ASICO- Preparing Your Shipments for Peak Shipping Seasons

As peak shipping periods started and ongoing, shipment planning can become more challenging due to tighter vessel capacity, container ship schedule reliability unstable, equipment availability, supplier operating schedules, and increased activity at ports and warehouses.

To reduce the risk of last-minute changes, we recommend checking these key points before arranging your shipment:

1. Confirm your cargo-ready date

Make sure your supplier can release the cargo in time for the planned sailing. A booking is only useful if the cargo can meet the required cut-off.

2. Work backwards from your required delivery date

Instead of looking only at the vessel ETA, consider the full process:

1-2 weeks of estimation of vessel delay arrival → Port discharge → Customs clearance → DO/Release → Haulage → Warehouse delivery.This helps you identify how much time is available for the shipment.

3. Check your shipment requirements early

For Air, FCL/LCL shipments, confirm the cargo volume, weight, number of packages, container requirements, and any special handling requirements (Origin and Destination country based on Hs code). This allows suitable space and equipment options to be considered earlier.

4. Plan earlier than usual 

During peak periods, space can fill up quickly.

• Submit your shipping instructions and booking requests as early as possible.

• Allow additional buffer time for customs clearance and delivery.

• Avoid booking at the last minute whenever possible.

5. Prepare destination arrangements in advance

Customs documents, haulage arrangements, and warehouse receiving schedules should also be considered, as vessel arrival does not necessarily mean the cargo can be delivered immediately.

Peak season logistics is about preparation, not reaction.

The earlier you share your shipment plans, the more options for your logistics provider could secure capacity, control costs, and manage potential disruptions.

At ASICO Logistics, we focus on helping customers plan and keep their shipments moving and even during challenging shipping periods.

We focus on your business.