With Christmas and New Year hot on the approach, it’s easy to assume that there will be a huge spike in demand for all kinds of products and services. We’re all getting ready buying gifts for loved ones, and it’s likely many of you are already stocking up on food and drink for the festive period!
However, news appears to be rife suggesting that we can expect shortages – both on our supermarket shelves, but in warehouses, too. There are a number of big reasons for this – and while we may not be in the exact same position as last Christmas, 2021 poses its own new challenges and problems.
Don’t worry – industry experts are advising that stocks are unlikely to be as catastrophic as much of the UK press is reporting. Here at Reliant, we will be working hard to make sure that we continue delivering products and completing important chains across this busy period. While there are none of us who can see into the future, there are checks and measures in place to ensure people get a fair share of what they want and need.
There has been a perfect storm for couriers and their customers this year. Not only has COVID-19 continued to push up home delivery demands (with ‘panic buying’ in effect at the start of the pandemic), Brexit has led to a mass shortage of EU national drivers who can help carry increasing loads.
Press reports suggest that there may be a shortage of more than 100,000 drivers to help courier and deliver items across the UK. That’s official data from the Road Haulage Association. On top of this, given that Christmas was effectively curtailed by lockdown action in 2020, it’s pretty safe to assume that a lot of people will be ‘making up’ for last year by going all-out on food, drink and present buying.
Therefore, it’s hard to ignore that there are problems in the UK’s courier chains right now. However, firms such as ours have been working hard to prepare for the festive season – as always – in light of driver shortages and increasing demand. The fact is, Reliant has been preparing for Christmas 2021 since Christmas 2020!
It is all about being cautious. Various retailers across the UK, not just supermarkets, are preparing their customers in case of the worst case scenario – and it is absolutely worth doing. Shrewd customers will hopefully have already made clear plans to try and get stocked up for the festive season already. However, it is still worth keeping in mind news in the press with a pinch of salt!
Here at Reliant, you can always be sure that we will have your best interests at heart – and that means getting prepared for busy periods during extremely difficult times such as these. We’re here to support you across Christmas, into 2022 and beyond.
Have a very happy Christmas and an even better New Year – and remember to keep calm – there will be a solution to all your shopping concerns!
