How China’s Golden Week Can Impact Your Logistics — Tips from G8toUS

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Every year from October 1 to October 7, China celebrates Golden Week in honor of National Day. This is a major public holiday during which most factories, customs offices, and logistics providers either shut down or operate at reduced capacity. For businesses importing goods from China, Golden Week brings risks of delays, increased rates, and the need for careful planning.

What to Expect During Golden Week

Factory and Warehouse Closures Most manufacturers suspend production, and warehouses do not operate at full capacity.
Limited Port and Customs Operations Cargo handling slows down, leading to potential congestion at ports, unloading delays, and customs clearance bottlenecks.
Pre-Holiday Demand Surge Orders spike ahead of the shutdown as shippers rush to move cargo “before the closure.” This creates shortages of vessel space, containers, and air freight capacity.
Post-Holiday Backlog Effect Once Golden Week ends, production and logistics resume, but with a high volume of accumulated orders, resulting in additional strain on ports, carriers, and warehouses.

How to Prepare and Minimize Risks

Plan Orders in Advance If your goods are produced in China, place orders and ship at least 2–3 weeks before October 1.
Check Your Supplier’s Schedule Confirm whether they will be working before the holiday, their production cut-off dates, and their ability to fulfill your orders on time.
Book Transport and Freight Capacity Early The closer to Golden Week, the higher the rates. Secure ocean freight, air cargo, and trucking services in advance and prepare alternative routings if necessary.
Build in Extra Lead Time Add several days (or even a week) to your schedule to account for unexpected post-holiday delays.
Communicate with Your Logistics Partner Coordinate every detail — production, shipping, documentation, and customs — so you’re ready for any adjustments.

Final Thoughts

Golden Week is a period when global supply chains face significant stress and disruption risks. However, with proper planning, businesses can avoid most problems — saving money, time, and avoiding unpleasant surprises. At G8toUS, we are ready to support you with planning, booking, tracking, and end-to-end logistics management, so your cargo arrives on time — even during the busiest holiday seasons.

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