The upcoming ‘Golden Week’ holiday to celebrate National day is fast approaching. CCT China offices will be closed from 1st-8th October. During Golden Week, the Chinese celebrate their National day, which commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The week-long holiday involves patriotic events like flag-raising ceremonies and parades along with widespread public festivities such as fireworks and galas.
It’s effect on the shipping world is significant, due to the shutdown of logistics companies and manufacturers alike, sea freight shipping lines engage a blank sailing program which reduces the number of vessels departing from China over a 2-3 week period. This often leads to further delays to planned vessel schedules as the shipping lines re balance their scheduling to best fill vessels.
With this national holiday it is also important that as an importer you are prepared for its effects in order to minimise the effect on your supply chain. Some suggestions below how to be best prepared:
- Book your shipments in advance
- Ask manufacturers to have cargo ready early and not 1-2 days before the holiday
- Request telex releases & commercial documentation in advance of the holiday for any cargo arriving between now and mid October
At CCT, we’re here to help. So if you have any questions or want to make any bookings before the holiday arrives then please get in contact with us by email or phone.
Phone and ask for the Customer Service Team on : +44 (0) 3300 434542 and choose option 1 or email on CustomerService@cctworldwideltd.com