Author: How Trucking Adapts to Seasonal Freight Shifts
What may sound surprising for an outsider is a clear fact for experienced carriers and shippers – the trucking world faces not only market shifts but seasonal changes as well. That means that workload, demand, rates, and even the type of cargo are not the same year-round. A better understanding of the situation gives companies an opportunity to be properly prepared for seasonal shifts and trends, which means smoother operations, fewer expenses, and better earnings. We’ll explain it in a more detailed way in the article!
Seasonal Freight Shifts: Why Does It Happen? Besides regular changes in driving regulations, taxes and fees, market conditions, there’s something else – the demand differs from season to season. When you don’t understand the nature of such changes, it may feel like chaos. However, seasonal changes have a stable rhythm. Factors Influencing Seasonal Patterns Weather Warmer months are the busiest time for industries like construction and agriculture, which means more related items are transported. And winter is the prime time for carrying heating-related electronics. Promo-events and Holidays The holiday season means lots of deliveries to urban areas and an incredibly high demand for dry van shipping. Farming Spring and autumn are busy times for those transporting agricultural items, equipment, and fresh produce. Traveling Warmer months mean that summer resorts are becoming a popular destination for delivering goods and equipment. Adapting to the seasonal Changes When it comes to seasonal shifts, careful, information-based solutions are real game-changers. Here are a few ways you can handle fluctuating demand and make a benefit out of season-to-season shifts. 1. Adjustable Routes and Working Hours Monitor real-life road and weather conditions, so you can quickly adjust the route when traffic gets dangerously busy or the risk of road closures gets high. Flexibility can be a key to high efficiency – especially in warmer months when roads are getting busier or in winter when weather conditions can quickly get dangerous. Adjusting working hours can also be helpful. Driving at night or early morning is sometimes the smartest solution that helps to avoid delays and unplanned stops. 2. Prepare to Deliver Different Cargo in Different Seasons It’s crucial to understand which type of cargo you are going to deal with in the upcoming season. Summer means higher demand for refrigerators to transport food items, increased need for construction materials, and tourist equipment. Spring and autumn cause a spike in the delivery of agricultural items. 3. Extra Preparations for Peak Season Many companies offer seasonal deals for drivers to increase working capacity during peak season. Moreover, seasonality means using different types of vehicles. For example, flatbeds and refrigerated trailers are in high demand in summer. So, there’s a sense these trucks are properly maintained before the warmer months. Schedule Adjustments Depending on the Season When the market conditions are changing, you have to be ready to adapt. Smart time management that considers seasonality helps you to be one step ahead of your competitors: Have a ‘plan B’ for delays When the number of shipments is high, delays become unavoidable. Think about ways to minimize the negative impact of such situations – negotiate alternative routes with clients, seek detours, or find a reliable partner who can assist when it’s needed. Increase working hours Some solutions, like team driving, can maximize the speed of delivery and help you get more hauls during the peak seasons. Prioritize safety Safety shall stay your number-one priority even in the hot times. Always make sure that the vehicle is properly maintained and the cargo is reliably secured. Modern Technologies for Delivery Optimization Use of technologies makes the delivery process controlled. Modern tools and software help to optimize routes, count driving hours, and monitor cargo location in real-time. Don’t ignore the opportunities given by today’s tech, as it’s another way to stay competitive within the industry. Summary Seasonal changes are a natural part of many industries, including transportation. A clear understanding of the reasons that stand behind such fluctuations allows you to meet the changing requirements and ensure a high level of services for different types of hauls.
