Truckload Shipping Seasons
Every Season, On Schedule.
From peak demand surges to the slower pace of off-peak months, FreightCenter navigates truckload shipping seasons with precision. Our experts match your freight with the right carriers year-round—keeping your supply chain moving smoothly, no matter the season.
Navigate Truckload Shipping Seasons with Confidence
Truckload shipping isn’t the same year-round—and understanding those shifts can make all the difference. At FreightCenter, we help businesses plan around seasonal demand, limited capacity, and rate changes so they can keep freight moving without disruptions.
From peak shipping surges to quieter months, our team is here to help you secure the right carriers, avoid delays, and take advantage of seasonal opportunities. Whether you ship year-round or seasonally, our tailored solutions give you the flexibility and reliability your supply chain depends on.
Slower Season (January – March) – Plan Ahead, Stay Ahead
The new year brings a slowdown in freight volume—but that doesn’t mean it’s time to hit pause. This season is a valuable opportunity to reassess your shipping strategy, review last year’s performance, and prepare for busier months ahead.
With less competition for capacity, it’s also a great time to secure equipment, lock in better rates, and strengthen carrier relationships. FreightCenter makes it easy to plan smarter, even when business feels quieter.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Your Truckload Shipping Needs?
At FreightCenter, we bring over 24 years of experience helping businesses move freight efficiently and reliably. As a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, we’ve handled nearly every type of shipment—and we know how to get it done right.
Our team combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to staying ahead of the curve. Whether you’re shipping regionally or across the country, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process with clear communication and expert support.
What Sets Us Apart?
Industry Expertise:
With decades of hands-on logistics experience, we understand the nuances of truckload shipping and offer solutions tailored to your specific freight needs.
Responsive Communication:
Your dedicated agent coordinates between you and the carrier, ensuring smooth communication and real-time updates—no phone tag required.
Competitive Pricing:
We leverage our carrier relationships to find you the best route at the best rate, saving you time, money, and guesswork.
Insurance Support:
Need coverage? We help you choose the right insurance options—whether full or partial—to protect your freight every mile of the journey.
Full-Service Coordination:
From pickup to final delivery, we handle the details. FreightCenter arranges scheduling, tracks every shipment in transit, and keeps you informed at all times.
What to Expect During Truckload Shipping Seasons
Just like retail or agriculture, the freight industry moves in cycles—and truckload shipping is no exception. Throughout the year, shifts in demand and capacity can impact shipping rates, carrier availability, and delivery timelines. Understanding these seasonal trends allows shippers to plan smarter and avoid surprises.
Here’s a breakdown of what each major season brings, and what to keep in mind when booking freight.
Increased Volume Season (April – July)
Spring marks the start of the truckload shipping surge. As businesses resume operations and supply chains ramp up, shipping volume rises across the country. This is also the start of produce season, which brings additional strain on available trucks—especially temperature-controlled ones.
Shippers moving perishable items or temperature-sensitive freight may face capacity challenges and rising rates during this time. Planning ahead and booking early is essential to securing equipment, particularly reefers and other specialized trailers.
What to keep in mind:
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Demand increases for both standard and refrigerated trucks
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Equipment availability may shrink as produce season intensifies
Peak Shipping Season (August – October)
This is the busiest time of the year for truckload freight. As back-to-school transitions into early holiday prep, retailers and e-commerce companies accelerate inventory movement. Shipment volumes increase, and so does competition for available trucks.
Many businesses begin preparing for Q4 sales, leading to a surge in LTL and FTL bookings. With carrier networks stretched thin, it’s common to see rate increases and limited scheduling flexibility.
Key considerations:
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Volume spikes across industries
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Capacity tightens quickly—book in advance to avoid delays
Holiday Shipping Season (November – December)
The final stretch of the year brings the highest freight volumes and the tightest market conditions. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and extended holiday sales push demand to its peak. Retailers move heavier, bulkier shipments to restock warehouses and meet consumer expectations.
Toward mid-December, volume begins to taper off—but until then, delays and rate hikes are common due to capacity shortages. High-value shipments and time-sensitive freight should be prioritized and insured accordingly.
During this season:
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Expect limited availability and higher shipping costs
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Plan around promotional sales and consumer spikes
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
LTL shipping entails consolidating numerous small shipments from various customers onto a single truck, enabling each customer to split the shipping costs. Rely on the proficiency of FreightCenter to provide you with optimal pricing and a wide array of choices for all your LTL freight shipping requirements.
Truckload shipping, or full truckload (FTL), is a transportation solution designed for freight that necessitates the entire trailer space. Unlike Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipping, FTL is suited for larger commodities surpassing LTL weight and size limits, generally weighing over 20,000 pounds or exceeding dimensions of 12 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet in height. We provide tailored solutions for full and partial truckloads, offering competitive pricing for dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight. Trust us to fulfill all your truckload shipping requirements efficiently.
Our Nationwide Expedited Trucking services ensure your freight's secure and swift transport. Whether it's a single large box or a full truckload, our freight shipping experts can promptly deliver your shipment.
Specialized transportation is tailored for items needing unique handling, equipment, or shipping conditions, such as high-value or oversized cargo requiring temperature control. Easily access the most dependable Specialized Freight Services rates from leading carriers, offering comprehensive solutions from white glove service to international shipping.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Why Holiday Shipping Matters
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Customer Satisfaction
On-time delivery is critical during the holidays. Whether it’s gifts or last-minute purchases, reliable shipping ensures items arrive when they matter most—keeping customers happy and stress-free.Revenue Growth
Peak season brings big opportunities. Timely, dependable shipping supports sales events, discounts, and holiday promotions—helping businesses boost revenue when it counts.Brand Reputation
Shipping delays can damage your brand fast—especially in a season driven by urgency. Consistent performance builds trust, keeps customers coming back, and protects your reputation online.Stronger Supply Chain
Holiday demand puts your supply chain to the test. Smooth coordination between suppliers, manufacturers, and carriers helps prevent costly delays and disruptions.Global Reach
E-commerce has made the holiday season global. International shipping success depends on meeting customs requirements and working with experienced cross-border carriers.
FAQ
Q. What are truckload shipping seasons?
Technological advancements are introducing innovations like drone delivery, autonomous vehicles, and predictive analytics. These technologies have the potential to enhance year-round shipping efficiency, blurring the boundaries between traditional busy and slow seasons.
Q. When is the peak season for truckload shipping?
Truckload shipping seasons refer to the times of year when shipping demand, rates, and carrier availability fluctuate due to seasonal patterns in freight movement.
Q. What happens during the slower truckload season?
From January to March, shipping volumes tend to drop after the holidays. It’s often a time for businesses to plan ahead and secure better rates due to lower demand.
Q. How do shipping seasons affect freight rates?
Rates generally increase during high-demand seasons due to limited capacity and surge pricing, while rates drop during slower months when more equipment is available.
Q. What is produce season in truckload shipping?
Produce season runs from April through July, when fresh fruits and vegetables are harvested and shipped. It increases demand for temperature-controlled (reefer) trucks.
Q. How should I plan for seasonal shipping changes?
Plan ahead by booking early, securing capacity in advance, and working with a logistics partner who understands seasonal freight trends.
Q. Does weather impact truckload shipping seasons?
Yes, weather conditions like hurricanes, snowstorms, or extreme heat can affect transit times, carrier availability, and shipping safety.
Q. How does e-commerce influence truckload seasons?
E-commerce has made shipping more consistent throughout the year, but demand still spikes around major retail events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Q. What industries are most affected by truckload shipping seasons?
Retail, agriculture, manufacturing, and food and beverage are especially impacted due to seasonal spikes in demand or product availability.
Q. Can I get lower shipping rates during off-peak seasons?
Yes. When demand is lower, carriers are more likely to offer competitive pricing and flexible scheduling.
Q. How do I secure capacity during busy shipping seasons?
Book shipments early, consider flexible pickup windows, and partner with a 3PL like FreightCenter that has strong carrier relationships.
Q. What type of truckload freight is hardest to move in peak season?
Perishable goods, oversized freight, and specialized shipments (like high-value items or hazmat) often face the most challenges due to limited equipment.
Q. How far in advance should I book during peak shipping season?
Ideally, book 2–3 weeks ahead during peak times to ensure availability and avoid rush fees or delays.
Q. Are holiday seasons considered part of peak truckload shipping?
Yes. November and December bring a holiday shipping surge tied to consumer shopping and retail restocking, pushing capacity to its limit.
Q. Why do shipping seasons matter for supply chain planning?
They help businesses forecast costs, avoid disruptions, and maintain steady inventory flow by aligning logistics with seasonal demand cycles.
