For retailers and FMCG businesses, effective planning is essential to meet heightened demand for major sales dates like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday season. With early consumer buying patterns pushing up peak demand as well as factors like disruptions in the Red Sea and significant shipping bottlenecks impacting delivery times, many retailers are bringing in products sooner to ensure availability. The trend of offering products immediately upon arrival has extended delivery timelines, prompting businesses to place orders earlier than in previous years.
Global logistics management plays a critical role in maintaining timely deliveries throughout this season. Efficiency in logistics not only supports retailers in meeting peak demand but also drives customer loyalty, with many consumers indicating they prefer to repurchase from retailers who deliver efficiently.
Rhenus encourages businesses to keep the following key strategies in mind for peak season success:
- Optimize your logistics – Now is the time to address any inefficiencies. Do you have the right partner in place? Should you arrange additional training for your team? Is your pricing structure aligned with your peak season strategy? Assess your flexibility and capacity to handle shifts in demand.
- Anticipate potential disruptions – The holiday season can present unique challenges, from port congestion to weather-related delays. Having a responsive team and an experienced logistics partner can make a significant difference in handling disruptions smoothly, ensuring customer satisfaction remains high.
- Plan ahead – Don’t wait until the last minute. Delivery slots fill up quickly, so secure them early and account for final departure dates to avoid last-minute challenges.
Jan Harnisch, CEO of Rhenus Air & Ocean, commented:
"As we enter this critical peak season, rising global demand poses challenges in air freight, especially in China and the Asia-Pacific region, where capacity is tightening due to e-commerce surges. Airlines are shifting capacity to China-related trade lanes, affecting availability and rates worldwide. Meanwhile, despite lower-than-expected demand before Golden Week, ocean freight is experiencing disruptions due to vessel delays, blank sailings, and an uptick in demand as the early Chinese New Year approaches. This demand rebound, along with port congestion and the restructuring of carrier alliances in Q1 2025, is likely to keep market volatility elevated."
Ronny Sassen, CEO of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions, stated:
“With the peak season setting the stage for some of the year’s most critical logistics challenges, preparation and collaboration is key to ensuring seamless operations. Effective warehousing is a cornerstone in this strategy, providing businesses with the capacity and flexibility to manage inventory flow efficiently. Based on implemented warehousing optimizations, businesses can mitigate the risks of stockouts and delays, keeping shelves stocked and enhancing customer satisfaction. Proactive and mid-term planning in warehousing doesn’t just prevent disruption; it creates opportunities to meet consumer expectations and drive growth during this crucial season.”
For more information, visit: https://www.rhenus.group/.
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