It was the last week of February 2020. My wife and I, celebrating our honeymoon with a week-long trip to Disneyworld, stood in line for Pirates of the Caribbean. Flipping through articles on my news app, I read a story that left me convinced that COVID was going to become a problem. To date, it'd been a big topic of discussion, but it was yet to take hold in America. By all indications at that time, it was going to be the precipice for change in a lot of aspects. I jumped over to my Amazon app and purchased some supplies that I thought might be good to have around in case things got weird.
They got weird.
Not on that list, was toilet paper.
Hindsight is 20/20…
Professionally, what I failed to realize at the time was the logistical strain that it would place on... well, everything. I suppose my mind should have gone there immediately, but I was having too much fun at Disney to be distracted with what was to come.
Not even a month later, all of Los Angeles was on lockdown. Schools, bars, retail stores, offices – closed or open with very limited access. The pandemic caused a seismic shift in consumer behavior. A large volume of what we used to buy in person could only come through delivery. The parcel shipping industry, which had been accustomed to handling the holiday rush with refined processes and scalability, now faced an unprecedented and prolonged surge in demand.
Scalability suddenly became limited to the realm of reality. Volume surges that were previously predicted and expected to come and go, just stayed. Added fees and slower package delivery times became the norm. Unfortunately, along with these changes came an increase in instances of loss, damage, and theft. Many carriers, accustomed to delivering 180 – 200 packages over their eight-hour shifts, were now handling 250 – 300 packages, leading to longer days and more shipping insurance claims.
COVID-19's impact on the parcel shipping industry has been profound, leaving businesses and individuals with numerous challenges to overcome. However, amidst these obstacles, third-party shipping insurance companies like U-PIC have emerged as valuable solutions to help ease the strain and protect shipments during transit.
As the demand for online shopping continues to grow, U-PIC offers comprehensive shipping insurance coverage that serves as a safety net for shippers. Protecting valuable merchandise and delicate goods during transit has become more critical than ever. With U-PIC's expertise in both insurance and parcel shipping, we are equipped to provide tailored solutions for businesses and individuals alike, ensuring their parcels reach their destinations securely and with peace of mind.
Navigating the evolving landscape of global shipping requires foresight and preparedness. U-PIC's shipping insurance not only safeguards parcels against potential losses and damages but also helps shippers manage their financial risks effectively. By partnering with U-PIC, businesses can focus on adapting and thriving in a post-pandemic world where parcel shipping plays a pivotal role.
In conclusion, COVID-19's lasting impact on parcel shipping is undeniable. The surge in demand, increased costs, and heightened risks during transit have posed significant challenges for the industry. However, U-PIC stands as a reliable partner, offering shipping insurance solutions that ease the strain and provide a sense of security for businesses and individuals alike. As the world adjusts to the new normal, U-PIC remains committed to helping shippers navigate these uncertain times with confidence, ensuring parcels arrive safely at their destinations.
If you have questions about insuring your parcels, or reducing your shipping expenses, contact a U-PIC agent – we’re not just insurance experts but parcel shipping experts and we’re happy to help anywhere we can.