The holiday season is the busiest and most profitable time of the year for trucking. From late October through December, freight volumes climb as retailers, manufacturers, e-commerce giants, and shippers race to move goods before Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas. For small carriers and owner-operators, this surge is both an opportunity and a challenge. It can mean higher-paying loads, repeat customers, and an opportunity to strengthen relationships with brokers and shippers. But it also brings congestion, unpredictable weather, stricter schedules, and higher expenses on the road.
To truly take advantage of this season, planning is not optional. The key is to get ahead with a solid playbook that balances efficiency, safety, and cash flow.
Peak season means more freight, tighter shipping deadlines, and higher rates. Shippers and brokers often pay premiums to secure capacity, especially as the calendar closes in on critical retail dates. For small trucking companies, these months can define the year’s profitability—if they are prepared to handle the rush.
Knowing these windows helps you anticipate demand and secure your position before the market tightens.
By late September, many shippers and brokers have already started securing capacity for the holiday rush. If you’ve locked in steady loads or dedicated lanes by now, you’re in good shape. But if you haven’t, there’s still time—just not much. Lean on brokers and shippers you trust to lock in at least part of your schedule.
If steady contracts aren’t on the table, be proactive on load boards now while rates are climbing, instead of waiting until late November when competition is fierce and options are tighter.
The goal isn’t just to find freight—it’s to secure the right freight: lanes that fit your routes, timing, and equipment, so you’re not wasting miles during the busiest (and most expensive) time of the year.
Holiday freight means long waits, crowded highways, and rest areas filling up fast. If you haven’t started planning, now’s the time. Use apps to reserve parking ahead of time and map out your routes with fuel stops, rest areas, and delivery windows built in. A well-organized route keeps you moving, cuts down on costly delays, and helps you hit delivery times consistently. That reliability is what turns one-off loads into repeat business.
Cold weather is already creeping in across northern states, and by October, chain laws start to kick in. Don’t wait for the first snowstorm to prepare. Inspect your tires, brakes, and heating systems, and stock up on chains where required. Fines for non-compliance are costly, but worse is being sidelined—or worse, in an accident—when freight demand is at its peak.
The holiday season should be about joy, not risk. Staying winter-ready and driving with extra caution protects not only your truck and loads but also your health and peace of mind. Safety and compliance aren’t just boxes to check; they’re the foundation for making it home to enjoy the season after the rush.
Fuel is one of the biggest variable costs in trucking—and during the holiday rush, smart fueling strategies can make or break your margins. Plan ahead: map your refueling stops on the cheapest routes, compare stations, and calculate your cost per mile (CPM) before rolling out. With Summar’s fuel card, carriers save up to $0.90 per gallon and track every expense in one place. Over a few weeks of high-volume driving, those savings stack up fast—often into the thousands. The less you spend at the pump, the more you keep in your pocket.
Shippers and brokers are under pressure to deliver every order on time. By updating them regularly on ETAs, delays, or delivery confirmations, you make their jobs easier—and build a reputation as a dependable carrier. Even quick updates through text or ELD systems can set you apart from competitors who go dark. That extra professionalism often earns you repeat loads and stronger long-term relationships.
Here’s the reality: more miles and more loads mean more expenses upfront—fuel, maintenance, parking, and driver pay. If you wait 30, 60, or 90 days to get paid, you risk missing out on opportunities during peak season.
That’s why freight factoring is a game-change. Instead of waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days to get paid, factoring turns invoices into immediate cash, so you never have to choose between taking a load and covering expenses.
Unlike many factoring companies, Summar offers true non-recourse factoring. With Summar Shield, our credit guarantee program, you’re fully protected if a broker or shipper doesn’t pay—no clawbacks, no hidden surprises. It’s the kind of security small carriers and owner-operators need when freight demand (and financial risk) is at its peak.
With Summar, you can:
This holiday season, don’t just get through the rush—use it to grow. With Summar handling your cash flow and protecting your business, you can concentrate on locking in better loads, keeping your trucks moving, and building lasting broker and shipper relationships.
👉 Ready to secure your cash flow and take full advantage of the holiday season?
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