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The holidays are peak season for consumer spending, and peak chaos for logistics. Between surging demand, shrinking truck availability, and volatile spot freight rates, shippers often face a mad dash to keep deliveries moving. But with the right mix of preparation, partnerships, and tech, you can navigate full truckload shipping challenges without scrambling.
Here’s how to stay on top of your game this season.
From Thanksgiving through December, freight volumes spike. In 2024, national load board activity jumped 116% the week after Thanksgiving per DAT data, and tender rejections climbed above 10% for the first time in two years per FreightWaves. The result was a tighter market with fewer available trucks and higher rates.
What to do:
When your primary carriers are maxed out, spot freight is your pressure valve. In late 2024, spot rates rose by over 4% year-over-year for dry van freight. Reefer rates surged even more as temperature-sensitive goods moved across the country.
The key is not waiting until it’s urgent. Build your spot strategy now.
How Emerge helps:
Pro tip: Pre-vet your spot carrier list before the surge. That way, when the clock is ticking, you’re not starting from scratch.
During Q4, loyalty matters. Carriers prioritize shippers who offer consistent freight, pay fairly, and communicate clearly. In 2024, many shippers reported better service and lower fall-offs by leaning into strong relationships rather than chasing the lowest bid.
But relationships alone aren’t enough. You need options.
How Emerge helps:
Diversifying your carrier mix gives you backup when incumbents can’t cover a load.
Speed and visibility are everything. A good logistics platform helps you act fast, track performance, and avoid overpaying.
What to look for:
According to multiple industry sources, 2025 may bring a "muted but still challenging" peak season. Shoppers are expected to remain budget-conscious, which may spread freight demand out more evenly across Q4, but supply chain experts warn that even a modest uptick could stretch coverage, especially with driver availability expected to remain low.
Translation: The crunch may not hit all at once, but it’s still coming. Be ready.
Holiday shipping doesn’t have to be a fire drill. When you combine a flexible spot freight strategy, a reliable FTL carrier network, and real-time logistics software, you gain the visibility and control needed to keep freight moving, no matter how chaotic the calendar gets.
Emerge brings it all together. Emerge’s logistics platform was built with agility in mind. From automated spot booking and mini-bids to real-time benchmarks and a nationwide carrier marketplace, it’s built for moments like peak season. Whether you're managing overflow volume or adapting to weather delays, Emerge helps keep your operation running with fewer surprises.
