How to Prepare for Thanksgiving Shipping: Tips for Food and Perishable Freight

As Thanksgiving draws near, food shippers are preparing for a seasonal surge in demand. From fresh turkeys and vegetables to seasonal treats, the logistics around this holiday require precision, planning, and temperature control. Effective cold chain management and proactive strategies ensure that perishables arrive fresh and on time, supporting Thanksgiving gatherings across the country. Below, we dive into best practices for shippers to meet demand while maintaining food safety and quality.

The Thanksgiving Surge in Food Shipments
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for food logistics in the U.S. Americans spent $1.1 billion on turkeys alone last year, and total holiday-related grocery sales spiked by 13%. This holiday surge translates to significant shipping demand, not just for the turkeys, but for items like dairy products, fresh produce, and pre-prepared meals, requiring specialized logistics support to maintain quality.

For both shippers and carriers, handling perishables at this scale is no small feat, especially as grocery delivery services and online orders continue to grow. More than 25% of Thanksgiving shoppers are expected to rely on online ordering this year, adding to the demand for last-mile and cold chain logistics.

1. Pre-Book Capacity for Refrigerated Transport
The need for refrigerated trucks soars during Thanksgiving, and securing capacity early is crucial for all food shippers. Temperature-controlled transport is more complex, and the availability of refrigerated trucks is limited. Shippers can reduce the risk of delays by coordinating with logistics partners well in advance, ideally securing transport slots for the entire month of November. Cold storage facilities are also in high demand, so confirming storage space early can help avoid last-minute complications.

Pre-booking refrigerated transport can also help shippers manage costs. According to FreightWaves, refrigerated freight rates can increase by up to 30% during peak holiday seasons due to capacity constraints, so early reservations can help lock in more stable pricing.

2. Utilize Cold Chain Technology for Temperature Control
Cold chain technology is essential for maintaining food safety and quality during transit. Even slight temperature changes can lead to food spoilage, and Thanksgiving shipments often include sensitive items like dairy, meats, and vegetables that require consistent temperatures. IoT (Internet of Things) sensors are commonly used to provide real-time temperature monitoring, alerting shippers to any fluctuations during transit. This ensures that issues are identified and addressed before products reach their destination.

Research shows that 30% of food perishes due to improper temperature management in transit. By using IoT sensors and GPS tracking, shippers can receive real-time data on temperature, location, and humidity, all of which are critical to maintaining food integrity.

3. Route Optimization for Faster Delivery
Thanksgiving also coincides with one of the busiest travel times of the year, which means heavy traffic on major highways. For food shippers, avoiding congestion is key to timely delivery. Route optimization software helps logistics teams navigate busy roads, adjust for traffic conditions, and identify the fastest possible routes. Dynamic routing, which adapts to real-time road and traffic data, reduces delivery times and ensures perishables reach their destination promptly.

Traffic delays are a major factor in food spoilage, especially if products stay out of controlled temperatures for extended periods. With tools that offer route adjustments based on up-to-date traffic conditions, shippers can plan routes that bypass peak holiday congestion and maintain delivery timelines.

4. Invest in Quality Packaging to Extend Freshness
Packaging plays a major role in keeping perishable products fresh throughout the shipping journey. Food items that travel long distances need appropriate insulation to maintain their quality. For Thanksgiving shipments, insulated boxes, gel packs, and dry ice are commonly used to keep products at the correct temperature. Different packaging types suit different needs: frozen items require different insulation levels than chilled or ambient-temperature foods.

Packaging solutions should be chosen based on specific product requirements. With frozen and chilled e-commerce food sales growing by 25%, efficient packaging solutions are no longer just a consideration—they are a necessity for the successful shipping of perishable items.

5. Coordinate with Retailers and Customers Early
For many food items, delivery timing is critical. Thanksgiving shipments typically go to a combination of distribution centres, grocery stores, and direct-to-customer locations. Ensuring that receiving parties are prepared for high-volume shipments can prevent delays or bottlenecks, especially at distribution centres. Clear communication about delivery schedules helps avoid complications, whether it’s an early delivery for grocers or a final-mile shipment to a customer.

Additionally, offering customers tracking information builds trust and confidence. Real-time visibility provides peace of mind and helps end customers plan for the holiday. Effective communication can prevent unnecessary back-and-forth inquiries, allowing logistics teams to focus on efficient deliveries rather than answering questions.

6. Create a Contingency Plan
Even with the best planning, unforeseen circumstances—such as severe weather or equipment issues—can impact Thanksgiving shipments. Preparing for these disruptions involves having backup carriers, arranging for temporary cold storage options, and coordinating alternative routes. The cold chain process demands precision, and when issues arise, it’s essential to have systems in place that keep shipments safe and on schedule.

To reduce risks, shippers can contract with secondary carriers and establish backup warehouses near key distribution points. This proactive approach ensures that there are alternative options if any primary logistics channel is disrupted.

Final Thought
The Thanksgiving holiday is a uniquely demanding time for food logistics, requiring a high level of coordination, technology, and preparation. By securing refrigerated transport, investing in temperature control technology, optimizing delivery routes, and establishing strong communication lines, food shippers can meet the holiday rush while preserving the quality of perishable goods. An effective cold chain strategy is not only about keeping food fresh—it’s about delivering on the promises customers depend on during the holidays.

With these preparations in place, shippers can look forward to a successful Thanksgiving season, ensuring that every family enjoys a meal that’s both fresh and delicious.

Sources
National Turkey Federation
Grocery Dive
FreightWaves on Refrigerated Rates
IoT in Cold Chain Management
Statista on e-commerce food sales growth