Know the 2018 FedEx Freight Holidays to Plan Your Shipping Schedule

If you’re a business owner or regularly ship products, you know how important it is to have a reliable shipping provider. For many, FedEx Freight is the go-to choice for shipping goods. However, with the holiday season fast approaching, it’s important to know the 2018 FedEx Freight holidays. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know to plan your shipping schedule around these important dates.

FedEx Freight Holiday Schedule for 2018

First things first, let’s discuss the specific dates that FedEx Freight will be closed for the holidays. This information is crucial when planning your shipments, as you’ll need to factor in these days and adjust your schedule accordingly. Here are the public holidays that FedEx Freight will be observing in 2018:

• Monday, January 1: New Year’s Day
• Monday, May 28: Memorial Day
• Wednesday, July 4: Independence Day
• Monday, September 3: Labor Day
• Thursday, November 22: Thanksgiving Day
• Friday, November 23: Day after Thanksgiving Day
• Tuesday, December 25: Christmas Day

As you can see, this schedule includes some of the most important holidays in the year. Be sure to take careful note of these dates and plan accordingly.

Importance of Knowing the FedEx Freight Holidays

Now that you know the specific holidays observed by FedEx Freight in 2018, you may be wondering why this information is so important to your shipping schedule. There are several reasons why it’s essential to be aware of these dates.

First, during these holidays, FedEx Freight will not be operating. That means any shipments you have scheduled for those days will be delayed. This delay can have a ripple effect on your entire business, from inventory management to customer satisfaction. Knowing these dates in advance will allow you to adjust your schedule accordingly and avoid any potential delays.

Furthermore, the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for shipping companies. Planning ahead and being aware of these holiday closures will give you an advantage in managing your workflow and ensuring your shipments are delivered on time.

How to Plan Your Shipping Schedule Around the FedEx Freight Holidays

So, how can you plan your shipping schedule around the FedEx Freight holidays? The most important thing is to be proactive and plan ahead. Here are some strategies you can use to ensure a smooth shipping process during the holiday season:

• Review your shipping schedule for the entire year and note the holidays well in advance.
• Communicate with your customers and suppliers to ensure they are also aware of the holiday schedule and adjust accordingly.
• If needed, adjust your production schedule and inventory management processes to avoid any potential delays.
• Consider shipping your products using alternative methods or providers during high-volume times of the year.
• Be aware that FedEx Ground and FedEx Express may have different holiday schedules, so be sure to check both if you use these services as well.

Public Holidays Observed by FedEx Freight in 2018

Let’s take a closer look at the specific holidays observed by FedEx Freight this year. Again, these days are:

• Monday, January 1: New Year’s Day
• Monday, May 28: Memorial Day
• Wednesday, July 4: Independence Day
• Monday, September 3: Labor Day
• Thursday, November 22: Thanksgiving Day
• Friday, November 23: Day after Thanksgiving Day
• Tuesday, December 25: Christmas Day

It’s worth noting that these dates may change depending on the region you’re shipping from or to. Be sure to check with FedEx Freight for specific details on holidays in your area.

Impact of FedEx Freight Holidays on Your Business

As previously mentioned, FedEx Freight holidays can have a significant impact on your business. Delayed shipments can result in loss of revenue, lost business opportunities and frustrated customers. It’s important to take these closures seriously and plan accordingly. By doing so, you can minimize the impact these holidays have on your business and maintain productivity even during the busiest times of the year.

Tips for Managing Your Shipping During the Busy Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of increased volume and pressure for anyone involved in shipping products. Here are some tips to help you manage your shipping process during this especially busy time of year:

• Plan ahead – make sure both you and your customers are aware of the FedEx Freight holiday schedule.
• Schedule pickups and deliveries as early as possible to avoid any potential delays.
• Consider using FedEx’s Hold at Location or Direct Signature Required services to ensure secure and efficient delivery.
• Use FedEx’s online resources to track and manage your shipments in real time.

How to Avoid Shipping Delays During the FedEx Freight Holidays

Of course, the best way to avoid delays during the holiday season is to plan ahead and be proactive. Here are a few more strategies to help you avoid any shipping delays:

• Review your inventory management process and plan accordingly for any fluctuations in demand during this period.
• Be aware of the specific holiday schedules for the regions you are shipping to and from.
• Consider using alternative shipping providers during high-volume times of the year.
• Communicate early and often with your customers and suppliers to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Prepare your shipments effectively, paying close attention to packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements.

Benefits of Planning Your Shipping Schedule Ahead of Time

By planning your shipping schedule ahead of time and being aware of the FedEx Freight holiday schedule, you can avoid potential delays, maintain productivity, and ensure customer satisfaction. By taking the time to plan and communicate effectively, you can stay ahead of the competition and keep your business running smoothly even during the busiest times of the year.

Alternatives to FedEx Freight during the Holiday Season

While FedEx Freight is a reliable shipping provider for many businesses, it’s worth noting that there may be alternative options available to you, especially during the busy holiday season. Here are a few alternative shipping providers to consider:

• UPS Freight
• R+L Carriers
• Old Dominion Freight Line
• YRC Freight
• Estes Express Lines

Consider researching these providers and making a plan for how to best utilize them during the holiday season.

Strategies for Saving Money on Shipping During the Holiday Rush

The holiday season can be an expensive time of year for businesses, and shipping costs can quickly add up. Here are a few strategies for saving money on shipping during this busy time of year:

• Consolidate shipments whenever possible to reduce the number of shipments you need to make.
• Consider using alternative shipping providers that may offer lower rates.
• Take advantage of FedEx’s online resources, such as FedEx Ship Manager, to save time and money.
• Utilize FedEx’s packaging options, such as flat rate boxes, to save on shipping costs.
• Factor shipping costs into product pricing to more accurately reflect the true cost of goods sold.

Best Practices for Working with FedEx Freight during the Holidays

If you’re planning to work with FedEx Freight during the holiday season, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:

• Be aware of the specific holiday schedule for your region and plan accordingly.
• Communicate early and often with your customers and suppliers about any potential delays or schedule changes.
• Take advantage of FedEx’s online resources to track and manage your shipments in real time.
• Ensure that your shipments are properly packaged, labeled, and documented to avoid any potential delays.

Preparing Your Shipments for Safe Delivery during the Holiday Season

During the holiday season, it’s especially important to properly prepare your shipments to ensure safe delivery. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use sturdy packaging materials to protect your products during shipping.
• Label your packages clearly and accurately to avoid any potential confusion or delays.
• Include any necessary documentation, such as invoices or customs forms, to avoid any delays or additional fees.
• Consider using FedEx’s Hold at Location or Direct Signature Required services to ensure secure and efficient delivery.

How to Track Your Packages During the FedEx Freight Holidays

Finally, to ensure that your shipments are being delivered on time during the holidays, it’s important to track them in real time. Here are a few ways to track your packages during the FedEx Freight holidays:

• Utilize FedEx’s online resources, such as FedEx Tracking, to monitor your shipments in real time.
• Set up automatic notifications and alerts to stay up-to-date on any changes or delays with your shipments.
• Communicate with your FedEx representative to ensure that your packages are being delivered on time and with the proper care.

Common Challenges Faced by Shippers During the Holiday Season and How to Overcome Them

Throughout the busy holiday season, shippers may face a number of challenges that can impact their shipping process. Here are a few common challenges and strategies for overcoming them:

• Volume: High volume during the holiday season can cause delays and added strain on shipping providers. To overcome this challenge, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of lead time to schedule pickups and deliveries.
• Weather: Winter weather conditions can impact transportation and delivery times. Make sure to monitor weather conditions closely and adjust your schedule accordingly.
• Package Preparation: Properly preparing your packages is always important, but especially so during the busy holiday season. Be sure to use sturdy packaging materials and label your packages accurately.
• Communication: Communication with customers and suppliers is key during the holiday season. Make sure everyone is aware of the holiday schedule and potential delays or schedule changes.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are numerous factors to consider when it comes to planning your shipping schedule around the FedEx Freight holidays. By being proactive, communicating effectively, and utilizing the resources available to you, you can minimize potential delays and keep your business running smoothly during the busiest times of the year. Don’t let the holiday rush get the best of you – take control and plan ahead to ensure that your shipments arrive on time and in top condition.