Australia Day is one of the key public holidays in Australia, and for many eCommerce businesses, it brings a short but intense spike in orders, returns, and delivery pressure. While the sales uplift is welcome, the holiday can also disrupt warehouse operations if packing and shipping are not properly planned.
With courier schedules changing and staff availability reduced around the public holiday, preparation is essential. This guide explains how to prepare your warehouse packing and shipping process ahead of Australia Day, so you can avoid delays, reduce damage, and keep customers satisfied.
Why Australia Day Impacts Warehouse Packing and Shipping
Australia Day (26 January) affects warehouse operations in several ways:
- Reduced courier pickup days
- Earlier shipping cut-off times
- Higher order volumes before the holiday
- Increased returns immediately after the holiday
Many delivery delays during this period are not caused by carriers alone, but by warehouses running out of packing supplies, using inconsistent packaging, or rushing fulfilment without proper preparation.
A small amount of planning can prevent these issues entirely.
Review Shipping Cut-Offs and Adjust Packing Schedules
Before focusing on materials, it is important to understand how Australia Day affects your shipping timeline.
Most carriers operate on reduced schedules around the public holiday, which means:
- Earlier final dispatch dates
- Fewer pickup days
- Longer transit times
Warehouses should adjust packing schedules accordingly. Packing orders earlier than usual reduces last-minute pressure and lowers the risk of packing errors caused by rushing.
From a packaging perspective, this also means ensuring all essential packing materials are in stock before the holiday week begins.
Stock Up on Essential Packing Materials Before the Holiday
Running out of packing supplies during a holiday period is one of the most common and costly mistakes.
In the lead-up to Australia Day, warehouses should review stock levels of:
- Cardboard cartons (especially standard sizes)
- Bubble wrap and protective materials
- Packing paper or void fill
- Packing tape
- Stretch wrap for palletised shipments
Demand often increases suddenly in the days before the holiday, and suppliers may also experience delays. Ordering packing materials early ensures uninterrupted fulfilment and avoids paying premium prices for urgent restocking.
Focus on Packaging Consistency to Reduce Errors
During peak periods, warehouse staff often work faster and under more pressure. This is when inconsistent packaging causes the most problems.
Standardising packing materials and methods before Australia Day helps to:
- Speed up packing
- Reduce training time for casual or temporary staff
- Minimise packing mistakes
- Improve load stability during transport
Using a small number of carton sizes and clearly defined packing methods allows staff to work efficiently, even during busy periods.
Reinforce Protection for Holiday Shipments
Holiday shipments often experience:
- Higher parcel volumes
- More handling points
- Longer dwell times in depots
This increases the risk of damage if packaging is insufficient.
In the lead-up to Australia Day, warehouses should pay particular attention to:
- Preventing product movement inside cartons
- Using sufficient cushioning for fragile items
- Ensuring cartons are properly sealed with strong tape
Well-protected packages reduce returns and customer complaints after the holiday, when resolving issues can take longer due to backlogs.
Prepare for Post-Holiday Returns and Restocking
Australia Day often triggers a wave of returns in the days following the holiday. Warehouses should prepare packaging materials not only for outbound shipments, but also for:
- Returned goods
- Repacking and restocking
- Replacement shipments
Having adequate packing supplies available after the holiday ensures that returns are processed quickly and do not disrupt normal operations.
Don’t Forget Summer Conditions
Australia Day falls in the middle of summer, and high temperatures can affect certain packing materials.
Warehouses should:
- Store packing tape and stretch wrap away from direct heat
- Check tape adhesion in warmer conditions
- Avoid storing cartons in humid or excessively hot areas
Heat-related packaging failures are more common than many warehouses realise and can easily be prevented with proper storage.
Final Thoughts
Australia Day may only be a one-day public holiday, but its impact on warehouse packing and shipping can last for weeks if preparation is overlooked.
By reviewing shipping schedules, stocking up on packing materials early, standardising packaging processes, and reinforcing protection for peak shipments, warehouses can handle the holiday rush smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays or damage.
Preparing your packing operation in advance ensures that Australia Day sales remain an opportunity — not a disruption.