Early preparation is key to a successful peak season. With ongoing labor market shifts, evolving supply chain demands and increased customer expectations, early preparation gives your business the edge it needs.
Starting now means more time to assess your workforce needs, secure reliable drivers and ensure a smooth and successful season, without the last-minute stress.
Start preparing for peak season now with the following tips.
1. Create a plan
The saying “luck favors the prepared” is a common saying. This is especially true when preparing for peak. Planning ahead can help anticipate problems before they happen.
It’s best to start planning by reflecting on your past peak seasons. Outline what worked and what didn’t. Then build a plan to address any shortcomings and define improvements.
As you build your plan, remember: each peak season brings new variables. Staying flexible and prepared for unexpected challenges will set you up for success.
2. Prepare for continued obstacles
Each peak season brings its own set of operational hurdles—from supply chain delays to shifting safety expectations. Staying ahead means anticipating these challenges and taking proactive steps to support your team.
Make sure drivers have access to essential supplies, including proper personal protection equipment (PPE) and sanitation products, and that vehicles are regularly cleaned and maintained. Safety and efficiency go hand in hand, especially during the busiest times.
3. Increase communication
Communication is even more important than it has been during past peak seasons.
Increasing the lines of communication between you and your drivers can help address any issues in timely manner. This is also important during current times so that you can learn any concerns drivers are having about their personal safety and hear any suggestions.
This peak also means that you’ll need to increase communication with your supply chain, vendors and clients. You’ll want to keep ahead of any delays, changes in protocol or any concerns by any party.
4. Always think about weather
Weather can always throw a wrench into the best-laid peak season plans. Having contingency plans in place can help mitigate delays.
During summer peak, that means planning for more traffic, construction and heat. With more vehicles on the road, fleets can anticipate a higher rate of accidents due to closer vehicle spacing, and a higher rate of incidents due to overheating vehicles,
During holiday peak, this means planning for unexpected snowstorms or other inclement weather that can delay shipments and create safety concerns.
To combat these issues, fleets can be proactive by creating alternate routes to help drivers avoid bottlenecks and delays whenever possible. Fleets should also account for traffic by lengthening shipment windows whenever possible. This will make routes seem more achievable for drivers, and help limit frustrations.
5. Find a trusted partner
A surefire way to help prepare for a successful peak is to find a trusted partner. A partner like Centerline can help you find qualified drivers to keep your trucks moving during the most critical seasons. We work with you to tailor a solution to your specific business needs and find expertly matched drivers.
