Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year — and it’s also the busiest. Even with the recent inflation, the National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts that Americans will spend nearly $943 billion and up to $960 billion between November and December this year.
Logistics play a crucial role in ensuring that the holiday season runs smoothly. Holiday shipping and logistics planning is more critical than ever to ensure efficient and accurate delivery of goods during the busiest time of year. Without efficient logistics, Christmas wouldn’t be the same.
Here are some interesting facts about logistics during the holidays.
1. Christmas Came Early This Year
Early shoppers are becoming more and more common. According to the NRF, 61 percent had already started their holiday shopping, while 18 percent had completed theirs by early November. Additionally, a 2021 RetailMeNot survey found that 18 percent of consumers began their holiday shopping in September, and 19 percent started theirs in August or earlier. This trend is expected to be even higher this year.
2. Online Shopping Is Growing
Because of the pandemic, online shopping has become a phenomenon that is snowballing. In a 2021 study by NPD, 85 percent of customers plan to do their Christmas shopping online. This year, online sales are predicted to go up even further.
3. Seasonal Hiring Is on the Rise
The holidays give plenty of opportunities for seasonal jobs. Around 500,000 seasonal workers are expected to be hired this year. These temporary workers help ensure that all orders are fulfilled on time and that customer service levels remain high during the busiest time of year.
4. Trucks Are Working Overtime
Trucks are essential for delivering goods during the holidays. During this season, trucking companies work hard to ensure that products are delivered on time and without damage. Trucks drive 500 million miles on average during the holiday season, and that’s 17 million miles longer than the distance from Earth to Jupiter!
5. Returns Are More Common Than You Think
It’s estimated that at least 30 percent of online holiday purchases and 9 percent of in-store purchases are returned. Consumers consider the return process before they make a purchase, with most expecting free return shipping.
What This Means for Logistics Companies
Logistics companies must consider the increased demands during this time of year and plan their operations accordingly. It requires agile delivery systems that are ready to manage a high volume of orders and returns efficiently and accurately.
The holiday season is an opportunity for logistics companies to show off their best work and provide customers with the reliable services they need. It’s a challenging but important time of year that brings together everyone from shippers to retailers to consumers.
How Jansson Can Help
At Jansson, we specialize in logistics solutions for the holiday season. We are an independent Landstar agent, providing efficient and cost-effective solutions for your logistics needs. Our team of experts is here to support you, from planning and forecasting to execution of services. Contact us today if you would like to learn more about our holiday logistics
