Peak Season 2023: Stories from Peak Seasons Past

Nearing the end of a peak season that looks a little different from years past, we took some time to remember the lessons that we took away from previous years. We asked members of the TA Services team to reflect on their prior peak season experiences and share their stories. Here’s what they had to say.

Check out our full guide to navigating 2023 peak season
for transportation and warehousing.

1. Expect the unexpected with a flexible mindset

Whit Smith – Director of Brokerage Operations
“In 2021, we had a customer tell us that they would have 40 loads delivering into a port over a two-week period in October. They needed someone to move the freight from the port to their various distribution centers. A week before the project was scheduled to start, our customer called us panicking; somehow the freight was sitting at the port now and they desperately needed someone to get it. We reacted quickly and got trucks in there early.

The following week, the customer had another change; it was no longer 40 total loads, but 120. Our team stepped up to the plate. The next two weeks were a grind, but we covered and serviced all 120 loads. When the final load delivered on time, we celebrated a job well done. But then more tenders came over. There was more freight coming, and it didn’t stop for nearly a month. What was originally a 40-load project turned out to be over 250 shipments. Successfully delivering on this project required proactive account management, flexible personnel assignments, and an intense focus on big-picture customer service.”

2. Step up to deliver on-time, sensitive, challenging projects

Tyler Scogin – Director of Brokerage Operations
“I had a customer call me after business hours on a Friday afternoon with a ‘challenging project’ that other providers had turned down. They needed to get freight off their dock so they could complete their end-of-quarter inventory.

My team of coordinators and I stayed well into the evening to source the necessary equipment to get the freight off the customer’s dock and hold the product until it could be delivered the final mile — accommodating for both our customer and the carrier.

It was a memorable story because we were able to address the needs of all parties involved while successfully achieving a feat that other providers were not willing to commit to. I was proud to be part of a team that was able to work hard and deliver results for our customer.”

3. Adaptability and a positive, collaborative environment are key

Veronica Garcia – National Account Manager, NE Division
Fiorella Pacheco – Account Coordinator
“During the holidays last year, capacity was extremely scarce and the demand to cover a surplus of customer volume was overwhelming. Our team put in overtime hours and displayed a willingness to get the job done right.

We set up meetings to analyze what lanes and customers required the most attention and quickly split up responsibilities based on each team’s strengths. With holiday music playing in the office to lift spirits and positive feedback from upper management, our employees felt like they were adding value and displayed a high level of camaraderie. We received outstanding reviews from our customers — even hearing that we were the only company that kept them covered while not throwing back a single load during the hardest time of the year. This success is in direct correlation with our team’s ability to work together and lift each other up.”

4. Building strong partnerships translates to success

Dani Etkin-Spigelman – Chief Revenue Officer, Canada
“In shipping, there are always unexpected challenges — from truck breakdowns and truck shortages to product loading delays and product sourcing difficulties. The key to overcoming any obstacle is working together as a team and having the right carrier partners. Our carriers are our eyes and ears and the key to a successful pickup and delivery.”

5. A personal, proactive approach helps reduce potential delays

Olivia Eubanks – Account Manager
“Peak season is a time to be prepared for shipping delays, tight carrier capacity, a heightened need for communication and visibility, and firm deadlines. For me and my team, that means making ourselves as available as possible to answer any questions or adjust quickly to any possible changes while taking a proactive and personal approach to our customers’ freight. Logistics can be unpredictable sometimes, but going the extra mile with communication on our part really helps to mitigate the risk of shipping delays.

In addition to ensuring we have the correct information needed when booking a load, we also double confirm scheduling and holiday hours of operations for pickup and drop off locations. To be on the safe side, we’ll also contact our customers on pickup day and double confirm the best appointment time and that their product is ready to go.”

Reach out to TA Services if you find yourself facing unexpected challenges or need a partner to help guide you through this peak season — and beyond. We’re here to help.