When is the Best Time to Schedule Routine Monthly Shipments?

As a manufacturer, drop-shipper, retailer, or business owner in any industry, you may have shipments that need to be scheduled on a routine monthly basis. This can include office supplies, sales representative samples, inventory stock, or even marketing materials. Depending on the time of month when you schedule these deliveries, you may unknowingly be putting your shipments at risk for delays, damages, or higher costs. Understanding the best time to schedule routine monthly shipments can save your business time and money. In this blog, we’ll discuss the factors that can impact the timing of your shipments and how to optimize scheduling your pick-ups.

Scheduling Shipments for Middle of the Month is Best for Cost and Efficiency

When it comes to scheduling monthly shipments, the middle of the month is often the best option. Businesses are in between their end-of-month rush and beginning-of-month invoicing, so there is typically less demand for shipping services. This means less van traffic, lower dock congestion, and fewer delays.

Shipments at the Beginning of the Month Can Put You at Risk for Delays

Although it is commonly thought that the beginning of the month is the best time to schedule repeating shipments, this may put your business at risk for delays. This is because many companies typically do their end-of-month counts and reporting during the first week of the month. This can create waiting times in shipment processing and lead to potential delays in pick-ups or deliveries.

Months with Major Holidays May Impact Shipment Scheduling

Major holidays can create traffic for delivery vans and trucks, especially around the winter festivities. In addition to increased traffic, there may be closures or limited hours for shipping and receiving departments. This can impact the efficiency of your monthly deliveries, so it’s important to adjust your scheduling accordingly.

Consider Your Industry’s Peak Season

During the peak season of your business, consider adjusting the timing of your shipments. For example, if you’re in the retail industry and have a busy holiday shopping season, you may want to schedule your shipments at the beginning or middle of the month to avoid delays during the peak shipping season. Legal and accounting firms may see an increase in mail during tax season, so scheduling shipments toward the end of the month may be beneficial when things are less hectic.

Contact a Professional Courier to Optimize Shipping Delivery Times

Ultimately, the best time to schedule routine monthly shipments will vary depending on the specific needs of your business. At Xpressman Trucking & Courier, we offer customizable pick-up and delivery options to ensure your shipments arrive on time and most cost-effectively. Our experienced team can help you determine the best scheduling strategy for your routine monthly shipments, taking into account factors such as industry peak seasons, major holidays, and traffic patterns. To learn more about our commercial courier service, call us at 781-836-4614 or request an instant online quote.