Peak season is multiplying: How can logistics respond?

The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of FreightWaves or its affiliates.

The logistics industry has undergone significant changes over the years, responding to numerous evolutions in consumer demand.

For decades, the logistics industry had a seasonality to it, with the period from the late summer to late fall known as the busiest time for suppliers. Today we are seeing a new trend, one of multiple peaks spaced more evenly throughout the year. We are moving from a landscape dominated by a single mountain to one with an expansive mountain range.

This is a change from what has historically been true. In the past, peak season came once a year, representing a significant increase in commercial and transportation activity around the winter holidays. During this period, logistics companies had to work hard to increase freight volumes, ensure timely deliveries and optimize operational efficiency. Advance planning, effective coordination and specific logistics strategies were all key to meeting this spike in demand while maintaining service quality.

But the world has been changing rapidly. New patterns were emerging in consumer behavior, globalization, e-commerce and supply chain dynamics even before the pandemic, which further accelerated these trends. Technological advances and socioeconomic shifts have driven new consumer expectations and preferences; people are shopping, and shipping, differently from how they did before 2020.

Source: freightwaves.com