stay up to date on border crossings and port operations to anticipate potential disruptions.  
  1. Leverage technology – utilizing shipping technology can allow you to focus on your business while the tech handles the logistical work. Implementing a Transportation Management System can streamline operations, optimize routes, and monitor shipments in real-time. Additionally, automating communication can save time and provide alerts to quickly address issues during transit. 
  1. Strengthen communication – in addition to automating communication, it is essential to stay in regular communication with your team and logistics partners throughout shipping. Technology can help with this, as well as a dedicated communications team, helping you stay transparent by keeping customers informed of potential delays and building trust to set mutually beneficial expectations. 
  1. Focus on risk management – regularly developing and updating contingency plans allows your business to quickly respond to unforeseen events. Also, including cargo insurance coverage, like Echo’s EchoInsure+, can help you recover lost, damaged, or stolen goods, ensuring such situations don’t result in economic losses, and protecting the company at the same time. Find a good insurance option that provides a swift claims process and quality coverage to save money in the long run. 
  1. Collaborate with reliable providers – having a quality provider with a dedicated team on your side can make the difference between success and failure during Peak Season. Work closely with proven providers that have a strong record of trust and reliability. Leverage a partner that prioritizes you during busy times to ensure your shipments arrive on time and in full. A trusted provider will also have a diversity of solutions so you know you can leverage the best option for your unique business needs.  
  1. Optimize inventory management – increasing your stock for high-demand items can ensure your inventory maintains proper levels throughout Peak Season. A helpful solution to utilize to avoid overstocking is AI forecasting, a means to manage inventory with the help of technology. Such tools can better anticipate demand spikes and adjust inventory levels accordingly, helping you manage products efficiently and cost-effectively.  
  1. Enhance packaging solutions – high quality packaging materials can enhance product integrity during delays or temperature changes. Sustainable packaging materials can also offer a better option for eco-friendly protection that still maintains the integrity of your product. 
  1. Utilize temperature-controlled solutions – leveraging temperature-controlled shipping can provide quality maintenance for products even if they’re delayed. Temperature monitoring technology allows you to track conditions during transit and take immediate action if something goes wrong. Utilize a provider that can offer year-round temperature-controlled solutions and expertise to get your temperature-sensitive products where they need to go while maintaining optimal quality.  

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively mitigate supply chain challenges during Peak Season. Ensuring the integrity of your temperature-sensitive shipments in particular will not only protect your products but also strengthen your relationships with clients and partners. With careful planning and proactive management, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate this busy period smoothly and successfully. 

For additional assistance, Echo’s experts have the experience, insight, and visibility to offer some suggestions on how to best navigate the challenges and high functionality of Peak Season. Utilizing every tool at your disposal will help you stay ahead and mitigate hurdles as they arise. 

Echo provides a variety of solutions and resources for all your shipping needs. To get started, contact our experts today at 800-354-7993, info@echo.com, or request a quote for a shipment. 

For informational purposes.