Peak season shipping catches out businesses every year. There are two main peak seasons in the New Zealand shipping year: September to November for imported goods, as retailers stock up for Christmas, and February to April for exports. Sales go up in these periods, but so does pressure on ports, carriers and warehouses. These six tips will help you get your freight through on time.
1. Get your customs documentation in order
Incomplete customs documentation is one of the biggest causes of delays in peak season. Make sure your paperwork is complete, especially for products you have not shipped before. Keep accurate commercial invoices for every line item, and assign a fair value to any free-of-charge items.
Better still, use a freight forwarder that also handles customs clearance. A one-stop shop helps you meet customs requirements, get duties and taxes right, and keep to your delivery schedule.
2. Book your freight early
Space fills up fast in peak season, so book well ahead. As a guide from our team:
- Air freight: book at least 6 to 7 days before your cargo ready date.
- LCL sea freight: book at least 14 days before the estimated time of departure.
- FCL sea freight: book as early as possible, as container space and equipment get tight.
Work closely with your freight forwarder to set a schedule that suits both of you.
3. Expect higher freight rates
High demand means freight rates are often higher in peak season, whatever mode you use. To manage costs, consider a slightly longer transit time or a different routing, and book early so your cargo is not bumped to a later, more expensive sailing. Careful planning can save you money and avoid delays.
4. Allow extra time for congestion
Ports and warehouses get congested in peak season, so allow extra time for loading, shipping, unloading and delivery. Schedule pickups and deliveries days in advance. If you import from Asia, also plan around the Chinese New Year factory shutdown, when many suppliers close and there is a rush to ship beforehand.
5. Keep your customers in the loop
Tell your customers how shipping works and when they can expect their order, and update them while goods are in transit. We can give you regular shipment updates to pass on, so you are not fielding constant queries about where an order is.
6. Have a plan B
Even with good planning, peak season shipping can bring surprises. Talk to your forwarder about backup options before you need them, such as splitting an urgent part of an order onto air freight, or using storage and distribution to hold stock closer to your customers.
Peak season shipping checklist
Use this quick checklist a few weeks before each peak season:
- Confirm order quantities and cargo ready dates with your suppliers
- Book air and sea freight space early, using the lead times above
- Check commercial invoices, packing lists and any permits or certificates
- Confirm delivery addresses and receiving hours for your warehouse
- Agree a plan B for urgent stock, such as air freight for part of the order
- Set up shipment updates so you can keep customers informed
- Check your cargo insurance covers peak season stock values
Working through this list early makes peak season shipping far less stressful, and gives your freight forwarder time to find the best options for you.
Get through peak season shipping with Sneddens
Any business can get through peak season by planning ahead, understanding buyer behaviour and managing customer expectations. It helps to have a freight forwarder that can cover all your import and export needs, from sea freight to customs clearance.
For the official rules on documentation and clearance, see NZ Customs import guidance.
Sneddens is happy to help with your peak season freight forwarding. Call 0800 76 33 33, email info@sneddens.co.nz or book your freight now.