Refresh Your Shipping Strategy for a Strong Start to the New Year

Are you heading into the new year with the same shipping frustrations you faced last season? When teams rush to keep up with orders but never stop to evaluate what slowed them down, small problems become habits that hold business back. Taking time to reset now can lead to smoother operations and stronger results in the months ahead. 

A better shipping strategy doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from being intentional about how you pack, order, and restock. At AM Shipping Supplies, we’ve seen how a few practical changes can improve reliability across every shipment.  

This guide walks you through where to start and how to plan for a more efficient year. 

Why the New Year Is the Perfect Time to Reevaluate Your Shipping Strategy 

The beginning of the year naturally invites reflection. New budgets, updated goals, and fresh schedules create space to look at how well your shipping process supports the business you want to build this year. Taking time now to evaluate performance helps you start with clear priorities and stronger systems. 

As you review, pay attention to where strain showed last year: 

• Delays that disrupted fulfillment schedules 

• Packaging issues that increased returns 

• Inventory gaps that led to rushed restocks 

• Rising costs that chipped away at profit 

Early reflection gives you a clearer view of what needs attention and what’s already working. Making small adjustments now helps your business run more smoothly and stay reliable all year long.  

Areas to Review in Your Current Shipping Process 

Every part of your shipping workflow affects how smoothly orders move out the door. Focusing on a few core areas helps you see what worked well and where a few updates could make next year more efficient.  

Vendor Reliability and Restock Speed 

Dependable partners keep operations steady. Ask: 

• How quickly did suppliers respond when demand surged? 

• Did product quality stay consistent? 

• Were there delays that created missed orders or added costs? 

Identify which vendors supported your goals and which may need reevaluation before the next busy period. 

Packaging Quality and Efficiency 

Packaging plays a direct role in customer satisfaction. Review: 

• How well your shipping boxes, shipping tape, and packaging materials protected products 

• Whether damaged shipments increased returns 

• If better cushioning or box strength could cut waste or packing time 

When materials hold up, your team works faster and customers receive products in perfect condition. 

Cost Management and Inventory Control 

Understanding where packaging dollars went helps you plan smarter. Look at: 

• The difference between what you spent and what you actually used 

• Opportunities to simplify SKUs or order in bulk 

• Tools like packaging machinery, stretch wrap, or poly strapping that improve consistency 

Small corrections here can bring long-term savings and more predictable inventory cycles. 

Staff Training and Workflow Optimization 

Even the best materials rely on skilled handling. Evaluate: 

• How clearly tasks like labeling, sealing, and staging are defined 

• Where additional training could reduce errors 

• How tools such as labels, staples, or bags support speed and organization 

Smooth processes save time and make it easier for teams to meet growing demand. 

4 Strategies for a More Efficient Shipping Year Ahead 

Once you’ve reviewed where your process can improve, the next step is building a plan that turns those insights into action. These strategies help strengthen reliability, control costs, and prepare your team for a smoother year ahead.  

Build Early Vendor Partnerships 

Strong vendor relationships create predictability. 

• Revisit supply contracts and confirm delivery schedules early in the year. 

• Ask about bulk pricing or seasonal discounts that fit your volume. 

• Explore closeouts and surplus options to stock up on high-use materials before costs rise. 

Securing supply before demand increases gives you the advantage of stable pricing and dependable lead times. 

Standardize Packaging Across Product Lines 

Simplifying materials saves time and space. 

• Choose shipping boxes and packaging materials that fit multiple SKUs. 

• Use mailing tubes for oversized or long-form products.  

• Organize storage areas so packers can grab what they need quickly. 

Consistency speeds fulfillment and reduces waste throughout your operation. 

Invest in Quality Materials for Fewer Returns 

Durable materials protect your reputation and bottom line. 

• Use heavy-duty steel strapping and edge protectors to secure pallets. 

• Incorporate cold packaging for temperature-sensitive goods. 

• Replace underperforming materials with higher-grade versions that last. 

Better packaging leads to fewer damaged shipments and happier customers. 

Leverage In-House Delivery and Local Support 

Working with a supplier that manages its own delivery fleet saves time. 

• Local routes shorten lead times and reduce backorders. 

• Dedicated drivers understand your schedule and delivery needs. 

• A direct relationship keeps communication clear when restocks are urgent. 

Personalized service gives you peace of mind that supplies will arrive when promised. 

Turn Last Year’s Shipping Lessons into This Year’s Wins 

Reflection only creates value when it shapes what happens next. The start of the year is the ideal moment to refine your approach, reinforce what works, and partner with suppliers who help your business stay reliable. With a clear plan and consistent materials, your operation can run more smoothly and deliver dependable results in every season. 

Seal Every Shipment with Confidence from AM Shipping Supplies 

Shipping success starts with dependable materials and the right strategy. With a proactive plan and the right supplies, you can prevent damage, improve efficiency, and set your business up for a successful year.  

Seal Every Shipment with Confidence from AM Shipping Supplies 

Shipping success starts with dependable materials and the right strategy. With a proactive plan and the right supplies, you can prevent damage, improve efficiency, and set your business up for a successful year.  

For expert advice and reliable packaging support, reach out to our team for guidance on choosing the best supplies for your operation.  

Browse our full selection of packaging and shipping materials to find durable, high-performance options that fit your business needs. 

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