Haul-o-ween: How the Treats Get to Your Door Before the Kids Do

It is said that in the fall, confectioners whip up an extra 90 million pounds of chocolate, enough to send sweet tooths into a frenzy. But take this with a grain of salt, as the same report also claims that companies churn out a whopping 35 million pounds of candy corn – which is way too much if you ask me. Picture stacking up one-and-a-half Eiffel Towers of candy corn for reference.

But enough about my unsolicited candy opinions; let’s digress for a moment because we’re not here to talk about my candy corn distaste. We’re here to talk about the incredible journey these holiday treats make to end up in our trick-or-treat bags or on our tables at Thanksgiving.

As you read this, the holiday festivities have come and gone. Those $75 foam costumes we swear we will reuse are now hidden in our closets, the jack-o’-lanterns that survived until November are barely hanging on for dear life, and parents are discovering new chocolate stains on the living room carpet and wondering, “How in the World?” for months to come.

But, have you ever paused to wonder how all that candy, pumpkins, and holiday magic make it to us in time for the festivities? Well, if you’re reading this, there’s a 73% chance that you’re not wondering because you’re a part of the industry that makes it happen.

Much like the unsung heroes of the factoring industry, the trucking industry is the backbone of pretty much every holiday on our calendars. Trust me when I say that hauling for Halloween is no piece of cake. Every truck has to be temperature-controlled because nobody wants a Reese’s Cup with that unsightly white coating on it. Pumpkins are no picnic to transport either; they’re bulky, heavy, and require individual inspection to ensure they’re up to snuff. Think about the timing, too! Candy can be savored year-round, but pumpkins? Do you know anyone buying them after Halloween? This leads to long hours, very strict schedules, and working over the holidays. Besides the perishable or edible Holiday essentials, there are seasonal challenges to trucking from the weather. The Midwest is known for unpredictable weather around Halloween, including an occasional snowstorm.

So, next time you’re strolling through the seasonal section at your local superstore, spare a thought for our hardworking truck drivers. They might run a little late at times, but they’re the ones who ensure we have all the treats and goodies we need for our holiday celebrations.

From all of us at Scale Funding, we hope you had a fantastic, safe Halloween night. And for those who don’t celebrate, we hope you had a splendid Tuesday anyway!