How Couriers, Business and Valen Work Together
As the holiday season approaches in Australia and New Zealand, businesses face a unique set of challenges. The surge in demand for essential goods, like batteries and energy storage solutions, can put a strain on supply chains, particularly with couriers handling the ‘last-leg’ delivery. Whether your business operates in Australia or New Zealand, understanding the challenges couriers face, what you can do to prepare, and how Valen supports you can make all the difference in keeping your operations running smoothly.
What Freight Companies Experience in the Lead-Up to Christmas
The lead-up to Christmas in Australia and New Zealand sees freight companies like Direct Freight Express, Toll, and Mainfreight experiencing peak operational pressure. Business-to-business (B2B) businesses need to be aware of the following:
- Increased Volume of Shipments: The demand for deliveries spikes dramatically as companies rush to secure stock before the holiday break. Freight companies across Australia and New Zealand see substantial increases in parcel volumes, some as much as six-fold, making delivery networks busier than at any other time of the year.
- Delivery Delays: The surge in activity often leads to longer delivery times. Businesses relying on standard shipping may find themselves dealing with delays as freight companies prioritise express and time-sensitive shipments.
- Higher Freight Costs: These companies often introduce peak season surcharges during this period, increasing costs for businesses. These surcharges help cover the extra costs couriers face in managing extended working hours, extra staff, and larger volumes.
- Regional and Remote Delivery Challenges: For B2B customers operating in regional Australia and New Zealand, delivery times may be further impacted by distance and logistics bottlenecks, making early planning essential.
What You Can Do as a Business Customer to Ensure Timely Deliveries
For B2B companies across Australia and New Zealand, taking the right steps ahead of time can help avoid the impact of delivery delays during the holiday season. Here are a few strategies to ensure your battery products and energy solutions are delivered on time:
- Place Orders Early: In the B2B space, securing stock early is critical, particularly if your business operates in industries with tight timelines. Placing orders well ahead of time allows couriers more flexibility to deliver without the risk of last-minute delays.
- Communicate with Suppliers: Maintaining open lines of communication with your battery supplier is essential. Understand their shipping schedules and stock availability so you can make informed decisions and manage expectations within your business.
- Increase Stock Levels: Stocking up on key products ahead of time is a smart move for B2B businesses in industries like energy, construction, or utilities. Having a buffer stock of essential batteries or components helps mitigate the risk of courier delays impacting your operations.
- Track Your Shipments: Many couriers offer real-time tracking tools, so use these to stay updated on your deliveries. If there’s an issue or delay, you’ll be able to respond quickly and adjust your plans as necessary.
How Valen Supports Australian & New Zealand B2B Customers During the Holiday Season
At Valen, we understand that the B2B market in Australia and New Zealand relies heavily on timely deliveries, especially when the holiday season brings increased pressure. To support our customers in these regions, we’ve committed to three key areas: proactive communication, effective stock management, and transparent stock visibility.
- Proactive Communication
We know that clear, timely communication can make all the difference during busy periods. Valen is dedicated to keeping our customers informed well ahead of time, providing updates on stock levels, expected delivery timelines, and any potential delays. We’ll communicate key cut-off dates for orders, ensuring you can plan your purchases around the busy season and avoid unwanted surprises.
- Stock Management
With experience in serving the energy storage needs of the Australian and New Zealand B2B markets, we anticipate the spike in demand for batteries and power solutions during the holiday period. To help our customers avoid delays, Valen ensures that our stock levels of high-demand products are increased well in advance. Whether you need AGM, gel, or OPzV batteries, we’re committed to providing the inventory you need to keep your operations running smoothly.
- Transparent Stock Visibility
Our online customer portal offers real-time stock visibility, helping you make informed decisions about your orders. With the ability to see exactly what’s available, when it’s available, and how long it will take to ship, you can plan your procurement process more effectively. Transparency in stock levels also allows you to manage customer expectations and keep your own business running seamlessly.
The holiday season brings unique challenges to the B2B supply chain in Australia and New Zealand, but with proactive planning, you can avoid significant delays. At Valen, we’re here to support our customers every step of the way, ensuring clear communication, robust stock availability, and real-time information to help you stay ahead during this busy time. By working together, we can ensure your energy storage needs are met, no matter how hectic the season gets.
With Valen by your side, your business can continue delivering for your customers, staying ahead of holiday disruptions, and maintaining a steady flow of critical products.
