Shipping and logistics don’t slow down after peak season, they shift gears. As holiday deadlines pass, the industry is already grappling with returns, strained carrier networks, and early signals shaping 2026 planning. From reverse logistics pressure to tightening ocean capacity, this week’s developments highlight why operational agility matters more than ever.

We’ve rounded up the stories that matter most to shippers, along with clear takeaways to help you protect margins, improve fulfillment performance, and plan ahead.

The Top 5 Shipping Stories This Week

1. Post-Holiday Returns Set to Flood Fulfillment Networks

As outbound volumes peak, attention across the industry is rapidly turning to inbound returns. Analysts project holiday return volumes could rise by as much as 16%, creating what many are calling a reverse logistics tsunami. Beyond processing costs, the environmental impact of returns is also under scrutiny, with billions of pounds of goods expected to re-enter supply chains.

Retailers and 3PLs are now accelerating automation efforts, from digital return labels to smarter routing and grading, to prevent returns from overwhelming warehouse operations.

What It Means for Shippers

Returns can no longer be treated as a back-office cost center. Efficient reverse logistics directly impacts customer retention, warehouse throughput, and transportation spend. Investing in automated, multi-carrier return workflows can reduce handling time, lower inbound freight costs, and improve sustainability outcomes during the busiest returns window of the year.

2. Carrier Performance Becomes Critical During the Final Peak Week

The week of December 15–21 remains the busiest delivery window of the year for carriers, even after most shipping cutoffs have passed. Networks are under maximum strain, and the real cost of delays, from customer service tickets to refunds, and brand damage, often outweighs the savings of cheaper shipping options.

During this final push, reliability matters more than ever.

What It Means for Shippers

Operations teams should prioritize carrier performance over price. Monitoring on-time delivery data in near real time and dynamically shifting volume to the best-performing carriers, especially on high-risk lanes, can prevent costly service failures. Guaranteed services may cost more upfront but protect long-term customer loyalty.

3. Supply Chain Strategy Shifts as Volatility Becomes the Baseline

As peak season winds down, industry leaders are already looking toward 2026. The consensus is clear: supply chain volatility is no longer temporary, it’s the norm. Strategic priorities are moving away from short-term cost cutting toward long-term resilience, flexibility, and predictive planning.

This includes deeper supplier performance management, more advanced value-chain mapping, and preparation for continued cost pressure paired with higher customer expectations.

What It Means for Shippers

Reactive planning isn’t enough. Shippers should be building multi-carrier, multi-modal strategies designed to absorb disruption rather than scramble during it. Technology investments are shifting toward predictive analytics, scenario modeling, and smarter capacity planning, not just rate comparison tools.

4. Ocean Capacity Tightens as Carriers Cancel Sailings into Early 2026

While domestic spot rates remain soft, the international ocean freight market is showing early warning signs. Major carriers have announced a wave of blank sailings from mid-December through January, tightening capacity on key trade lanes.

Reduced sailings increase the risk of equipment shortages, port congestion, and rate volatility as we move into Q1.

What It Means for Shippers

Inbound inventory for early 2026 could face delays if capacity constraints intensify. Shippers should work closely with forwarders to secure space early, diversify carrier relationships, and consider alternative ports to avoid over-concentrated risk. Proactive planning now can prevent downstream fulfillment disruptions later.

5. Demand Grows for Guaranteed International Delivery Options

New consumer data shows a strong willingness to pay more for certainty. Up to 68% of U.S. holiday shoppers say they’re willing to pay a premium for guaranteed international delivery by a specific date, such as December 24.

This shift highlights a growing opportunity for shippers to monetize reliability, especially for cross-border and high-value shipments.

What It Means for Shippers

Guaranteed delivery isn’t just a cost, it’s a revenue lever. Offering tiered, premium international shipping options through multi-carrier platforms allows ecommerce teams to capture higher margins while meeting customer expectations. When customers value certainty, premium services become a competitive advantage rather than an expense.

The Bottom Line

As peak season transitions into planning season, the message is clear: shipping success in 2026 will be defined by flexibility, visibility, and execution under pressure. From managing returns and carrier performance to securing capacity and monetizing premium services, today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s resilience.

For shippers, staying informed, and operationally agile, remains the most reliable way to protect margins and customer trust in an increasingly complex logistics landscape.