Why Shipping and Logistics Is Always More Complex During the Holidays

Last month we talked about the supply chain problems [link to last month’s blog] that are specific to the Vancouver, BC, area. Today we would like to talk about the winter holidays and why shipping and logistics is always more complex during the holidays anyway.

Weather

Aside from the rain and flooding British Columbia had recently, winter weather often slows down shipping. There may be unforeseen delays because of accidents or equipment not working properly once it gets very cold. This is especially true in areas where locals are not used to severe weather conditions. Roads have accidents, trains and planes have delays, and ferries may be delayed or canceled altogether.

Products

Many retailers have larger shipments than normal scheduled for the winter season because of increased shopping for special seasonal items before Christmas. This puts added pressure on an already strained system that may be experiencing road and weather delays.

COVID-19

There have been a number of problems with loading and unloading of shipping containers at ports around the world because of COVID-19 delays and personnel problems. This is just another added issue made worse in the winter season.

Conclusion

Any problems such as those mentioned above can cause delays in shipping and also in the updates that retailers, distributers, and end customers receive throughout the shipping process. Experienced shipping and logistics companies will make every effort to compensate for holiday shipping problems to get freight moving along its route as efficiently as possible.

At the time of this writing, Highway 5 between Hope and Merritt is now open for commercial traffic, although the BC State of Emergency is still in effect until the end of December. Roads are still closed between Boothroyd and Lytton, and Lytton to Spences Bridge. Highway 7 is open, but Highway 8 is closed from Merritt to Spences Bridge.

Pacific Coast Distribution works hard to keep its shipping and logistics services working at optimum efficiency despite the weather, the holiday season, and the pandemic. We are working night and day to keep our freight moving. Call us at (877) 999-8489 if you need help moving your products quickly and efficiently. We deal with all the current problems noted above so you don’t have to.

Pacific Coast Distribution, LTD, is a family-owned transportation and logistics company, based in Langley, British Columbia, with 20 years of experience and a fleet of 50 trucks and a 60,000-square-foot warehouse.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about your transportation and freight needs, give us a call at (877) 999-8489.