Local tourism in China doubled its figures during the Golden Week, a holiday that has a considerable impact on international logistics.

Local tourism in China doubled its figures compared with last year in the first days of the Golden Week, a holiday that has a considerable impact on international logistics.

“The golden week” takes place around China’s National Day every October 1, the anniversary of the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China.

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For businesses and logistics professionals, it is a peak shipping season.

This week-long public holiday, together with increased congestion at several ports around the world, can bring unforeseen obstacles to the management of the supply chain, according to a statement from Twill.

How does the Golden Week affect international logistics?

The shipping firm listed several factors that can affect companies’ logistics during that period.

1. Capacity shortages at factories

China is one of the largest and most important markets in the world, and there is enormous pressure to maintain productivity and supply chain efficiency throughout the year, the text explains.

• However, during the Golden Week, the world’s largest exporter takes a seven-day break to celebrate its National Day, resulting in a reduced number of employees working at China’s various ports and terminals.

Factories will also face minimized capacity as workers leave for this public holiday, leading to a drop in production rates during this period.

To make sure shipments reach their destinations on time and more cost-effectively, it is essential to plan your supply chain logistics well in advance to allow for sufficient lead time.

2. High demand and limited available space, causing further cargo delays

Since the pre-Golden Week rush usually begins 3 or 4 weeks before the main event, many companies tend to speed up their production process to move goods in and out of China before the public holiday.

The increased demand for transportation puts additional pressure on ocean freight, ground transportation and other logistics services, creating a higher likelihood of cargo delays.

The article suggests allowing enough lead time to plan logistics around these dates, in order to build in greater flexibility, minimize uncertainty and avoid getting caught up in the pre-golden-week rush.

How to prevent possible disruptions from the “golden week”?

The firm also issued a series of tips to that end.

Organize your shipments

The text highlighted that a smooth journey begins with good organization, especially when you have a complete overview of the shipping process.

Book your shipments in advance

It is best to make bookings and plan shipments well in advance to avoid unforeseen seasonal costs that could eat into profits.

Make sure your cargo has priority

To achieve this, it is best to be connected to a trusted global service network that guarantees hassle-free shipments and offers a cargo priority option.

Back up your shipments with a contingency plan in case of delays

You never know what obstacles may arise during the peak logistics season, which is why additional free-time services exist that allow a container to remain longer at the port after reaching its destination.

Stay up to date on what is happening in the region

The text is clear on this point: it is crucial to stay on top of what is happening in the area you are shipping to.

Therefore, essential information that can help anticipate potential shipping problems should be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Source: The logistics World