Peak Season Shipping Checklist: How to Stabilize Transit Times & Delivery Rates in 4 Weeks

Author: Lena Wang, Network Planning Lead

The key to peak season shipping isn't just "securing capacity"—it's executing actionable steps across the entire supply chain. We break down high-impact actions into 5 areas:

1) Capacity Locking & Backup Routes

• Lock base capacity on main routes + 2 backup route options (with transit time/cost differences).
• Allocate direct flights/priority capacity to high-priority SKUs; use cost-optimized routes for the rest.

2) Customs Document Pre-review

• List required documents by category and HS Code, pre-review to reduce supplement requests.
• For sensitive categories, confirm regulatory requirements in advance; prepare additional documentation if needed.

3) Warehouse Operations & Scheduling

• Lock FBA or overseas warehouse appointment schedules in advance; standardize palletizing, weighing, and labeling SOPs.
• Confirm trucking/pickup schedules at least 48 hours ahead to avoid on-site waiting.

4) Visibility & Exception Response

• Set up milestone tracking and SLAs: departure, arrival, customs clearance, delivery checkpoints.
• Tiered exception response (typically <4 hours), with dedicated support tracking progress.

5) Review & Adjustment

• Weekly reviews of transit time variances, supplement/inspection causes, and return/relabeling situations.
• Adjust routes and capacity allocation based on trends to maintain healthy inventory.

This checklist can be implemented within 4 weeks and optimized as peak season progresses.