Why Shipping Early Is a Must This Holiday Season
While the holiday season may seem far away, it's never too early to start preparing. We encourage our customers to begin planning and shipping their parcels as early as possible.
Shipping early is crucial, as the peak season for shipping starts earlier each year as we should anticipate the delays brought by:
The Ukraine, Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, and Middle East Conflicts
When there is a block in the shipping flow, it tends to gravitate to the open ports creating an influx of shipments beyond the norms;
Looming Port Strikes
“The union representing longshoremen at major US East Coast Ports has called off contract negotiations with port authorities in a dispute over electronic gates. If a contract is not agreed within 80 days, strike activity will go ahead, disrupting an already tenuous supply chain.”
“Despite strong US container imports, the risk of global supply chain disruptions remains high as the Middle East conflict and news of stalled labor negotiations at US South Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports threaten the stability of global trade,” said the company in a recent report.”
Increased Volume in the US WC Ports
“Meanwhile, the unstable condition on the East Coast has led to an upward trend in container volumes on the West Coast. “Worries over the lack of a new contract with East Coast/Gulf Coast dockworkers is shifting some cargo to West Coast ports,” confirms the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.”
Lack of Feeder Vessel to Ports of Manila, Cebu, and Mindanao
Some container booking to Ports of Manila, Cebu, and Mindanao are being rejected, or delayed for up to 4 weeks at transhipment points of Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore due to lack of vessels that would connect the route. The Philippine export is still lagging behind other Asian countries, thus there are few shipments coming out of the Philippines to make it profitable for the shipping line to increase the volume of traffic.
As Manila Forwarder is not limited to balikbayan box shipping, as the company also handles import/export and formal entries for various enterprises, it is important that the Christmas related products must arrive in the Philippines by the early part of “BER” months to have ample time in merchandising and marketing.
For balikbayan box gifts, it is always ideal to have your gifts under the Christmas tree way in advance, than having them after Christmas due to unscheduled delays that might happen, which is beyond anyone’s control.
With regards to shopping for balikbayan box, you can avoid the last-minute rush and ensure your packages arrive on time.
At Manila Forwarder, a trusted name in the shipping industry since 1998, we understand the importance of timely deliveries and are here to help you navigate the holiday rush smoothly.
The Need for Early Shipping
Shipping delays have become increasingly common due to various factors. From higher volumes of packages to weather disruptions and global supply chain issues, the reasons are numerous. By shipping early, you can mitigate these risks and ensure your packages arrive on time.
For businesses, the stakes are even higher. Christmas products have a short shelf life; if they arrive late, they may not sell at all. This can lead to unsold inventory and lost revenue. On the other hand, early shipping allows you to meet customer expectations and capitalize on the holiday shopping frenzy.
Common Shipping Delays
1. Global Emergencies
Global emergencies, such as pandemics, political unrest, or natural disasters, can disrupt international shipping routes and logistics networks. For example, during a pandemic, countries may implement lockdowns, reducing the workforce in critical industries like shipping and logistics. Political unrest can lead to border closures or increased security checks, delaying the movement of goods. Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods can damage infrastructure, such as roads, ports, and airports, further hindering transportation.
2. Supply Chain Disruption
Supply chain disruptions occur when there are interruptions in the production, procurement, or distribution of goods. This can be caused by various factors, including shortages of raw materials, labor strikes, or issues at manufacturing plants. For instance, a shortage of microchips can delay the production of electronics, while a strike at a key port can halt the unloading and distribution of goods. These disruptions can create a domino effect, delaying shipments at various points along the supply chain.
3. Weather Anomalies
Weather anomalies, such as snowstorms, heavy rains, hurricanes, or extreme temperatures, can significantly impact shipping schedules. Severe weather can cause road closures, flight cancellations, and disruptions at sea, making it difficult for carriers to transport goods on time. For example, heavy snowfall can delay ground transportation, while hurricanes can close ports and airports. Additionally, weather conditions can affect the safety of handling and transporting certain goods, requiring additional precautions and potentially slowing down the process.
4. National and International Holidays
National and international holidays can affect shipping timelines, as many carriers and customs offices may operate on reduced hours or close entirely. For example, Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year are significant holidays that can lead to delays, as both businesses and government offices may be closed. During these periods, there's often a surge in shipping volume as people send gifts and businesses prepare for seasonal sales, compounding the delays.
5. Customs Delays
Customs delays can occur when goods cross international borders. These delays may be caused by incomplete or incorrect documentation, random inspections, or issues with the declared value of goods. Customs authorities may require additional information or clarification, which can slow down the clearance process. In some cases, stricter security measures or regulations can also lead to longer processing times. For businesses, it’s crucial to ensure all paperwork is accurately completed and that shipments comply with the destination country's regulations.
6. Transshipping Delays
Transshipping delays occur when shipments need to be transferred from one vessel to another or pass through multiple ports before reaching their final destination. For example, shipments from California to the Philippines often transit through intermediate ports like Hong Kong or Taiwan. These additional stops can add time to the delivery process, especially if there are delays in the handling and transfer of goods at these ports. Coordination between different carriers and potential waiting times for connecting vessels can contribute to these delays.
7. Port Congestion
Port congestion happens when a port is overwhelmed by the volume of incoming and outgoing cargo, often due to peak shipping seasons. This influx can lead to longer waiting times for vessels to dock, unload, and load cargo. During busy times like the holiday season, ports may experience significant backlogs, causing delays in the departure and arrival of shipments. Factors contributing to port congestion include limited port capacity, insufficient workforce, and logistical bottlenecks.
Understanding these common causes of shipping delays can help both businesses and consumers plan better and take proactive measures to ensure timely deliveries. By anticipating potential issues, such as transshipping delays and port congestion, and preparing accordingly, you can minimize the risk of delays and enjoy a smoother shipping experience.
How to Prepare for Smooth Shipping
1. Start Early:
Begin your holiday preparations well in advance. This includes ordering inventory, packaging products, and planning your shipping schedule. By starting early, you can avoid the last-minute rush and ensure that everything is in place for a smooth shipping process.
2. Stay Updated:
Keep an eye on news and updates from shipping carriers. Consider signing up for newsletters from reputable shipping companies to receive the latest information about expected delays, peak shipping times, and cutoff dates for holiday deliveries. Staying informed will help you plan your shipments accordingly and avoid potential delays.
3. Double-Check Shipping Data:
Accurate shipping information is crucial to avoid misrouting and delays. Ensure that all recipient addresses, postal codes, and contact information are correct before shipping. This simple step can prevent your packages from being sent to the wrong location or experiencing unnecessary delays.
4. Choose a Reliable Shipping Company:
Selecting a trustworthy shipping company is essential for ensuring your packages arrive on time and in good condition. Consider using a company like Manila Forwarder, which has been a trusted name in the shipping industry since 1998. With their reliable services and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can have confidence that your shipments will be handled with care and efficiency.
Shipping early is more than just a smart strategy—it's essential for a stress-free holiday season. By planning ahead, staying informed, and preparing for potential delays, you can ensure that your packages, whether personal or business-related, arrive on time. Partnering with a trusted company like Manila Forwarder, in business since 1998, can make the entire process smoother and more reliable. So don't wait for the last minute; start shipping early and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it.