Peak Season sets a fast-paced rhythm for international logistics: rates increase, space becomes scarce, and shipments race against time.
Each year, from July through December, the United States enters a pivotal stage for global trade: Peak Season. This period concentrates the highest volume of shipments and sales, driven by events such as Halloween, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and New Year’s. Companies rush to place orders, domestic consumption surges, and logistics systems come under pressure.
What begins as early planning by retail and wholesale supply chains quickly escalates into a sharp rise in demand for space on vessels, aircraft, and distribution centers. As a result, rates climb, delays increase, and competition intensifies to secure every shipment. The logistics behind hardware, equipment, and tech devices are equally affected by these conditions.
“For logistics, Peak season typically begins in October or November and extends through January or February. During this time, shipment volumes grow substantially, and demand outpaces available capacity. As a result, transportation costs rise,” explains Nemesis Caceres, Team Leader Logistics Operations at Aerodoc.
Aerodoc has the operational capacity and flexibility required to respond to fluctuating logistics demands. This means it can activate contingent or temporary overflow warehouses, reinforce operational teams with temporary staff and extended shifts, and adjust the flow between warehousing, transportation, and customs clearance to prevent idle time and maintain efficiency across the entire supply chain.
How Peak Season impacts the logistics of tech products, equipment, and devices
The effects are felt almost immediately. Caceres outlines the scenario: “In these cases, we typically rely on priority services, especially when dealing with time-sensitive cargo. This type of service, particularly with airlines, doesn’t guarantee the shipment will depart on the scheduled date, but it does grant priority over other freight.”
The selection criteria often favor more sensitive goods. “Products like pharmaceuticals or those with expiration dates are always given precedence. However, by paying the additional charge for priority handling, we secure a certain advantage for our customers’ cargo, even if the flight departure isn’t fully guaranteed,” Cáceres adds.
At the same time, Jennifer Burton, Account Manager at Aerodoc, shares her perspective on recurring issues: “Every year during peak season, the most common challenge involves the intense demand airlines face when transporting cargo to several destinations. Some regions are more affected than others, but overall, rates increase sharply, and securing available space becomes difficult.”
Although the surge typically eases after year-end celebrations, another key date adds pressure to the logistics calendar: the Chinese New Year. “That event impacts international freight flows and affects availability across airlines and vessels,” Burton notes. This year, however, she expects fewer disruptions: “Chinese New Year falls in February, so I don’t think it’ll cause much trouble. But in some years, when both events are close together, the situation becomes even more challenging.”
Who is affected?
Although the spotlight is often on the US., the impact is global. “It affects virtually every region,” says Caceres, who adds that the effects are already being felt. “We’ve already had shipments scheduled to depart this week, and were informed that no booking is available for Argentina until two weeks. We’re also seeing delays in shipments to Chile, Peru, and Colombia. The pressure is gradually building,” she explains.
The price hike is also evident: “For certain weight brackets, we were paying $2.75 per kilo, and that has now increased to $4.30. The jump is considerable.”
Aerodoc’s tips to get through Peak Season
Aerodoc’s main advice to customers is to plan ahead. “We notify customers in advance about the start of Peak Season. By keeping them informed, we aim to reduce their anxiety while being transparent — even with a confirmed reservation, changes may occur due to space or availability constraints,” says Caceres.
Early coordination can make a real difference. “We encourage customers to secure bookings as soon as they have a confirmed shipping date and the cargo is ready. While not everything can be controlled — many external factors are at play — we do our best to anticipate issues and work closely with our customers to keep this period as manageable as possible.”
Your logistics partner
Aerodoc has its own facility in Miami, Florida, and operates across dozens of countries via partnerships with third-party providers. “Our company works with technology distributors, AV integrators, and B2B e-commerce companies,” explained Dan Zonnenschein, Chief Operating Officer at Aerodoc.
During key dates like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, efficient inventory management is essential. That’s why Aerodoc ALLOWS integration with major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, eBay, WooCommerce, Etsy, and Best Buy, along with other online retailers. According to Zonnenschein, “Aerodoc delivers an end-to-end logistics solution with usage-based pricing. Additionally, for customers who require it, we offer office space and a registered mailing address.”
The pricing model is fully transparent: customers only pay for what they actually need and use. Unlike other providers, Aerodoc charges separately for storage, handling, and packaging — allowing for tighter cost control.
For more information about the services, contact the Aerodoc team.
Q&A
- Which digital tools can help anticipate and manage Peak Season in international logistics? Predictive analytics platforms, supply chain visibility solutions, and integrated TMS/ERP systems enable early detection of capacity constraints and route optimization. Leveraging AI-driven forecasting tools is crucial for proactively managing peak season disruptions.
- How does Peak Season impact small and mid-sized enterprises compared to large corporations? SMEs often face limited access to premium cargo space and higher per-unit shipping costs during Peak Season. Partnering with specialized logistics providers can level the playing field by securing capacity and improving delivery reliability.
- What cost-reduction strategies can be implemented during Peak Season without compromising delivery timelines? Strategic shipment consolidation, multi-warehouse fulfillment, and diversified carrier networks help reduce logistics costs while maintaining service levels during Peak Season. Early booking and agile supply chain planning are also critical.
- Which industries are most affected by Peak Season in terms of pricing and capacity constraints? Time-sensitive deliveries and demand surges have a significant impact on the technology, retail, and B2B e-commerce sectors. These industries require proactive capacity planning and robust vendor management during Peak Season.
