Shipping During Peak Season: Holiday Fulfillment Strategies

Peak season—primarily November through December—is both the biggest opportunity and biggest challenge for e-commerce sellers. Shipping volumes surge, carriers get overwhelmed, and customer expectations remain high. This guide helps you navigate the busiest shipping season successfully.

Understanding Peak Season

Volume Impact

• Shipping volumes increase 200-400%
• Carrier networks are strained
• Delays become common
• Rates often increase

Key Dates (US)

• Black Friday: Late November
• Cyber Monday: Following Monday
• Green Monday: 2nd Monday in December
• Free Shipping Day: Mid-December
• Christmas: December 25

Peak Season Shipping Cutoffs

2024/2025 Typical Cutoffs

Dates vary by origin/destination. Check carriers for updates.

Pre-Season Preparation

Inventory Planning

• Stock up before carrier congestion
• Buffer safety stock higher than usual
• Identify backup suppliers

Carrier Relationships

• Notify carriers of expected volume
• Confirm pickup schedules
• Have backup carrier accounts ready

Staffing

• Hire seasonal help early
• Train before rush hits
• Plan for extended hours

Packaging Supplies

• Stock up on boxes, tape, supplies
• Anticipate supply chain issues
• Don't run out mid-season

Peak Season Shipping Strategies

1. Ship Earlier

• Encourage early orders
• Process orders same-day
• Use expedited services earlier than cutoffs suggest

2. Diversify Carriers

Don't rely on one carrier:

• Use USPS for lightweight
• UPS for heavier packages
• FedEx for express needs
• Regional carriers for local

3. Communicate Proactively

• Update shipping times on website
• Send order confirmations quickly
• Notify customers of any delays

4. Offer Options

Let customers choose:

• Economy (longer but cheaper)
• Standard (normal transit)
• Express (guaranteed dates)

Handling Peak Season Surcharges

Common Surcharges

• Demand surcharges: $0.25-$5.00+ per package
• Residential delivery: Already elevated
• Large package: Increased during peak
• Additional handling: Higher rates

Mitigation Strategies

• Optimize package sizes to avoid surcharges
• Compare carrier surcharges (they differ)
• Factor into product pricing
• Consider absorbing vs. passing to customers

Managing Customer Expectations

Website Updates

• Update shipping estimates
• Show countdown to shipping cutoffs
• Display any delays prominently

Checkout Experience

• Show realistic delivery dates
• Highlight express options
• Be clear about cutoffs

Email Communication

• Order confirmation with delivery estimate
• Shipping confirmation with tracking
• Proactive delay notifications

Dealing with Peak Season Delays

When Delays Happen

Monitor tracking actively

Reach out before customer does

Offer solutions (refund shipping, discount)

Don't blame carrier publicly

Refund Policies

Consider:

• Shipping cost refunds for late deliveries
• Partial refunds for significant delays
• Store credit for future purchases

Post-Holiday Considerations

Returns Surge

• January sees high return volume
• Have return labels ready
• Process refunds quickly

Review and Learn

Document:

• What worked
• What didn't
• Carrier performance
• Customer feedback

Peak Season Checklist

6 Weeks Before

• [ ] Review inventory levels
• [ ] Contact carriers about volume
• [ ] Hire/schedule seasonal staff
• [ ] Stock packaging supplies

4 Weeks Before

• [ ] Update website shipping info
• [ ] Test all systems at higher volume
• [ ] Finalize backup plans

2 Weeks Before

• [ ] Final inventory check
• [ ] Confirm carrier schedules
• [ ] Staff briefings

During Peak

• [ ] Monitor carrier performance daily
• [ ] Communicate proactively
• [ ] Adjust as needed

Conclusion

Peak season success requires preparation, flexibility, and communication. Start planning early, diversify your carrier strategy, and keep customers informed. The sellers who navigate peak season well build customer loyalty that lasts all year.

AtoShip helps during peak by comparing rates across carriers in real-time—ensuring you always have options even when one carrier is overwhelmed.