Holiday shipping volume has grown heavier every year, and pallet capacity tends to get tighter right when demand peaks.
Every retailer and manufacturer ramps up shipping volume ahead of the holidays at roughly the same time, which puts pressure on pallet supply across the entire industry, not just one company's network. When that demand hits all at once, companies without a plan in place often find themselves competing for the same limited pool of available pallets, paying premium rates, or accepting lower-quality stock just to keep shipments moving. Waiting until October or November to think about pallet supply usually means starting from a position of scarcity rather than choice. Companies that wait are often left negotiating from a weaker position, since suppliers naturally prioritize customers who committed to volume earlier in the year.
Late summer is the right window to start reviewing pallet needs for the fourth quarter. That means looking at historical volume trends from past holiday seasons, projecting expected growth, and confirming with a pallet partner that supply and service levels can scale to match. It is also worth reviewing repair and retrieval processes now, since a backlog of unrepaired pallets in the fall only adds to the pressure during peak weeks. This is also a good time to align with internal stakeholders on expected order volume, so the pallet program is sized correctly from the start.
Businesses that lock in their pallet program before the holiday rush typically get better pricing, more reliable availability, and fewer surprises once volume actually spikes. It also gives internal teams the breathing room to focus on other holiday prep instead of firefighting a pallet shortage in the middle of peak season. A little planning in August pays off many times over in November and December. That advantage compounds each year, since a pallet partner who understands your patterns can plan even further ahead the next time around.
If your Q4 pallet plan is still an open question, now is a good time to start the conversation so you are ready well before the holiday rush.