With Christmas fast approaching (I know, where has the time gone!) you may be anticipating making your last orders in time for the Christmas sales.
In order to take advantage of this time, it’s important to plan ahead for transit times especially with the current delays surrounding the issues in the Red Sea.
The delays caused by attacks in the Red Sea are still ongoing with all routes being diverted around the cape of good hope as opposed to through the Suez Canal.
This means this year, stock will need to be ready 2 weeks earlier than usual.
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Shipping Times
These ready dates will allow for a delivery in late November to take advantage of the Christmas sales.
If you are shipping from:
- Northern China e.g. Tianjin or Xingang, your goods will need to be ready w/c. 16th September
- Central China e.g. Shanghai or Ningbo, your goods will need to be ready w/c. 23rd September
- Southern China e.g. Shenzhen or Guangzhou, your goods will need to be ready w/c. 30th September
However, this is dependent on vessel availability and collaboration with your supplier to ensure the goods can make it onto the vessel on time.
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Shipping Rates
The rates have started to reduce from their peak levels therefore, if you still need stock before Christmas now is a good time to get in contact with your supplier to avoid missing the boat.
If your stock is not time sensitive and you can afford to hold out until after the Christmas rush the rates are anticipated to continue to reduce towards the end of the year.
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Key UK Dates
Shippo Office Hours – We will be open as usual throughout the festive period other than the bank holidays (25th, 26th December and 1st January) where we will be closed.
Shippo Warehousing – Due to haulage closures we expect that any final picks leaving before Christmas will need to be made by mid-day on Friday the 20th December. All warehouse activities will be back to normal on the 2nd of January 2025.
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Chinese New Year
It is worth considering that Chinese New Year 2025 is on the 29th January – As we watch the year of the snake slither in, you can expect Chinese factories to be closed from around the 24th January until the 3rd February.
This may increase the rates slightly for the last sailing before the factories and ports close their doors due to demand so shipments leaving late December / early January will be your best bet to avoid the rush.
If you’d like us to assist with your timings and planning ahead, feel free to contact our friendly team who will be able to help you plan your upcoming shipments: contact us for more information.