Over the past 18 months, agility and flexibility have been paramount across all areas of logistics, as well as, for merchants and manufacturers. One thing we are now able to say for certain is that we need to do things differently from what we’ve been used to – this includes forecasting for major peaks as, at the moment, we are in a perpetual peak season.
As we all know, a key period for all shippers and merchants is Christmas. Due to the extraordinary circumstances across the global supply chain such as congestion and lack of available capacity, we are advising clients to arrange their Christmas shipments now!
All bookings should be made immediately to meet last possible shipping dates.
As Akhil Nair, SEKO’s VP Global Carrier Management & Ocean Strategy APAC advises (see video), major export trades from Asia are experiencing delays of over 20 days as the global Ocean Freight supply chain faces huge challenges. Compared to previous years, this means you need to making your bookings up to eight weeks earlier than usual.
The illustration below highlights the key dates for delivery to both America and Europe from Asia. Never mind December 25 – the only dates you need to know are right here:
|
Assumed |
Assumed |
Assumed |
|||||
|
|
In Store |
Arrival at Distribution Center |
Available at Port / Arrival at Container Yard* |
Transit |
Delay |
PTP Lead Time |
Last Ship Dates |
|
United States West Coast |
Nov 1 |
Oct 20 |
Oct 15 |
30 |
18 |
48 |
Sep 3 |
|
United States East Coast |
Nov 1 |
Oct 20 |
Oct 15 |
35 |
20 |
55 |
Aug 21 |
|
United States Midwest |
Nov 1 |
Oct 20 |
Oct 15* |
40 |
20 |
60 |
Aug 21 |
|
Europe |
Nov 19 |
Nov 4 |
Oct 20 |
40 |
21 |
61 |
Aug 21 |
We have also created a downloadable checklist to keep you and your business on track to meet Christmas delivery deadlines. It is important to keep in mind that the current supply chain is volatile, and these dates are subject to change. In an effort to combat delays, SEKO is currently working across Transload, Air Freight and Ocean Charter to deliver certainty in these volatile and uncertain times.
The big day itself may seem a long way away, but when we break it down under these extraordinary circumstances, this is the reality of how we will finish out 2021. Safeguard your sales this Christmas with SEKO and remember that we are available 24/7 to help navigate during these complex times.
