10 Steps for Peak Season Prep
The fourth quarter peak season has earned its reputation for straining supply chains from one end to the other. This year is no different.
While some factors are out of shippers’ control, here are 10 steps to leverage your logistics partners’ technology, expertise, and flexible network to address the peak challenges for retailers and supply chain managers.
1. Plan Early Using Last Year’s Data
Analyze past peak season data for bottlenecks and successes. “We anticipate whether we may experience some of the same disruptions as last year and remove that friction as best we can,” says Tim Kolb, Group Director of Freight Brokerage at Ryder System, Inc.
2. Refine Demand Forecasting
Use AI-driven demand forecasting tools and historical performance data. Coordinate forecasting with major promotions and plan inventory allocation by region to reduce delays or overstock.
3. Collaborate Proactively with Partners
Maintain ongoing, transparent communication with both shipper clients and logistics partners. Establish backup plans for labor or carrier gaps caused by holidays or unexpected absences, ensuring resilience in the face of disruptions.
4. Build Flexible, Multi-Carrier, Multimodal Strategies
Look for a provider with a diversified shipping network that includes multimodal options and the ability to quickly redirect loads if a primary carrier or route encounters a bottleneck or disruption. “With the flexibility that comes with working with a larger company, it’s easier to pivot and serve your customers at or above their expectations,” says Kolb.
5. Leverage Technology for Real-Time Visibility
Choose technology platforms that provide real-time shipment visibility, predictive analytics, and timely status updates to customers. Use automated alerts and escalation procedures to keep all stakeholders informed.
6. Optimize Inventory and Automation
Use automation and real-time visibility to balance inventory levels and improve allocation. Automate replenishment, clear obsolete stock before peak season, and leverage live tracking for faster fulfillment.
7. Prepare Contingency Plans
Develop contingency protocols for weather events, carrier disruptions, or supply shocks using data-driven simulations. Identify alternative suppliers and rerouting strategies to minimize downtime and maintain flow.
8. Educate Customers on Best Practices
Coach retail customers on prime appointment scheduling, delivery window optimization, and process improvements to prevent congestion and failed deliveries. Frequent dialogues help customers react to shifting markets.
9. Plan for Reverse Logistics and Returns
Extend return windows and automate returns processing to handle the spike in post-holiday returns efficiently with minimal friction.
10. Adapt to Market Intelligence
Leverage market intelligence and vertical expertise to identify trends, pricing shifts, and capacity risks. Keep learning from each season, refine KPIs, and update training so the supply chain evolves alongside the market for future peaks.
“As volatile as the market has been, any insight we can share helps our customers make faster, more informed decisions, and often saves them significant time and money,” Kolb says.
Together, these steps create a more resilient, adaptive supply chain, empowering shippers to navigate the Q4 surge confidently using Ryder’s proven logistics playbook.
