Peak Season Starts Now: Why Summer Is the Time to Prep

Katherine Wroth • June 26, 2025

If you think it’s too early to prep for peak season, it’s probably already too late. The reality is your competitors are already planning — and they’ll win if you don’t.


At Barrett Distribution Centers, we’ve helped brands succeed through the busiest shopping seasons. The ones that perform best? They start early. Summer is your window to plan, secure resources and eliminate last-minute surprises.


Why Peak Planning Starts in Q3


Orders need to ship faster, arrive on time and meet customer expectations. Missing the mark means you risk losing that customer for good.  Whether shifting inventory closer to your customers, tightening up your tech, or locking in capacity before space runs out, your work in Q3 pays off when it matters most.


What You Can Do Today:


Start building a plan that holds up under pressure. A few moves to make now:


Secure capacity early: Lock in carrier space and warehouse availability before the rush
Confirm rate agreements: Get ahead of seasonal surcharges by finalizing pricing now
Check your visibility tools: Spot gaps in order tracking and inventory accuracy while there’s time to fix them
Align your teams: Get sales, ops and your 3PL provider on the same page with weekly check-ins and clear deadlines
Build backup plans: Expect disruptions—plan for weather, labor shortages and demand spikes
Partner with a 3PL: Work with a  3PL partner that can flex with your business and scale fast


Peak Season Checklist


✓ Review last year’s data and build your forecast
✓ Adjust inventory based on expected demand
✓ Test your systems and strengthen your tech stack
✓ Set a regular planning cadence across teams
✓ Document contingency plans
✓ Confirm your 3PL is ready to support peak volume


Don’t Wait for Peak to Start Acting Like It’s Peak.


At Barrett, we’re already helping brands get ready for Q4. Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation.

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