Toronto, September 14, 2023
Government agencies and businesses in mainland China will be closed for the Golden Week holiday from October 1 to 7.
Normally space availability on sailings from China tightens due to an increase in freight, as importers rush to move their shipments in advance of the holiday. However, due to weak cargo demand in July and August, the challenge for space prior to Golden Week has less to do with an increase in shipments, but more to do with “blank sailings” (cancelled sailings) implemented by ocean carriers. Carriers have been forced to deploy smaller vessels and implement “blank sailings”, to keep rate stability in the market due to falling demand. Since demand is still flat, carriers are going to ramp-up “blank sailings” in advance of the Golden Week holiday, which will potentially create space challenges.
We recommend that you make arrangements at least a week or two in advance to have the best chance of space.
For more information, please call Debbie McGuire, Director – Freight Solutions at (905) 882-4880, ext. 1308.
