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It’s that time of year again—Black Friday is just around the corner, and if you're in the logistics world, you know the freight rush is about to hit full force. The National Retail Federation (NRF) has projected that holiday sales for the 2024 season will grow between 2.5% and 3.5% compared to last year. In terms of online sales, the NRF forecasts an increase of 8% to 9%, bringing the total for online and non-store sales to between $295.1 billion and $297.9 billion.
For shippers, the challenge lies in managing the surge in demand while navigating unpredictable spot market conditions. Year after year, shippers find themselves turning to spot market trucking to cover last-minute capacity needs. But how can you stay ahead in a market known for volatility?
During the Black Friday rush, securing capacity quickly becomes a high-stakes game. Spot freight demand surges, leading to fluctuating spot freight rates that can catch even the most seasoned logistics teams off guard. That's why planning for flexibility is essential. Instead of relying on last-minute scrambling, having a strategy in place for managing spot freight will give you the upper hand.
One of the best ways to navigate these fluctuations is by using tools that streamline the tendering process. Take our Dynamic Book It Now feature, for example. It’s designed to help shippers lock in spot market freight rates faster, without the need for lengthy negotiations or delays. With the ability to secure rates in real time, you’ll stay ahead of rising spot market rates, especially during high-demand periods like Black Friday.
When the market shifts quickly, being informed is key to success. Many shippers rely on outdated methods to track rates, often losing valuable time (and money) in the process. That’s why real-time data is critical. With ProcureOS’s Rate Pulse tool, you gain immediate insight into spot market rates, so you can make quick, data-driven decisions. Instead of reacting to changes, you can proactively monitor rate trends and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Despite your best planning, things don’t always go as expected. Capacity tightens, routes change, and demand can spike overnight. That’s why having the flexibility to adapt on the fly is crucial. Tools like our Scenario Builder enable shippers to simulate different scenarios before Black Friday hits, helping you prepare for a variety of outcomes. Whether it’s evaluating rate trends or adjusting to last-minute shifts in demand, being ready for the unexpected ensures smoother operations during the busiest season of the year.
Let’s face it: finding reliable capacity can feel like chasing your tail, especially with spot market trucking rates changing at a moment's notice. That’s where Emerge Marketplace comes in handy. It connects you with a diverse network of vetted carriers, making it easy to find the capacity you need when you need it. Instead of rushing at the last minute, you can browse and compare options with confidence.
At Emerge, we understand the challenges shippers face as the holiday season approaches. Whether it's securing spot rate trucking or managing unpredictable volumes, the right tools can transform how you approach Black Friday logistics. By combining real-time data, streamlined processes, and flexibility, you can reduce the stress of the spot market and focus on getting your products where they need to be—on time and on budget.
Black Friday is coming fast. With the right preparation, it’s possible to navigate the freight rush and come out ahead, no matter how unpredictable the market gets.
