5 Tips for a Successful Peak
Peak season has begun, and for last-mile delivery contractors, that means one thing: delivering packages as reliably, efficiently, and cost-effectively as possible.
We know you’re busy, and having the bandwidth to optimize your operations right now may feel like a challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled 5 easy-to-implement top tips for a successful peak season:
1.Look Out for Your Team
Your team is your greatest asset, especially during peak season. Drivers perform better when they feel supported, and that means they’re better situated to handle the long hours, cold weather, increased package volume, and holiday stress.
Consider providing water and snacks for your people, and make peak season more fun by incentivizing your drivers with rewards, competitions, and shout-outs. A driver who feels valued will go the extra mile for your operation - literally.
2. Focus on Safety Over Speed
It’s tempting for drivers to rush when they’re feeling the pressures of peak season’s increased package volume. Efficiency is key, of course, but safety beats out speed in terms of maximizing efficiency every single time. Rushing can lead to accidents, vehicle damage, injuries, and other issues that slow down your operation. A safety-first culture ensures better odds of peak season success.
Encourage your team to prioritize safety - a correctly executed delivery is better than a rushed one.
3. Communicate Consistently
Communication can make or break your operation. Stay in touch with everyone throughout peak: your drivers, BCs, staff, and terminal managers. Keep your people in the loop about changes to routes, fluctuations in package volume, and delayed trailers. Remember to be encouraging and positive - if you’re feeling the stress of the season, chances are your drivers are too.
Listen, too - oftentimes your drivers and front-line employees will identify problems before they become critical issues. Two minutes of communication now could save you hours of maintenance down the road.
4. Flexibility Changes the Game
The only sure thing about peak is that it’ll be full of unexpected moments. A truck goes down, a route shifts, or package volume spikes out of nowhere. The contractors who thrive are the ones who stay flexible.
Cross-train your drivers to handle multiple routes, have backup plans ready for vehicle issues, and adjust start times as needed. Adaptability helps you and your team keep packages moving and customers happy, no matter what comes your way.
5. Double Down on Maintenance
The best defense is a good offense. Get ahead of repair and maintenance problems by conducting regular preventative maintenance. Peak season breakdowns are a worst-case scenario, but they can be mitigated with a strong maintenance strategy.
Maintenance is a team effort - as your drivers conduct their pre- and post-trip inspections, keep a close eye on tires, fluids, and overdue service. Keep spare parts and fluids on hand to handle minor issues quickly. Every minute your fleet spends in the shop during peak is a missed delivery opportunity.
Overwhelmed by Peak? Call Us.
Are you drowning in peak stress? As former contractors, with over a decade of experience in the last-mile delivery space, we know how stressful peak season can be. We’ve lived the early mornings and late nights. We know firsthand the pain points that keep you up at night.
We’ve got your back. If you’re struggling with your operations this peak season, call us. We’ll chat with you and apply our expertise to your most pressing problems.
Got a question, but no time to hop on the phone? Email us your question now, and we’ll get back to you with expert insights.
Whether it’s an issue with driver dependability, repair and maintenance struggles, or worries about an OTC or LOA - we’ve been there, and we can help.
Think of us as your “phone a friend” for the most stressful time of year.
