Rescue Your Revenue

Holiday Hazards: Why Expediter Downtime Hits Harder in December

For most people, the holiday season means family gatherings, traveling, and end-of-year celebrations. But for expediters, December often means something completely different: higher-paying freight, tighter deadlines, heavier traffic—and greater financial risk when an accident happens.

If your truck goes down during the busiest freight season of the year, your losses can stack up faster than at any other time. Understanding why holiday downtime costs more—and how to protect yourself, can make the difference between ending the year strong or starting January already behind.

Why Expediters Face More Risk During the Holidays

1. More Cars on the Road = Higher Chance of Accidents

Holiday travel spikes every year. With families rushing to airports, Christmas shopping traffic, and winter weather in many regions, accident rates rise sharply in December.
For expediters hauling time-sensitive freight, even a minor collision can throw off a route, delay a delivery, or shut you down completely.

2. High-Value Freight Makes Downtime More Expensive

The freight expediters haul in December—medical supplies, last-minute retail shipments, critical auto parts—often pay more than usual.

So when your truck is out of service, you’re missing out on premium holiday loads, meaning the income loss adds up much faster.

3. Repair Shops Slow Down or Close for the Holidays

Most repair facilities run on limited hours near Christmas and New Year’s. Many close or operate with a skeleton crew.

This means:

• Longer repair timelines
• Fewer mechanics available
• Delayed parts deliveries
• Extended downtime you can’t control

Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, your truck may sit for days—sometimes weeks—waiting for work.

4. Insurance Adjusters and Claims Departments Are Short-Staffed

Many insurance teams take time off in December, which creates delays in:

• Claim approvals
• Repair authorizations
• Adjuster inspections
• Payment processing

 The result?
Your downtime stretches even longer simply because everyone else is on vacation.

Mitigation During the Holidays: Why It’s More Important Than Ever

Insurance companies expect expediters to mitigate their losses, meaning you must take reasonable steps to reduce downtime and minimize financial harm.

That includes:

• Scheduling inspections as early as possible
• Requesting written repair timelines
• Documenting every shop delay (holiday hours included)
• Calling daily for repair status updates
• Documenting loads you were unable to take

When holiday delays aren’t your fault, you need evidence showing that you tried to stay operational.

How Expediters Can Protect Themselves This December

Start your claim immediately

Waiting even one day gives insurers a reason to argue you “didn’t mitigate.”

Keep all receipts and repair estimates

Shops often charge more during the holidays—document it.

Track your lost loads and expected revenue

Proof of load confirmations can make or break a downtime claim.

Communicate everything in writing

Email creates a paper trail that protects you later.

Your Holiday Income Deserves Protection

When an accident sidelines your truck in the holiday season, the financial hit can be devastating—especially when freight rates are at their peak. But with early action, strong documentation, and proper guidance, you can protect your business and recover the downtime losses you’re entitled to.

Need Help Recovering Holiday Downtime Losses?

If you’re an expediter who was hit by another driver this season, don’t let slow shops and holiday delays cost you thousands.

Call 1-800-DOWNTIME or Visit DowntimeClaims.com
for a free consultation.

Our team is here to help you document, prove, and recover your holiday-season losses.

The information in this article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice.