As we approach the peak season in 2023 for e-commerce and small package shipping, several factors are set to influence this critical period in the business calendar. Based on trends from previous years and emerging market dynamics, we can take a glimpse into what can be anticipated for this year's peak season.

We expect e-commerce to continue to grow, but likely at a slightly slower pace versus the unprecedented growth seen in 2022. We have observed that the global lockdowns due to COVID-19 pandemic pushed many consumers to embrace online shopping, creating a habit that has remained even as physical stores reopened. Given these persisting habits, we expect the upcoming peak season in 2023 to see even greater numbers of consumers turning to online platforms for their holiday shopping, whether they are trading down or looking for alternatives, and to see a continued modest rise in e-commerce revenue.

With the surge in online shopping we’ve seen in recent years, we have observed a corresponding increase in demand for small-package shipping. If consumers continue to increasingly order items online, often individually for convenience, the need for small package delivery may become more pronounced. Given recent trends, we expect this pattern to continue into the peak season of 2023.

The feedback we are seeing from customers is that free shipping and fast delivery speeds are important when it comes to deciding where to shop online. Thanks to industry leaders offering 2-day or next-day delivery options, the bar for timely delivery has been set high. We anticipate that this demand for speed and free shipping will remain a significant factor for e-commerce businesses during the 2023 peak season.

Technological advancements will continue to play a critical role in managing the peak season rush. Enhanced warehouse automation, AI-based demand forecasting, advanced tracking systems, AI-based customer service and the use of drones or robots for delivery are expected to become more prevalent. These technologies will be crucial in handling the surge in orders efficiently and maintaining high customer satisfaction levels.

In conclusion, the peak season of 2023 for e-commerce and small package shipping may be shaped by a combination of factors including, for example, ongoing e-commerce growth, increased demand for fast and small package delivery, sustainability focus, and technological innovations. Businesses that can effectively respond to these trends may be better positioned to maximize their success during this crucial trading period.

The opinions expressed by the author are solely their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Delta or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, or representatives. The opinions expressed are based upon information the author considers reliable, but neither Delta nor its affiliates warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such.