Now Is the Time to Prepare for Peak Season

Peak shipping season is one of the busiest times of year for global freight, and it is already underway.

Running from late July through October for ocean freight and continuing into November for air freight and e-commerce, this period is driven by back-to-school demand, holiday order fulfillment, and year-end inventory planning.

In 2025, shippers are already experiencing early signs of market pressure. Congestion at ports, limited truck availability, and warehousing delays are creating added complexity. Ongoing changes to global trade policy and tariffs are also contributing to uncertainty around pricing and transit times.

For companies managing high-value goods such as electronics, apparel, home furnishings, or beauty products, the stakes can be high. Delays during the third and fourth quarters could lead to missed product launches, stockouts during the holiday season, or unexpected shipping costs. Planning ahead helps minimize risk and allows for more control during a demanding time.

Start by Reviewing Your Freight Program

Before peak volume hits its stride, now is a great time to take a closer look at your freight program. Are your rates competitive? Do you have the right mix of carriers? Are there inefficiencies you could address ahead of Q4?

GLI offers a free freight analysis to help answer those questions. Our team will review your current shipping data and identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve service levels, and streamline your operation — all without obligation. Whether you are preparing for peak season or simply want to strengthen your logistics strategy, our analysis gives you the visibility you need to make smart decisions.

Why Early Planning Makes a Difference

Each year, peak season brings increased freight activity across nearly every mode of transportation. Even shippers who do not see their own volumes spike may still be affected by market-wide trends, including:

• Equipment shortages as carriers prioritize higher-volume lanes
• Increased tender rejections as carriers become more selective
• Fluctuating spot market rates based on supply and demand
• Limited access to reliable capacity for time-sensitive shipments

At the same time, recent years have shown that peak season patterns are not always predictable. Events such as global pandemics, labor disruptions, and trade shifts have altered traditional volume trends, making flexibility even more important.

Working with a logistics partner who has visibility into real-time market conditions can make it easier to adapt when plans need to change.

Seven Smart Ways to Prepare for Peak Season

If you are still reviewing your freight strategy, here are several ways to get ahead:

1. Partner with a flexible and reliable 4PL
   Choosing a partner like GLI means having access to real-time freight insights, strong carrier relationships, and responsive support. We help shippers navigate both day-to-day logistics and long-term planning.
2. Lock in contracted rates
   GLI negotiates fixed-rate agreements on behalf of our clients. These agreements help secure reliable service and avoid the volatility of spot market pricing. They also give us the ability to align dedicated carriers with your specific needs.
3. Build a strategy that goes beyond the spot market
   Relying only on last-minute rates during peak season can lead to surprises. Instead, work with your logistics provider to secure stable pricing, negotiate priority loading for key shipments, and avoid carriers with a high rate of blank sailings.
4. Stay ahead of holiday closures
   Carrier holiday schedules can impact both pickup and delivery timing. Planning around those service changes ensures your freight arrives when it needs to. You can find a list of major 2025 holiday dates below.
5. Review your current freight performance
   A quick freight analysis can help identify high-cost lanes, underutilized services, and other opportunities to improve efficiency. At GLI, we regularly audit our clients’ programs to uncover both immediate and long-term savings.
6. Keep everyone aligned
   Make sure your internal teams, vendors, and partners are aligned on delivery timelines, volume forecasts, and service expectations. Clear communication early on helps reduce last-minute disruptions.
7. Build flexibility into your program
   Global shipping volumes continue to rise, and market conditions can shift quickly. GLI helps build adaptable solutions that give you options when demand spikes or transit issues arise.

How GLI Supports Peak Season Success

GLI is a veteran-owned, family-run fourth-party logistics provider. We work closely with our clients to create freight programs that are resilient, responsive, and built around your business goals.

Our team helps you prepare for peak shipping by providing:

• Contract negotiation and reliable carrier coverage
• Tailored strategies based on your industry and freight profile
• Ongoing performance reviews and recommendations
• One-call resolution and hands-on support
• End-to-end visibility across shipments and timelines

Whether you are preparing for a holiday rush or simply want more consistency during a busy time, we are here to help.

2025 Carrier Holiday Schedule

For a more detailed list of carrier holiday schedules, including additional providers, click here.

Please confirm final cutoff times and service details with your carrier or GLI account representative.

Let’s Get a Plan in Place

Every business has different needs during peak season. Whether you are importing high-value goods, distributing seasonal inventory, or simply looking to avoid costly delays, the right plan can make all the difference.

Start with a free freight analysis from GLI
Contact Us to request a quick, no-pressure review of your shipping program. We will show you where you stand today and where you could be with the right strategy in place.