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September 27, 2000 10:24 AM, EDT

Even with the Internet, it appears that Santa Clause’s sleigh may still be the best way to ensure that Christmas deliveries get to their destinations on time.

During the 1999 season, many Internet retailers were unable to meet commitments in getting holiday orders delivered to the customer when those orders were expected. Some analysts said problems were unlikely to be corrected this year.

For Internet retailers to approach Santa’s level of performance, they will have to do a better job of forecasting demand and processing orders, according to watchers of online retail. They also need to lock in their transportation carriers early, although some of the providers of transportation said capacity will not be a problem.

“If retailers get products to the loading docks, UPS will be able to deliver them to customers,” said United Parcel Service spokesman Steve Holmes.

For the full story, see the Sept. 25 print edition of Transport Topics. .