Start before volumes spike
Peak planning should begin weeks before volumes rise. Review top lanes, cut-off sensitivity, and receiver holiday hours before backlog appears at depots or pack stations.
Data carriers need
Weekly volume bands, SKU weight estimates for campaigns, and early notice of promotional spikes help plan capacity and protect cut-offs. Reacting only after backlog forms limits options.
Daily communication rhythm
During peak, use daily exception checkpoints, a single escalation contact, and realistic booking discipline. Overflow waves and afternoon induction may be agreed for eCommerce-style profiles.
After peak review
Document what worked: which lanes needed later cut-offs, which receivers caused access failures, and whether POD standards held. Feed that into the next season plan and solution guardrails.
Build a one-page peak playbook: cut-offs, escalation contact, overflow rules, and receiver holiday list. Share it with warehouse, dispatch, and customer service before volumes rise.