Black Friday has transformed from a one-day event into “Black November,” now Australia’s biggest shopping month, set to generate $6.7 billion in just four days. This growth is driven by innovations in logistics and transport technology.
At the forefront of this shift is Ofload, a digital freight platform helping supply chains keep pace with soaring demand. With tools like real-time tracking, route optimisation, and digital capacity management, Ofload ensures faster deliveries and smoother service, meeting the heightened expectations of today’s consumers.
Here’s how Ofload and other industry leaders are supporting Australia’s record-breaking Black November:
Black November Boom
November’s shopping frenzy has overtaken December as the country’s busiest retail period, with sales projected to grow by 5.5 per cent this year. Ofload’s platform has seen a corresponding surge in shipping activity, with Black Friday-related shipments up:
➢ 32% compared to previous months.
➢ 47% compared to last year’s Black Friday event.
➢ Retailers, including top brands like H&M and other leading top 5 retailers,
Pillowtalk, Noumi, Remedy Drinks are leveraging Ofload’s technology to prepare for this unparalleled shopping demand.
Beyond retail: FMCG joins the party
While Black Friday started as a retail event, it has expanded into categories like fast- moving consumer goods (FMCG), including beverages and household goods. These sectors are now running significant Black Friday promotions, driving even greater logistics demand.
Tech to the rescue
Digital transformation – Until recently, Australia’s logistics industry relied on analogue processes, like booking shipments by phone. Ofload’s platform has revolutionised these practices, enabling businesses to streamline operations and meet peak-season demands with confidence.
Real-time tracking and route optimisation – These tools ensure efficient, responsive logistics despite unplanned demand spikes.
“Logistics is the backbone of Black November,” says Geoffroy Henry, CEO of Ofload.
“Without smarter, tech-enabled solutions, supply chains couldn’t handle the immense volume and speed consumers now expect.”
Addressing the carbon impact
The environmental cost of Black November is significant. With trucks producing 50X more CO2 than a family car, the surge in logistics activity poses emissions challenges.
Ofload’s Carbon Analytics Platform (CAP) is helping businesses mitigate this impact:
- ➢ Significant reduction in emissions – Insights from CAP have enabled companies to optimise freight routes, consolidate shipments, and collaborate across sectors, achieving significant emissions reductions.
- ➢ For instance, an alcohol brand reduced emissions by 20% by combining orders with a competitor. Similarly, a collaboration between an alcohol and a paper company resulted in 25% fewer trucks on key routes, cutting emissions and costs alike.
As Australia’s leading digital freight platform, Ofload connects retailers and FMCG brands with small and medium-sized carriers, ensuring every journey is efficient and sustainable. The platform helps reduce waste, slash emissions, and support the nation’s $66 billion road freight industry.
To read more about Ofload, click here