Today is known as “Green Monday,” the second largest retail shopping day of the year in 2010, as well as in 2008 and 2006.
Assigned the second Monday of December each year, “Green Monday” is often the last chance for consumers to order products online with a guarantee that they will be delivered by Christmas. (That and the fact that many stores offer free shipping on this day will certainly drive traffic to their sites).
But the retail industry has already shown a significant increase in consumer spending in the last few weeks.
According to comScore.com, in the first 25 days of November leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, online retail sales increased 15% compared to the previous year reporting $12.7 billion.
This 15% increase continued into December with last week’s consumer spending increasing from 2010 to $5.9 billion.
Overall, from November 1st through December 9th, retail shopping had hit $24.6 billion, which, may come as no surprise, is 15% higher than last year, comScore.com notes.
Trucking companies are benefitting from this spike in seasonal spending. As trucking analyst Jack Waldo from the financial services firm Stephens Inc. states, truckload carriers (whose business is 70% retail-driven) will benefit the most from this while about 40% of LTL business is retail (http://www.thecitywire.com/index.php?q=node/19063).
Road Scholar Transport offers both LTL and Truckload service with expedited shipping options to ensure that your freight get delivered just in time for the holiday rush.
But with expensive products traveling around, especially during the holiday season, shippers and carriers are asked to remain on guard and take preventative measures.
As FreightWatch demonstrates in its reports, US cargo theft rate increases 28 percent during holidays. This is because cargo sits during the holiday weekend. Those members of the trucking industry are well aware of the golden rule that applies here, “cargo at rest is cargo at risk.” That’s why Road Scholar Transport is on the road 24/7 365 days a year, so your cargo is not just sitting, waiting to be stolen.
So was the case last week when a driver (whose company has not yet been released), parked his load, which contained approximately $250,000 worth the alcoholic beverages, on a road Tuesday night, only to find the truck stolen the next day.
Although the tractor was recovered hours later due to its GPS system, the trailer and load were left uncovered (http://www.northjersey.com/news/Tractor-trailer_containing_over_1M_of_alcohol_stolen_in_Lodi.html).
Road Scholar, however, has a digital surveillance system of its property along with security features including independent tracking on both the tractor and trailer to ensure the safety of your freight.
Trust Road Scholar with your precious cargo this holiday season by going to www.roadscholar.com to request a rate today.
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most), how important is it for you to choose a secure carrier this holiday season? List your comments below.
