Introduction

Peak seasons present unique challenges for supply chains—surging demand, compressed delivery windows, and a race for limited carrier capacity. To thrive during these times, businesses must move beyond traditional shipping playbooks and adopt a more agile, demand-responsive model.

By integrating both Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and Full-Truckload (FTL) freight services, companies can enable a pull distribution model—shipping based on actual demand rather than forecasts. This approach helps maintain lean inventories, adapt to changing order volumes, and keep freight costs in check, even when the market is volatile.

Understanding Peak Season Shipping Challenges

During peak seasons, shippers face several recurring challenges:

1. Capacity Constraints – Carrier availability tightens, leading to scheduling delays and bottlenecks.
   
2. Increased Costs – Surging demand drives higher spot rates and fewer negotiated lanes.
   
3. Tight Delivery Windows – Customers expect rapid replenishment and seamless execution, even under stressed conditions.
   

To overcome these issues, businesses benefit from a dynamic mix of LTL and FTL services that flex with real-time demand and optimize capacity utilization.

How LTL and FTL Shipping Work Together to Optimize Freight Operations

Rather than viewing LTL and FTL as either/or options, combining them strategically supports responsive, just-in-time shipping and maximizes agility—key elements of an effective pull distribution strategy.

Strategic Freight Consolidation

• Combine multiple LTL shipments into a single FTL load to lower per-unit costs and streamline delivery routes.

Balancing Cost and Speed

• Use FTL for urgent, high-volume shipments where speed is critical. Lean on LTL for smaller, more frequent replenishment shipments driven by real-time sales and inventory data.

Carrier Capacity Management

• Adapt quickly by shifting between LTL and FTL based on carrier availability, lane performance, and market rate shifts.

Optimizing Inventory Flow

• Use LTL to support frequent, smaller orders that minimize warehousing costs and reduce overstock. Deploy FTL for restocking regional hubs or moving large volumes to meet rising demand.

Average Load Size & Shipping Stats: FTL vs. LTL

• 75% of domestic freight in the U.S. moves via FTL, but LTL is expanding rapidly—especially for eCommerce and regional replenishment.
• Businesses that blend LTL and FTL see up to 12% annual freight savings through improved mode selection and better consolidation practices.

Key Strategies for Leveraging LTL and FTL Shipping During Peak Season

1. Plan Ahead and Secure Capacity Early - Book lanes early to protect your schedule and lock in better rates as peak season ramps up.
2. Use Freight Consolidation to Reduce Costs - Consolidate LTL orders when feasible into FTL to maximize trailer space and reduce per-unit shipping costs.
3. Diversify Carrier Partnerships - Build flexibility by working with a variety of vetted LTL and FTL carriers. This reduces reliance on any single provider when capacity tightens.
4. Leverage Data for Smarter Shipping Decisions - Use visibility and freight analytics tools to monitor trends, adjust routing, and make informed decisions about when to use LTL vs. FTL.

How Matson Logistics Helps Businesses Handle Peak Season

At Matson Logistics, we help shippers implement efficient, demand-driven freight strategies that excel under peak season pressures:

• Comprehensive Services – A seamless mix of LTL and FTL transportation tailored to your supply chain needs.
• Advanced Technology – Real-time visibility and tracking tools that empower smarter decisions.
  • Learn more about our technology solutions here
• Strategic Locations –  Freight consolidation hubs near major ports and intermodal corridors streamline distribution.
  • See our transload services here

Why Partner with Matson Logistics for Your Peak Season Shipping Strategy?

Partnering with Matson Logistics gives your business the adaptability and performance edge needed during high-demand periods:

• Expert Freight Planning – Strategic freight optimization built around your peak season goals.
• Robust Carrier Network – Capacity when you need it most, thanks to our extensive network of LTL and FTL carriers.
• Enhanced Shipment Visibility – Stay ahead of delays with real-time updates across your entire shipment lifecycle.

• • Explore our highway transportation services
• Flexible Freight Solutions – Whether you’re shipping a few pallets or a full truckload, we have the solution ready.

Struggling with peak season freight planning? Matson Logistics is here to help!