For parcel shippers, peak season is often viewed as a volume challenge. But the biggest threats to performance usually come from labor shortages, carrier constraints, shifting costs, and evolving customer expectations. That’s why the most successful peak season strategies prepare for variability, not just volume.
Across the landscape of always increasing charges from parcel carriers, typically we would think of the fuel surcharge as one of the most straightforward, simple pass-through fees. The planes, semi-trucks, and delivery vans needed to execute the delivery of packages all require fuel, so it makes sense. However, when we look further, we find the amount we pay for fuel, given a static national fuel cost, has increased dramatically.