Holiday Shipping & E-Commerce: What Shippers Need to Know
The holiday season is here, and with it comes one of the busiest shipping periods of the year. From Thanksgiving through Christmas, U.S. parcel carriers are projected to deliver over 2.3 billion packages, about a 5% increase compared to last year. That’s a lot of boxes moving through already-stretched-thin networks.
What’s driving the growth?
- An extra shopping day compared to 2024 is giving retailers a slight boost.
- E-commerce continues to dominate, with online holiday sales expected to rise 7%–9%.
- “Buy online, ship to home” remains the preferred gift-buying method, especially for last-minute shoppers.
For shippers, this means holiday surcharges, delivery cutoffs, and congestion are real concerns. If you’re shipping gifts or customer orders, plan early and communicate deadlines clearly.
Christmas Trees: Real vs. Artificial
The holiday centerpiece is changing. While U.S. households historically purchased 25–30 million real trees annually, a recent survey shows 83% of households will choose artificial trees this year. Why? Convenience, reusability, and cost-effectiveness are winning over tradition.
For those sticking with real trees, good news: 84% of growers do not plan to raise wholesale prices, keeping natural trees affordable despite inflationary pressures.
Holiday Spending Trends
Retail spending is expected to grow modestly, 2.3% to 3.3% compared to last year. E-commerce is the bright spot, with online sales projected to jump 7%–9%. This shift means retailers and small businesses must focus on:
- Clear shipping deadlines
- Transparent return policies
- Proactive customer communication
What This Means for Logistics
The surge in holiday shipping puts pressure on capacity, timing, and reliability. For businesses, this is the season to:
- Ship early to avoid delays and surcharges.
- Leverage logistics partners who can navigate carrier constraints.
- Optimize fulfillment strategies for speed and cost efficiency.
At Logistics Plus, we help businesses stay ahead of seasonal challenges with flexible solutions, global reach, and personalized service. Whether it’s parcel, freight, or last-mile delivery, we make sure your holiday logistics run smoothly so that you can focus on delighting customers.
Ready to Ship Smarter This Season?
Contact Logistics Plus today for customized shipping solutions that keep your business moving during the busiest time of the year.
