The period from October through January is the most demanding time of year for shipping and packaging. E-commerce volumes surge, carrier deadlines tighten, and packaging supply chains can strain under the pressure. Businesses that prepare early have a significant advantage.
The Numbers
- 30–50% increase in package volume for most e-commerce businesses
- Some categories (gifts, toys, electronics) see 100–200% increases
- Carrier surcharges add 10–20% to shipping costs
- Box and packaging material prices often increase 5–15% due to demand
Timeline: When to Do What
August–September: Forecast and Plan - Review last year's holiday shipping data - Forecast this year's volume by product category - Identify your top 10 shipping box sizes by volume - Calculate total box requirements for October–January
October: Stock Up - Place packaging orders 6–8 weeks before peak volume - Order 15–20% above your forecast to buffer against unexpected demand - Verify your supplier has committed inventory for your needs - Stock up on packing materials: tape, void fill, labels, liners
November: Final Check - Confirm all packaging inventory is on hand - Verify storage areas are organized for high-volume picking - Run a packing line stress test: can your team pack at peak rates? - Have backup supply contacts in case primary suppliers run short
December–January: Execute - Monitor inventory levels daily during peak weeks - Reorder immediately when stock drops below one week's supply - Track damage rates — a spike may indicate packaging failures under volume pressure
Why Used Boxes Shine During Peak Season
Holiday shipping season is actually when used boxes offer their greatest advantage:
Availability: While new box manufacturers may have 3–4 week lead times during peak season, used box inventories are replenished continuously. Businesses discarding holiday packaging create a steady supply of used boxes precisely when demand is highest.
No Minimums: New box orders often require minimum quantities of 500–1,000 per size. During peak season, you may need unusual size assortments in varying quantities. Used box suppliers accommodate exactly the quantities you need.
Cost Control: When new box prices increase during peak demand, used box prices remain relatively stable. Locking in used box supply before the season starts protects your margins.
Speed: We typically deliver within 1–3 business days from our Bronx warehouse. During the critical holiday push, that speed matters.
Essential Holiday Packaging Checklist
- [ ] Core box sizes stocked (4–6 week supply)
- [ ] Packing tape (quality tape — cheap tape fails under cold weather)
- [ ] Void fill materials (paper, air pillows, peanuts)
- [ ] Shipping labels and printers
- [ ] Gaylords for batch staging
- [ ] Gift-specific packaging (tissue paper, branded inserts)
- [ ] "Fragile" and "This Side Up" stickers
- [ ] Backup supplier contacts
- [ ] Extra packing stations set up
Post-Season: Don't Forget the Sellback
After the holiday rush, you'll likely have surplus boxes from returns, overstock, and packaging the previous season. Don't let them sit in your warehouse for months — sell them back while they're still in good condition.
- Moving companies ramp up (New Year relocations)
- Other businesses are restocking from holiday depletion
- Your surplus is freshest (highest grade) right after the season
Contact us for a quick buyback assessment. We'll pick up your surplus, pay a fair price, and free up valuable warehouse space for the new year.