How to Avoid Freight Delays During Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is approaching, meaning now is the time to start planning and preparing your shipments. The Northeast Corridor can be one of the busiest areas for shipping, and during the holiday season, travelers can add even more traffic to the already busy highways. By getting ahead of the rush and preparing your freight now, you can avoid delays both in the short term and throughout your overall supply chain.

In this blog, we will discuss how to minimize disruptions to your business’s operations and how Xpressman can help with our professional logistics and trucking services.

When Is Memorial Day Weekend?

Memorial Day annually falls on the last Monday of May. In 2025, it will be on the 26th. In terms of business operations, this is in the middle of Q2, which is an important time for many businesses to meet their quarterly goals. This means that any delays or disruptions during this holiday weekend can have a significant impact on overall operations and profits.

How Does Memorial Day Affect Shipping & Freight?

For many, Memorial Day marks the arrival of summer. Since most businesses are closed, many people take advantage of the time off and warm weather to travel and enjoy outdoor activities. This increase in traffic, consumer demand, and activity can have a domino effect on shipping and freight. More cars on the highways can lead to delays and increased transit times for trucks, which can cause delays at ports and distribution centers. This can result in longer lead times for goods to reach their final destinations.

Additionally, many companies have Memorial Day sales to offer promotions and discounts, leading to a surge in orders and shipments. This increase in demand can also contribute to transportation delays as carriers struggle to keep up with the volume.

Top 3 Steps to Avoid Delays During the Holiday Weekend

As mentioned above, taking the time to plan your Memorial Day logistics now can save you time and money in the long run. To help you prepare and avoid delays, here are three steps to consider:

Plan Early Shipments When Applicable

The best way to avoid delays is to get your pallets to their destination before the holiday arrives. If your shipments do not have a strict delivery date and can be properly stored at the receiving end, consider scheduling an early delivery date. This way, your inventory is already stocked before the rush, allowing you to avoid potential delays caused by the high volume of shipments during the holiday.

Consider Same-Day & Express Delivery Services

In addition to planning early shipments, you may also consider utilizing same-day or express delivery services for urgent and time-sensitive orders. These services can provide a faster transit time, ensuring that your products arrive at their destination on time. For temperature-sensitive, information-sensitive, or time-sensitive packages, this option can prevent potential mishandling or delays.

Communicate with Your Logistics Provider

At Xpressman, we put our clients’ needs first. We understand the importance of timely and efficient deliveries, especially during the holiday season. As the leading logistics provider in the Northeast, we have the expertise and resources to ensure that your shipments arrive at their destination on time. With warehousing and trucking services, we can store, transport, and deliver your goods with ease. Contact our team today to start planning your Memorial Day shipping strategy.

How Early Should I Book Freight Services for Memorial Day Weekend?

The best time to book freight services for Memorial Day weekend is at least three weeks in advance. This will give both you and your logistics provider enough time to get everything in order. After booking your pick-ups and drop-offs, take inventory of your goods and pack them carefully to ensure safe transportation.

Get a Free Quote on the #1 Freight Services in New England with Xpressman Trucking & Logistics & Avoid Holiday Weekend Delays

As the top freight provider in New England, Xpressman Trucking & Logistics has all of your shipping needs covered. Whether you are a small business owner or a large corporation, our team of experts can help you navigate through the holiday weekend rush and ensure your goods arrive at their destination on time. With over 32 years of experience in the industry, we have the expertise to handle any shipping challenge that comes our way. To learn more about our services and receive a free quote, please call us at 781-836-4614 or submit an online estimate request.