Capstone Logistics Market Insights: November 2024

Holiday Peak Shipping Fees Are Higher and Occurring Earlier Than Ever

By: Bloomberg

Holiday peak shipping surcharges, introduced in 2017, initially spanned just over a month. Today, the window has stretched significantly, driving up costs for shippers. UPS and FedEx have extended their surcharge timeframes in 2024, citing an increasingly elongated holiday shopping season. Retailers now push major promotions and sales events earlier in the year, meaning peak volumes no longer concentrate in December alone.

For logistics professionals, these extended surcharges present an operational and financial challenge. Shippers must now budget for higher peak fees spread across months, not weeks. This shift amplifies the importance of cost-effective carrier selection and tighter operational planning to protect margins during the holiday rush.

CAPSTONE TAKEAWAY

The expanding surcharge window underscores the need for flexibility and strategic partnerships in peak season logistics. Not all carriers apply surcharges equally, and some may not impose them at all.

By partnering with a logistics provider like Capstone, shippers can reduce holiday-related cost pressures without compromising delivery reliability. Capstone’s performance-driven model focuses on providing seamless last-mile fulfillment — without hidden fees. Our technology-enabled solutions, including real-time tracking and optimized delivery routes, ensure timely performance while keeping your operations agile and cost-efficient.

When the holiday shopping season stretches longer than ever, the right logistics partner can make all the difference. Capstone combines experience, transparency, and innovative solutions to help you navigate peak demands while protecting your bottom line.

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FTR’s Shippers Conditions Index Hits 2024 High, But Uncertainty Lingers for 2025

By: Logistics Management

Freight market conditions showed notable improvement in September, according to FTR’s latest Shippers Conditions Index (SCI). The index reached its strongest level of 2024, driven by lower fuel costs, softened capacity, and reduced freight rates. These indicators point to a more favorable environment for shippers in the near term.

However, as FTR cautions, markets in transition can bring volatility. Heading into 2025, uncertainty remains high, with shifting supply chain dynamics and external factors — like potential tariff changes — acting as wild cards that could disrupt stability. For shippers, this means navigating a freight landscape that remains fluid, requiring vigilance and adaptability to maintain performance and control costs.

CAPSTONE TAKEAWAY

As the freight market evolves, agility and real-time insights are key to managing volatility. Capstone Logistics empowers shippers to stay ahead with a combination of a rigorously vetted carrier network and cutting-edge technology. We provide end-to-end visibility and predictive analytics to help you anticipate challenges and respond in real time.

Whether you’re monitoring capacity shifts, forecasting freight costs, or reacting to unforeseen disruptions, Capstone’s technology enables smarter decisions and a proactive approach to supply chain management.

When market conditions shift, having a trusted logistics partner makes all the difference.

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Record-Breaking Black Friday Online Sales Highlight Shifting Shopper Behavior

By: Forbes

Shoppers spent a record-breaking $10.8 billion online this Black Friday — a 10% increase from last year — according to Adobe Analytics, which tracks retail transactions. While online spending surged, brick-and-mortar stores saw a different story. In-store traffic was down 8.2% compared to 2023, per data from Sensormatic Solutions. This sharp contrast underscores a significant shift in consumer habits: shoppers increasingly favor the convenience of online purchases over traditional in-store shopping.

For retailers, this means the pressure to deliver a seamless, omnichannel experience — whether online, in-store, or through hybrid models — has never been greater. A successful peak season requires precision, speed, and synchronization across warehouse operations, order fulfillment, shipping, and last-mile delivery.

CAPSTONE TAKEAWAY

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, retailers must align every piece of their supply chain to meet rising expectations for speed and accuracy. From warehouse management to order fulfillment, packing, and shipping, having access to trained, scalable, and flexible workforce ensures your operations run smoothly, even during peak demand.

In today’s competitive omnichannel retail environment, the ability to adapt quickly and execute flawlessly is critical. With Capstone Logistics as your partner, you can streamline processes, optimize resources, and deliver a seamless experience to your customers — no matter how, when, or where they shop.

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