The entire logistics industry starts Christmas practically in October. And it is not about putting up a Christmas tree in the office. What I mean is that large retail chains usually prepare their Christmas assortment well in advance. After all, the decor of stores or malls, and of course the products we use to make gifts for our loved ones, need to arrive there before Christmas. Transport and drivers play a massive role in making that happen”.
Magdalena Mroczkowska, Marketing Manager at Omega Pilzno.
Increased traffic on the roads
🚛 In December, there is intensive truck traffic on the roads. Although there is no data from last year (calculations are made every 5 years), according to the General Traffic Measurements (GPR) of the Polish General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways, statistics show that the increase in road traffic in the pre-Christmas period is not only a matter of the number of vehicles, but also longer routes and various challenges related to deliveries.
Our long-term experience shows that it is not just about the increase in the number of parcels transported but also the greater distances drivers need to cover and the extra hours they have to spend handling increased demand. It’s also important to consider logistical factors, such as organizing last-minute deliveries or handling returns, which create additional challenges for carriers and drivers.
Joanna Wojnarska, Tender Manager at Raben Transport.
As Joanna Wojnarska from Raben Transport emphasizes, “the reliability of road transport in the pre-Christmas period becomes a key element for customer satisfaction”, ensuring that gifts and products arrive on time.
The high reliance on road transport during this period highlights not only the function of delivering goods, but also the role in creating an atmosphere of Christmas joy. Carriers contribute to meeting consumers’ expectations, supporting the economy during this period of particularly dynamic demand. As a result, without the constant efforts of carriers and drivers, the pre-Christmas season could be more stressful for many people, and delivering gifts and products on time would become more complicated. Therefore, without their constant work, there would be no smooth deliveries of parcels as well as Christmas joy on time.
Joanna Wojnarska, Tender Manager at Raben Transport.
Restrictions for trucks
👉Although the Inspectorate of Road Transport does not have data on vehicle traffic on roads, it keeps statistics on inspections conducted by inspectors from the Regional Inspectorates of Road Transport. In the period from December 23, 2022 to January 1, 2023, a total of 975 inspections were carried out, including 436 inspections of Polish carriers and 539 inspections of foreign carriers.
Keeping this in mind, it is important to remember about the traffic restrictions (traffic bans) for trucks with a permissible total weight exceeding 12 tons, excluding buses, which result from the Regulation of the Minister of Transport of July 31, 2007 on periodic restrictions and prohibition of traffic of certain types of vehicles on roads (consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2023, item 2423). These restrictions apply, for example, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on December 25, December 26 and January 1.
Aleksandra Kobylska, Deputy Director of the General Inspectorate of Road Transport.
Warehouses
The pre-holiday rush is naturally visible in warehouses as well, although in many industries preparation for the Christmas season begins already during the summer, when customers build up their stocks.
“ncreased shipments start already from September/October, when our customers prepare for Black Week. This is also when increased interest in value-added services can be seen – assembling gift packs, gift baskets, stands with Christmas offers. The rush begins right after All Saints’ Day, when Christmas campaigns usually start in stores. Depending on the industry, order volumes increase by tens or even hundreds of percent compared to the low season.
Paweł Michalak, Contract Logistics CEE Director at Rohlig Suus Logistics S.A.
The biggest growth in e-commerce
The speed and efficiency of e-commerce development is undeniably impressive. The growing number of customers shopping online as well as the developing logistics and technological infrastructure make the future of this sector promising. The increases have been much more related to e-commerce than to stationary sales for several years, and the largest growth can be observed in industries such as luxury goods, alcohol, small electronics and toys, i.e. categories that are the most popular as Christmas gifts.
Before Christmas, we also observe an increased demand for transport of meat and sweets. These are goods that we transport using refrigerated vehicles. For the OMEGA Pilzno Food Logistics division, the last two weeks before Christmas Eve are particularly intense. This is a period of huge demand for transport from our customers. This requires advance preparation – refining forecasts with customers, planning vehicles and drivers to meet these needs, ensuring everything arrives on time.
Magdalena Mroczkowska, Marketing Manager at Omega Pilzno.
Rohlig Suus Logistics experts observe not only the increase in volumes, but also in value, which clearly shows that for Christmas, Poles are more inclined to choose more expensive products.
The scale is best reflected in the increase in employment on warehouse projects subject to seasonal fluctuations by up to 50%. A particular challenge is the daily volume fluctuations in the e-commerce sector. Weekend shopping trends are evident here, as on Mondays and Tuesdays, orders can account for as much as 40-50% of the weekly volume.
Paweł Michalak, Contract Logistics CEE Director at Rohlig Suus Logistics S.A.
Holiday peak from a carrier’s perspective
🎯 During the Christmas season, truck drivers often face extended travel times. With the increased demand for deliveries, many work longer hours. Parcel lockers provide valuable support during this busy period.
Christmas is a time when we want to give gifts, share joy and warmth. For our customers, we offer delivery to over 20,000 parcel lockers, which are like Advent calendars with gifts for loved ones. The rush of e-commerce shopping begins just before Black Friday and lasts until Christmas Eve. At InPost, despite record-breaking volumes of up to 5 million parcels per day, our NPS (Net Promoter Score – customer loyalty indicator) was 81% in a survey conducted in December 2022. Additionally, 12% of our fleet consists of electric vehicles, ensuring that last-mile deliveries are even more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Sebastian Anioł, Director of the Logistics Innovation Department at InPost.
Drivers and their work are the most essential part of this pre-Christmas rush. 🎄They make Christmas special and unforgettable for all of us. Every day we should appreciate their work and take care of their safety, because they ensure that gifts and pre-Christmas shopping always arrive on time, bringing joy to those waiting for them.
Dear carrier, on behalf of the entire Trans.eu team, we wish you a safe journey home every time. Thank you for your dedication, which allows us to enjoy Christmas in a truly special atmosphere. Is it you who is Santa Claus? Watch the video below and find the answer!
