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Logistics Capacity, Ports, Drayage Are Already Problematic

Think you have time to get transportation options in place for Peak 2024?

Well, If you haven’t started by now, you should. Yes, the weather is hot. The family wants to hit the beach. You want to fish. Or all of the above.

But I’ve spent more than three decades driving transportation and freight forwarding solutions for peak holiday shopping season. I hope you spent the spring devising forecast and demand planning results for Peak 2024.

If not, it’s not too late. Despite all this talk of economic uncertainty, the National Retail Federation expects U.S. ports to handle 2 million TEUs worth of imports each month from now to October.

So, I’ll detail five tips to help you manage Peak 2024. And if that seems like a lot, I recommend a managed transportation or 4PL model. More details on that below.

Navigating a Wild Holiday Logistics Landscape

The logistics and transportation landscape looks pretty wild right now. We’re already seeing port congestion and issues with international freight capacity. Drayage issues continue to crop up, as they have for years.

And if you think it’s tough now, just wait until fall and winter hit. Finding transportation capacity and freight forwarding during Peak 2024 is going to be even tougher. Like finding a needle in a haystack – while blindfolded – difficult.

And like the old late-night infomercial says, “But wait, there’s more!” (Doesn’t there always seem to be?)

We’ve got the potential October 1st strike from longshoremen on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts looming over us. If you don’t have a Plan B (and C, and maybe even D) in place for a port shutdown, you might find yourself in hot water.

5 Tips for Peak 2024 Success

So, what’s a savvy supply chain pro to do? Here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. Diversify, diversify, diversify. Look into a model where your freight forwarder can optimize your flow of containers into North America through various ports. Don’t put all your eggs in one potential bottleneck.
  2. Visibility is king. Make sure your choices offer real-time tracking. Remember the chaos of 2020? Back then, half the world’s businesses were playing a global game of “Where’s Waldo?” with their products. Let’s not repeat that nightmare.
  3. Brace yourself for rising costs. We’re seeing container quotes hit $10,000-$11,000, up from just $3,000 a few months ago. And don’t even get me started on how that compares to last year’s $1,500 rates. On the domestic side, expect a 2-3% increase for the rest of the year.
  4. Lock in those rates now. Seriously, do it. Your CFO will thank you.
  5. Have a backup plan for your backup plan. Smart companies are already securing space and putting contingencies in place for potential strikes. Yes, it might cost a bit more upfront, but it beats the alternative of empty shelves and angry customers.

Look, I get it. Planning for Peak 2024 when dealing with current disruptions feels like a lot.

But here’s the bottom line: You don’t want to be caught off guard when the holiday rush hits. Running out of inventory or failing to meet customer demands isn’t just a temporary setback – it can have long-lasting impacts on your business.

Don’t Go It Alone: Consider Managed Transportation

So, take a deep breath and let’s get to work. Your future self, your stress levels and your customers will thank you.

Think you need a hand? Then, as mentioned above, look into managed transportation or 4PL services. That’s where a transportation provider manages all freight forwarders, steamship vessels and transportation lanes. Your 4PL sources the ideal capacity at the best rates and finds the right ports that meet your needs, not those of your freight forwarder.

And, in the event of the inevitable next disruption, your 4PL has access to alternative freight forwarders or carriers.

When Peak 2024 transitions into next year – and then Peak 2025 – you’ll be more prepared than ever.

Drop me a line and let’s talk.

Remember, in logistics, the early bird doesn’t get the worm – it gets the container space, the best rates and the peace of mind knowing it’s prepared for the challenges of Peak 2024.