How to Keep Freight Moving During the Christmas Rush

How UK Businesses Can Keep Freight Moving During the Holiday Rush
25Nov

How to Keep Freight Moving During the Christmas Rush

How To

How to Keep Freight Moving During the Christmas Rush – The festive season is the busiest time of year for UK logistics, and with record online sales, tighter delivery windows and unpredictable winter weather, the pressure on supply chains has never been greater. For many businesses, the difference between a strong Q4 and lost revenue comes down to one thing: keeping freight moving smoothly through the holiday rush. At Uneek Group, we help companies stay ahead of seasonal challenges – here’s how your business can do the same.

1. Book Transport Early to Secure Capacity

December brings a sharp spike in demand across air, sea and road freight. Space tightens, costs rise, and last-minute bookings become increasingly difficult to secure.
Solution: Reserve space as early as possible and build a clear forecast of expected volumes. Uneek Group works closely with carriers and global partners to secure priority capacity for time-critical shipments.

2. Prepare Documentation Before Goods Reach the Border

Customs delays are one of the biggest causes of missed Christmas deadlines. Incomplete paperwork, HS code errors, or missing commercial invoices can hold freight for days.
Tip: Have all documentation pre-checked, complete and digitally accessible. Uneek Group’s customs experts ensure your declarations, codes, and supporting documents are correct and compliant long before goods arrive.

3. Choose the Right Mode for Your Deadlines

During the holiday peak, choosing between air, sea or road freight becomes crucial:

  • Air freight: Fastest option for urgent stock or high-value goods.

  • Sea freight: Still the most cost-effective for bulk shipments, but needs careful planning due to longer transit times.

  • Road freight: Ideal for UK–EU movement, but can face seasonal traffic and weather disruptions.
    Uneek Group can advise on a blended approach to keep your supply chain moving while controlling costs.

4. Build Buffer Time Into Your Schedule

Even with the best planning, the holiday season brings unexpected challenges — port congestion, storms, warehouse backlogs, courier shortages and strikes.
Action: Add realistic buffers to your delivery planning and avoid promising customers unrealistic delivery dates. Uneek’s proactive tracking and communication help you stay ahead of potential delays.

5. Improve Packaging and Labelling to Reduce Handling Issues

Mislabelled, poorly packaged or non-compliant cargo can be stopped, rechecked or repacked — costing valuable time.
Ensure your goods are:

  • Correctly labelled with barcodes, addresses and handling instructions

  • Secured for winter conditions, including moisture protection

  • Palletised and wrapped for smooth movement through automated systems
    Uneek Group can support with compliant packaging guidelines to minimise transit issues.

6. Use Real-Time Tracking to Stay in Control

Visibility is everything during the busiest period of the year. Real-time tracking allows businesses to spot potential delays early and make fast decisions.
Uneek Group provides shipment visibility across global routes so you always know where your freight is and when it will arrive.

7. Partner With a Reliable Freight Forwarder

Peak-season logistics is not the time to rely on guesswork or untested partners. Working with an experienced freight forwarder ensures you have:

  • Priority carrier access

  • Expert customs clearance

  • Real-time communication

  • Route optimisation

  • Warehousing and distribution support

  • Uneek Group’s network and expertise allow UK businesses to operate with confidence, even during the busiest weeks of the year.

Final Thoughts

The holiday rush doesn’t need to derail your supply chain. With the right planning, smarter logistics choices and the support of a reliable partner, UK businesses can keep freight moving efficiently throughout December and into the New Year. Uneek Group is here to help you overcome peak-season challenges with seamless freight forwarding, customs clearance and tailored logistics solutions. For support with your Christmas and New Year shipments, contact the Uneek Forwarding team today.

About this Blog

Address: Uneek House, Amberley Way, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6BH
Call: +44 (0) 20 8569 4949
Website: www.uneek-group.com
Blog Title: How to Keep Freight Moving During the Christmas Rush.
Blog Author: Mark Watts