During peak logistic season, it becomes difficult to secure cargo space on vessels which often has a flow on effect to your supply chain. However, this is an annual occurrence, so companies and carriers can prepare for these conditions in advance. In this article, we take a look at four peak periods throughout the year to be aware of and how they could impact your cargo.
1. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
Chinese New Year is one of the most significant traditional holidays in China, leading to a massive migration of people and a slowdown in manufacturing and logistics activities. Beginning on 10 February 2024, it will see almost all factories in the region close for over a week, with full productivity not resuming for almost a month.
This is easily the biggest holiday in the logistics calendar and prior to the holiday, there is usually a surge in shipping and transportation as businesses work to fulfill orders before the temporary shutdown.
2. European summer break
The European peak season generally starts in July and goes through to October. And European summer holidays will intense the freight rate increase, overbooked vessels and extended delays.
The demand for orders and shipping volume during summer break sees a significant surge(from food to garden furniture), which would cause freight prices on the rise.
With the onset of the European summer, when employees go on their scheduled holidays, vessels and containers are waiting to get unloaded, causing a significant delay in turning the containers around.
So, advance logistic planning is very important to help importers to navigate the summer holiday season.
3. Black Friday / Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are one of the most important shopping days, and customers expect the biggest deals to be available during this period. In 2024, Black Friday falls on 29 November and Cyber Monday on 2 December — following the Thanksgiving holiday in the US.
Black Friday is originally observed on the day after Thanksgiving in the US, it is now “celebrated” worldwide. American online shoppers alone spent $9.80 billion during Black Friday 2023!
Inventory and logistics planning are critical to Black Friday’s success. In order to accommodate this huge demand, you’ll see many companies getting their cargo prepared as early as September.
4. Christmas / New Year
Before you know it, another year will have passed, and the busy season of Christmas (December 25) and New Year's (1 January) will have arrived.
Christmas business does not start in December, but now at the latest - in November. Early logistical planning allows for delivery on time, having enough goods in stock. So it’s important to plan for this period well in advance.
During peak logistic season, it becomes difficult to secure cargo space on vessels which often has a flow on effect to your supply chain. However, this is an annual occurrence, so companies and carriers can prepare for these conditions in advance. In this article, we take a look at four peak periods throughout the year to be aware of and how they could impact your cargo.
1. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
Chinese New Year is one of the most significant traditional holidays in China, leading to a massive migration of people and a slowdown in manufacturing and logistics activities. Beginning on 10 February 2024, it will see almost all factories in the region close for over a week, with full productivity not resuming for almost a month.
This is easily the biggest holiday in the logistics calendar and prior to the holiday, there is usually a surge in shipping and transportation as businesses work to fulfill orders before the temporary shutdown.
2. European summer break
The European peak season generally starts in July and goes through to October. And European summer holidays will intense the freight rate increase, overbooked vessels and extended delays.
The demand for orders and shipping volume during summer break sees a significant surge(from food to garden furniture), which would cause freight prices on the rise.
With the onset of the European summer, when employees go on their scheduled holidays, vessels and containers are waiting to get unloaded, causing a significant delay in turning the containers around.
So, advance logistic planning is very important to help importers to navigate the summer holiday season.
3. Black Friday / Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are one of the most important shopping days, and customers expect the biggest deals to be available during this period. In 2024, Black Friday falls on 29 November and Cyber Monday on 2 December — following the Thanksgiving holiday in the US.
Black Friday is originally observed on the day after Thanksgiving in the US, it is now “celebrated” worldwide. American online shoppers alone spent $9.80 billion during Black Friday 2023!
Inventory and logistics planning are critical to Black Friday’s success. In order to accommodate this huge demand, you’ll see many companies getting their cargo prepared as early as September.
4. Christmas / New Year
Before you know it, another year will have passed, and the busy season of Christmas (December 25) and New Year's (1 January) will have arrived.
Christmas business does not start in December, but now at the latest - in November. Early logistical planning allows for delivery on time, having enough goods in stock. So it’s important to plan for this period well in advance.
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