Peak season 2021 has started with a boom and is by far the most active in recent memory. If your business was lagging in the first portion of the year, then the peak will not be an easy time.
Right now, it is imperative to start planning how you will manage the launch of peak season. At this time, you still have enough time to develop a strategy and put it into motion before entering the high-demand environment. You will want to put your best budget in place, so you are heading into the curve. In this article, we will explore five crucial things to prepare.
Importance of Preplanning
You might not have a crystal ball that will tell you the future, but you can still preplan with fact-based forecasting. Maintain an open and continuous channel of communication with your supply chain stakeholders so you can revise things at the drop of a hat if the forecast starts to change. The goal is to avoid last-minute changes or being caught off guard because both can cause financial problems.
Stay Flexible
Everyone wants to get the products on the shelves, but if you focus on an overly rigid transit schedule, then you might be leaving money on the table that you could be saving. Remember, there are cost-effective ways to drive the supply chain’s performance, including flexible pickup windows and delivery dates. Try to open a carrier network to a broader array of providers. You want to build competition for freight – your freight.
Exploring Other Modes of Transportation
Yes, you want to get your freight off the shipping dock but paying too much to a carrier to move your product quickly is not the way to budget. You should think about alternative modes of transportation. Think about where you can speed things up while still saving money and maintaining a steady pickup routine. Consider modes like intermodal or LTL. Consolidation might help you save and keep things moving on schedule.
Avoiding The Spot Market? Why Not Try to Single Source?
Shippers often compete during peak season for capacity with the spot market so they can get goods moving. Work with a provider that has outsourced transcontinental freight products. They might help you gain greater access to more significant buyer potential using a bundled carrier for better coverage on your shipments.
Partner With a Proven Provider
Yes, the partnership has its perks – especially when it comes to logistics. Piggybacking on a provider is a viable choice. They have developed proven processes, offer skilled leadership, have teams of persistent workers, and remain focused on the success of their customers so you can stay in the lead with your supply chain even during 2021’s peak season.
Sobel continues to help customers meet their needs during the yearly peak season. They focus on integrity, innovation, and service. For more information – contact the Sobel group today!
