Last year’s holiday shipping season smashed records, and all eyes are on what happens this year. No matter how busy it gets, we’re here to help your FedEx Authorized ShipCenter^® (FASC)!

To help you manage costs, the following surcharges are waived for FASCs: Peak — Oversize Charge, Peak — Ground Oversize Charge and Peak — Additional Handling Surcharge on U.S. Express Package Services. (Peak — Additional Handling Surcharge on U.S. Ground Services and International Ground Service is not waived.)

As you take stock and prepare for peak, here are some things to consider.

Making a list, checking it twice

To assist you as you gear up for the holiday season, we’re pleased to share our 2021 Peak Prep Checklist. Use it to check off tasks, post it in back so your team can refer to it, and save it on your desktop so those handy links are just a click away!

Getting organized

Now’s the time to make sure your FASC is shipshape. Check product and supply inventories, and order early if anything needs to be restocked — including replenishing your supply of free FedEx Express^® packaging. Take care of any recordkeeping that’s piled up, and make sure you’ve got a good system in place to keep records of drop-offs and other packages. Give the store layout a fresh eye to see if there’s anything you can do to improve displays or the flow of foot traffic.

Keeping track of packages

With shipping volumes high and weather unpredictable, be prepared to field customer questions about the status of their packages. You can easily track the status of up to 30 packages at once on fedex.com by entering the tracking numbers. For even more efficient tracking of the packages you ship on your account, sign up for FedEx InSight^® and you can proactively monitor all of your inbound and outbound shipments without a tracking number.

And remember to keep records of drop-off package tracking numbers in the event of a drop-off payout dispute!

Spreading the word

It’s also important to promote your store as the go-to for holiday shipping needs. Social media, direct mail and newspaper advertising are all great places to highlight special holiday deals or just keep your store top of mind for busy consumers. Store signage can remind pre-peak shoppers where they should come during the holiday bustle. You can order posters and banners, and download ready-to-use social media posts, from the Marketing Toolbox at FASCnet.com.

Want promotional FedEx items to display or give away? Get a 10% discount on items from the FedEx Company Store! (You can select the Contractors & Service Providers login option.)

Find even more tips and reminders in our 2021 Peak Prep Checklist. We hope you have a smooth and profitable peak season and very happy holidays!