From surging cargo volumes to sophisticated sorting tech, here’s how logistics providers are gearing up to tackle the busiest times of the year.
Peak seasons in logistics bring intense activity for retailers, with delivery volumes surging significantly. As e-commerce continues to gain popularity with consumers, these busy periods demand innovative solutions to ensure smooth operations and on-time deliveries.
Growth and trends
Recent industry data highlights the scale of peak season activity, with logistics providers reporting significant increases in cargo volumes during periods of heightened demand. City Logistics, for example, transported 8% more cargo between September and November 2024 compared to the same period a year before, reflecting the growing intensity of consumer activity during high-demand seasons.
“There has been a 4.6% increase in distance travelled across the fleet year-over-year, with a shift towards smaller, more frequent shipments,” noted industry expert Ryan Gaines. “This may indicate evolving e-commerce patterns and changes in shopping behaviours.”
Industry preparedness
Rising e-commerce demand has pushed logistics companies to implement new technologies and optimise operations beyond adding trucks to their fleets. Streamlining processes is essential, and systems such as volumisers are leading the charge.
These volumisers enhance efficiency at sorting facilities by scanning packages and calculating their dimensions in real time, allowing for better space utilisation in delivery vehicles. This helps optimise not only delivery efficiency but also profitability. While weight is often a factor in charging customers and clients, oddly shaped or bulky packages can take up more space despite being lighter, making volumetric data all the more important for space management and accurate costing.
“As the logistics industry continues to adapt to the evolving demands of retail and e-commerce, the focus on precision and efficiency is changing how we look at things,” added Gaines. “From technological innovations to shipment trends changes, the industry has become smarter and more agile. As additional innovations reach the industry – from drone deliveries to AI-powered robotics – the industry will meet and exceed clients’ expectations in peak seasons,” he concluded.