Preparing for Seasonal Peak Delivery Periods

Seasonal peaks, such as holiday shopping, large sales and festivals, push volumes far above normal. Carriers hire extra drivers who may not know the area, routes get longer and customers become less patient. Preparation done early matters more than reaction later.

Why peaks are risky

1. Temporary drivers have less local knowledge, so they rely more on the address and notes. See how couriers find addresses.
2. More parcels per route reduce time at each stop.
3. More people are away during festivals, so availability falls.
4. Customer service is flooded, so every avoidable question costs more.

Preparation checklist

Before orders arrive

• Review the checkout form; see checkout address form best practices.
• Check that the phone number is mandatory and validated for format.
• Test any map step so it works on mobile.
• Publish final order dates and expected delivery ranges.

During the rush

• Confirm unusual or high-value orders.
• Send clear updates; see delivery status updates and customer communication.
• Offer collection points for customers who will be away; see pickup points vs doorstep delivery.
• Keep a visible returns policy; see returns address handling.

After the peak

• Review failed deliveries by cause and area.
• Fix the recurring issues before the next season.
• Note which carriers handled the load well.

Help temporary drivers

Short, specific notes and exact locations matter more when drivers are unfamiliar with the area. A UPCS code stored with the order along with latitude and longitude gives the driver a point to open directly in a map. UPCS is a complement to the normal address, not a replacement, and it does not change carrier capacity.

For customers

If you will be away, say so in advance and choose a pickup point or a trusted neighbour. See the customer checklist for a smooth delivery.

One principle

Every detail that is clear before the peak is a call you will not have to make during it.