In a recent episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? with host Tim Dooner, ePost Global’s VP of eCommerce Solutions, Carlos Barbosa, shared insights on how the upcoming holiday peak season is shaping up amidst shifting global shipping dynamics. Addressing industry challenges, Carlos highlighted Canada Post’s potential strike as a “big game changer,” along with new regulatory requirements for shipping parcels into Mexico, which now require more detailed data.

Carlos shared insights on holiday volume trends: 

“On a global level, we've seen our volumes grow 10-15%. Usually, we expect 30-50% uptrend in volume from our customers in what they're selling. The sales are starting a bit earlier, customers are trying to get the volume out there sooner and earlier in the year.”

He emphasized that with global carriers, meeting holiday deadlines requires early planning, especially due to this year’s later Black Friday date: 

“All the carriers shipping globally—there’s cut-off times. What’s the latest date you can get your parcels where they need to get on time? So that’s why there are earlier sales.” 

For advice to businesses navigating peak season, Carlos recommended to, “Start where you were last year. Look at what worked and what didn’t. There's nothing like over-communicating about what volumes are coming in, what your forecast is. Communicate with your suppliers and your logistics chain.”

For the full conversation on global shipping trends, peak season planning, and last-mile innovations, catch the full segment on WHAT THE TRUCK?!? here.