Peak season is when everything collides; demand surges, carriers reach capacity, costs rise, and unpredictable winter weather adds risk. For frozen and refrigerated DTC brands, it’s the toughest stretch of the year.

But peak season isn’t just chaos, it’s also the single biggest opportunity to win customers. It’s projected that U.S. e-commerce sales will reach up to $310 billion during the 2025 holiday season, growing 7–9% year-over-year. This increase represents more than just higher volumes; it’s a chance to convert first-time buyers into long-term customers.

With the right preparation, peak season can be more than a test of resilience. It can be a catalyst for growth. Here’s where to start.

1. Prep Supplies and Packaging

Holiday season isn’t the time to scramble for packaging materials. If you run out of liners, gel packs, or insulation mid-December, it’s already too late.

• Order early: Stock up on boxes, liners, and gel packs before suppliers hit peak demand.
• Plan by SKU: Ice cream, probiotics, and meal kits all need different configurations.

Strong packaging is your foundation for surviving the holiday surge.

2. Optimize Refrigerant Usage

Refrigerant is one of the biggest hidden costs in cold-chain shipping, and peak season is when those costs skyrocket. The key is precision, not excess.

• Adjust for colder weather: As temperatures drop across much of the country, shipments often need less refrigerant than in summer. Using the same amount year-round is unnecessary and wasteful.
• Calibrate per shipment: Optimize refrigerant levels based on product, route temperature, and time in transit. Not every box needs the same pack-out.
• Run real-world tests: Test reduced refrigerant levels under winter conditions to confirm safe arrival.

Why it matters: When volumes surge, overpacking every box adds up fast. Smarter refrigerant use protects product quality and margins.

3. Align with Carrier Schedules and Calendars

Carriers set their own holiday rules. Each has different cut-off dates and surcharges.

• Check cut-offs early: Ground, 2-day, and overnight all have different last ship dates.
• Plan promotions around them: Don’t run sales after your carrier’s deadline has passed.
• Budget for surcharges: Expect higher December shipping costs and integrate them into your plan.

Failing to align with carrier calendars is one of the fastest ways to disappoint holiday customers.

4. Encourage Customers to Order Early

Spreading demand out is just as important as planning your operations. If all your orders land the week before Christmas, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

• Promote early shopping: Emails and social posts should remind customers to buy sooner rather than later if they want guaranteed holiday delivery.
• Offer incentives: Offer early-bird discounts to pull orders forward.
• Be transparent: Customers appreciate honesty, tell them why early orders are better for perishable shipping.

Early orders flatten the curve and help your ops team breathe.

5. Prepare for Weather Disruptions

Winter storms are inevitable. What matters is how you plan for them.

• Track weather in real time: Catch at-risk shipments before they’re delayed.
• Reroute or hold proactively: If storms threaten, holding or rerouting shipments beats pushing them through risky routes.

Even though weather is unpredictable, your response doesn’t have to be.

6. Keep Customers in the Loop

Holiday orders carry more importance for customers, which means they’ll be checking for clear updates at every step. Visibility and clear communication are key.

• Real-time tracking builds trust: Customers want to see progress.
• Proactive alerts reduce stress: If weather or carriers cause delays, communicate first.
• Have clear recovery options: Refunds, replacements, or credits should be fast and stress-free.

When customers feel informed, they’re more forgiving and more likely to reorder after the holidays.

Finish Strong This Peak Season

Peak season can be a stressful time for perishable DTC brands, but it’s also an opportunity. Smarter prep protects your product, your margins, and your customer relationships, long after the holidays are over.

Make this peak season your smoothest yet: partnerships@gripshipping.com.