Dear Transportability Community,
As the holiday season approaches, it’s an opportune moment to delve into the origins of one of the busiest shopping days of the year – Black Friday – and to forecast the expected freight volume for this season.
The Origins of Black Friday: A Historical Perspective
The term “Black Friday” has evolved significantly since its inception. Contrary to popular belief, the phrase was initially coined in the 1950s by the Philadelphia Police Department. It was used to describe the chaos that ensued on the day after Thanksgiving, when hordes of suburban shoppers and tourists flooded into the city in advance of the big Army-Navy football game held on that Saturday every year. The police were not able to take the day off and had to work extra-long shifts to deal with the crowds and traffic.
It wasn’t until later that the term took on a more positive connotation. Retailers in Philadelphia attempted to rename it “Big Friday” to remove the negative connotations, but the term “Black Friday” stuck. The positive spin was that this day represented the point in the year when retailers began to turn a profit, thus going from being “in the red” to being “in the black”.
Freight Volume Expectations This Holiday Season
Turning our attention to the present, Black Friday now marks the kick-off of the holiday shopping season, and it has significant implications for the freight and logistics industry. This year, we are anticipating a considerable surge in freight volumes. Several factors are contributing to this:
- E-commerce Growth: With the continued rise in online shopping, there is an increased demand for transportation services to deliver goods to both stores and consumers.
- Early Shopping Trends: Consumers are starting their holiday shopping earlier, partly due to concerns about shipping delays and supply chain disruptions.
- Inventory Replenishment: Retailers are stocking up in anticipation of high consumer demand, leading to more shipments.
- Global Supply Chain Adjustments: Ongoing adjustments in the global supply chain are causing fluctuations in shipping patterns, adding to the freight demand.
As a result, we at Transportability, LLC are gearing up for a busy season. We’re taking proactive steps to manage the expected increase in freight volume:
- Expanding Capacity: We’re scaling up our fleet and partnering with additional carriers to handle the increased load.
- Enhancing Efficiency: Utilizing advanced logistics software for optimal route planning and timely deliveries.
- Strengthening Communication Channels: Keeping open lines of communication with our clients to manage expectations and provide real-time updates.
- Prioritizing Safety: Ensuring that our commitment to safety remains steadfast even in the busiest of times.
The holiday season is a time for unity, celebration, and reflection. As we embrace the rush of Black Friday and the ensuing weeks, let’s remember the historical journey of this day and the important role our industry plays in the festivities.
Wishing you a successful and smooth holiday season,
Tony Blackburn
CEO, Transportability, LLC
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