Peak shipping periods like those encountered at the end of a quarter, around the holidays, and during other high-demand shipping periods can be incredibly profitable for those who can maximize their productivity. At USA Strapping, we understand the stress that peak shipping seasons can place on workers and your operations and are here to bring you some helpful tips on maximizing your productivity. Let’s look at how our straps and strapping tools empower shippers by giving them the tools they need to maximize their productivity during peak shipping seasons.
Understanding the Impact of Peak Shipping Seasons
Peak shipping seasons bring an increased volume of shipments and tighter deadlines. This often leads to damaged products as they are prepared for shipment or in transit if not appropriately secured. Optimal productivity in your operations usually walks a thin line between working too fast and failing to properly secure loads and handle products, which can lead to damaged inventory and increased returns. Finding a healthy balance between working efficiently and not in a rushed workplace is crucial for capitalizing on peak shipping seasons.
Choosing the Right Strapping for High-Volume Periods
Having the right strapping materials during peak and high-volume shipping seasons is crucial for optimal efficiency. Choosing the right strapping material comes down to three main factors:
- Selecting the right strapping material
- Ensuring your strapping material is durable and strong
- Weather considerations that can impact strapping materials
Lighter loads can often be secured with more affordable strapping materials like polyester, while heavier loads may need high-tensile-strength straps like steel to secure them safely. We recommend you have a supply of straps for every type of product you ship to minimize the risk of a strap failing and to avoid using more expensive strapping materials when a more affordable option will work.
Optimizing Your Strapping Process for Speed and Efficiency
The strapping process can and should be optimized to ensure your team can handle peak shipping times efficiently and effectively. For larger operations, automated strapping tools and machines can vastly increase the amount of product you can move, which can be essential during peak shipping times. All strapping tools should also be properly maintained and calibrated often to ensure they don’t fail when needed. Finally, by creating an efficient workplace with dedicated strapping stations and organizing supplies, you can reduce your workers’ fatigue and increase their efficiency.
Reducing Downtime and Bottlenecks
Taking steps before peak seasons can significantly reduce downtimes and bottlenecks in your shipping operations. Workers and seasonal workers should be trained on proper strapping techniques to minimize mistakes that can slow your shipping. Workers should also have access to all the strapping products and tools needed, as supplies can quickly run low during peak shipping seasons. Planning and training your employees for peak season shipping demands can reduce downtime and bottlenecks in your operations.
Quality Control During High-Volume Periods
Quality control becomes even more critical during peak shipping seasons, as improperly secured shipments can be returned if they are damaged during transit. We encourage all of our customers to evaluate their current strapping process and see where improvements can be made with strapping tools and other strapping products.
Get Ready for Peak Shipping Season With USA Strapping
When peak shipping seasons arrive, efficient strapping methods can make all the difference in your shipping operations’ productivity. USA Strapping is proud to supply our customers with affordable straps and strapping tools, beating the national average by 10%. To learn more about how we can help you with our straps and strapping products, contact us at 888-768-0001.