TOC Logistics International would like to provide the following update regarding Chinese-origin products:
Upcoming National Chinese holidays may delay the shipment of goods. Typically, the Mid-Autumn Festival that takes place in September does not affect A/F and O/F shipments. However, pickup over this holiday is subject to shippers allowing for cargo to be available for pickup.
Please continue to read below for the dates and specific impact of each upcoming holiday.
Hong Kong Statutory Holiday
- Mid-Autumn Festival – September 14 (Saturday)
- National Holiday – October 1 (Tuesday)
Hong Kong offices will be closed on both days. A/F operations will be on duty to process shipments. O/F shipments will not be affected, since they are prepared in advance. Rate requests may incur a one day delay due to festivities.
Mainland China Statutory Holiday
- Mid-Autumn Festival – September 13 (Friday)
- National Holiday – October 1-7 (Tuesday through Monday)
Guangzhou and Shanghai offices will be closed during this holiday. Skeleton crews are scheduled to process shipments booked prior to each holiday. Rate requests may incur a delay due to festivities and reduced staffing.
Information on Holiday Delays
Based on trends from previous years, 2-3 weeks prior to the National Holiday is considered to be peak season. A/F rates may increase as frequently as four times per week. Although it may be tempting to shop around for cheaper rates, by the time lower rates are found, the space is likely to be gone and rates may have increased several times over. Additionally, available space will be pushed to a later shipping date. For this reason, it is advised to book shipments as early as possible.
During the National Holiday, pick up and delivery to terminals may still be arranged for A/F, FCL, and LCL shipments that are booked at least one week prior to the beginning of the National Holiday. This is subject to suppliers/shippers allowing for cargo to be available for pickup.
If a shipment flags a customs inspection, it will be inspected after the holiday and once the proper information and documentation is sent from the supplier.
Blank sailing by carrier, FCL, and LCL cutoffs have yet to be announced. In the past, the delivery cutoff for these shipments was 3-4 working days prior to September 30th.
Consolidation Shipments
Warehouses will operate as usual for stuffing and container delivery to terminals, for releases booked and picked up prior to the holidays. This is subject to sailing during the holiday dates. If the shipment flags a custom inspection, it will be inspected after the holiday and once the proper information and documentation is sent from the supplier.
US Exports to China
Imports to China will be handled on a case-by-case basis. TOC advises advance conversations prior to booking or releasing shipments for export to China during the holiday dates.
TOC Logistics will report more information about these holidays as it becomes available.
As always, thank you for allowing TOC Logistics to serve you.