
For shippers, a government shipping shutdown can introduce uncertainty into supply chains — especially if your freight depends on federal contracts, infrastructure projects, or regulatory approvals.
If you’re a shipper wondering what steps a freight brokerage will take to promote the safety of your cargo and all those involved in its transport, we don’t blame you. Without understanding the steps that can be taken to promote safety in the trucking industry, you may be left feeling uneasy about trusting a third party.

Key Takeaways:
- October is busier than it looks — holiday freight, tariffs, and consumer demand shifts make it a high-impact shipping month.
- Dry van capacity tightens near ports, while Midwest supply is looser.
- Reefers shift west for harvests and south for cross-border produce.
- Flatbed and oversize freight face weather, daylight, and football-related restrictions; planning ahead is critical.
- Shippers can cut costs by booking early, considering trailer alternatives, providing accurate specs, and staying flexible with timing.
October brings the World Series, Halloween, and the start of the fourth quarter. And while it would be easy to write October off as the last month before the busy holiday season, experienced shippers know that this is actually one of the most action-packed shipping months.