Five false assumptions that haunt shippers — and how to move past them.
Shipping mishaps during peak season aren’t always the result of bad luck; more often, it’s bad assumptions. In a season already haunted by high volume, tight margins and customer pressure, lingering myths and superstitions can quietly drain profits and damage trust.
As Halloween creeps in and peak season looms large, let’s exorcise the most persistent shipping falsehoods so you can face the busiest months with clarity.
Myth 1: Shipping speed is all that matters.
It’s easy to believe that faster shipping is the only thing customers care about. But speed alone doesn’t guarantee satisfaction — or loyalty.
Fast shipping is only effective when paired with reliability. According to a recent PwC survey, 32% of customers would stop doing business with a brand they loved after one bad experience. So, whether a package arrives in one day or five, a damaged or missing product clearly leaves a lasting impression.
Focusing exclusively on speed can lead to rushed fulfillment, packaging shortcuts and missed steps in quality control, all of which increase the risk of loss or damage.
Related: Shipping speed matters — but not always in the way you think
Myth 2: Carrier liability is enough to cover a loss.
Carrier liability gives the illusion of protection — but it often comes with more fine print than coverage.
If a package is lost or damaged, many businesses assume the carrier will cover the cost, only to find that standard liability coverage is limited in scope and payout. In fact, it often excludes entire categories of items. Even when a claim is accepted, payouts rarely cover the item’s full value.
If your inventory includes fragile, high-value or frequently shipped items, it’s worth examining whether carrier liability is doing enough for you. In most cases, it isn’t.
Related: The cost of being underinsured
Myth 3: If it’s well-packed, it’s protected.
Packaging matters, but even a perfectly packed box can still be crushed, dropped or exposed to the elements during transit. And no amount of bubble wrap can shield a shipment from being misrouted or stolen.
That’s not to say that packaging isn’t important. Poor packaging is a common reason for denied claims, but overestimating its protective power is just as risky. Especially during peak season, when carrier networks are overwhelmed, the likelihood of rough handling and mechanical sorting damage increases.
Don’t let packaging give you a false sense of security. It’s just one layer in a larger risk management strategy — one that should also include reliable coverage and timely claims support.
Related: Loss prevention enhanced by careful packing
Myth 4: Peak season only affects your bottom line, not your risk level.
Yes, peak season is expensive. But it’s also one of the riskiest. Shipping volumes surge, carrier staff is stretched thin and weather delays become more common — all of which raise the likelihood of something going wrong.
According to data from ShipMatrix, on-time delivery rates among major carriers have dropped by as much as 10% during peak season in recent years. And the U.S. Postal Service’s own internal audit confirms that peak season “significantly strains processing and distribution” each year.
It’s important to understand that these breakdowns aren’t simply cost issues; they’re customer experience issues. Peak season fulfillment amplifies both cost and risk, so treating it like only a financial challenge is a mistake that could also cost you future business.
Myth 5: Filing a claim will be a hassle.
For many businesses, the claims process has a reputation for being slow, confusing and painful. That perception causes some shippers to eat the cost of a lost or damaged item rather than pursue reimbursement — but over time, that choice becomes an expensive one.
The good news is that not all claim processes are created equal. With the right provider, filing a claim can be as simple as uploading a couple of documents and waiting a few days. At Parcel Insurance Plan (PIP), most claims are resolved within 7-10 business days, with clear support and guidance at every step.
When it’s easy to file and quick to resolve, a claim isn’t a burden, it’s a safeguard that helps preserve customer trust and your bottom line.
Myths make bad business plans
It’s tempting to dismiss shipping myths as harmless, but they often drive real losses in time, money and customer loyalty. And during peak season, the consequences only get more severe.
By trading superstition for strategy, you give your business the clarity it needs to navigate the chaos of the season. That means knowing what your coverage actually includes, preparing for more than just cost increases and avoiding shortcuts that cost more in the long run.
It also means knowing when to bring in a safety net — like PIP — to keep your holiday season on track, no matter what surprises appear at your doorstep.
This material has been prepared for general informational purposes only, is intended to apply generally rather than to any specific company and presumes appropriate discretion will be exercised regarding any particular situation.
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