Chinese New Year 2023: Move on and use Air Freight Service to mitigate supply chain delays
Chinese New Year logistics doesn’t have to become a nightmare, but it does require careful planning. We recommend not forgetting to add “don’t forget to use air freight service” to your plans. The Chinese New Year is a big holiday in China, which means most people, including factory workers, will be off from work during this period. This can lead to an abrupt shutdown of all production for almost a month.
As an importer, this can lead to products getting stuck at the factory, no samples being manufactured, and no quotes being reviewed. However, there are steps you can take as a purchaser, freight buyer, or logistics manager to avoid Chinese New Year logistics bonanza.
First, it’s important to understand when the Chinese New Year occurs. The Chinese New Year follows the Chinese lunar calendar, which does not correspond to the Gregorian calendar. This means that the Chinese New Year occurs on different dates each year. For example, the upcoming Chinese New Year 2023 occurs on January 22, while in 2022 it happened on February 1.
Most factories in China close one week before the Chinese New Year, and don’t have the production up and running again until two to three weeks after the holiday. In total, Chinese New Year factory shutdown corresponds to 3 to 4 weeks, which has a huge impact on manufacturing globally.
It’s important to note that there are no factories in China that are open during the Chinese New Year. Ports and some other services are still up and running but with reduced capacity. Despite this, many importers try to demand that their factories be kept open, but no exceptions are made. During the Chinese New Year, everything is closed.
Shipping from China during Chinese New Year is possible through sea and air transport, which work pretty much as usual during this period. However, no goods can be delivered from the factory to the nearest port or airport as there is no staff to handle the shipping.
To avoid delays and ensure your goods arrive on time, it’s important to plan ahead and work closely with your freight forwarder. They can help you navigate the complexities of international shipping and find the best rates. Additionally, consider using consolidated shipping and optimizing your packaging to reduce costs.
By understanding the impact of the Chinese New Year on logistics and taking steps to plan ahead, you can ensure a smooth and successful shipment.
How can I try to avoid these issues?
As the Chinese New Year approaches, importers and logistics managers may be feeling the pressure of potential supply chain delays. With factories shutting down for weeks, and reduced capacity at ports and other services, it can be a logistical nightmare to ensure that your goods arrive on time. But there is a solution: air freight.
Air freight is the perfect option for time-sensitive shipments. With the ability to reach destinations in just a matter of days, it’s an efficient and reliable way to mitigate the impact of the Chinese New Year on your supply chain. And with the help of experienced air freight experts, like us, you can rest assured that your goods will be handled safely and efficiently.
As an NVOCC licensed freight forwarder, we have the knowledge and resources to provide the fastest delivery routes available, and offer a range of services to suit your needs, including consolidation, white-glove services, and customs clearance at all major US airports.
Don’t let the Chinese New Year disrupt your supply chain. Act now and consider air freight as the solution to your logistics challenges. With our help, you can ensure that your goods arrive on time, every time.