The peak season for international express shipping typically starts in early October each year and lasts until late December, spanning approximately 3 months. November is the peak period with the highest demand and prices of the year.
Below, Weefreight will provide a detailed analysis, hoping to be helpful to you.
I. Peak Season Timeline by Phase
Pre-heating period (early October – end of October): Cross-border e-commerce platforms launch “Double Eleven” pre-sale promotions, sellers prepare and ship goods in advance, international express shipping volume gradually increases, shipping costs begin to rise slightly, and some express companies start levying peak season surcharges.
Peak period (the entire month of November): With the combined impact of China’s “Double Eleven,” and the US and European “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” shopping festivals, the shipping volume reaches its annual peak, capacity is extremely tight, basic shipping costs increase by 30%-50% compared to the off-season, various surcharges are fully increased, and logistics timeliness will experience varying degrees of delays.
Concluding period (early December – late December): Christmas season shopping demand continues, sellers strive to boost year-end sales, and shipping volume remains high until it gradually declines around the Christmas holidays. Some routes gradually return to normal freight rates by the end of December.
II. Differences in Peak Season for Different Routes and Transportation Methods
Commercial Express (DHL/UPS/FedEx): The peak season starts the earliest, usually with peak season surcharge notices issued at the end of September, officially entering the peak season in October, and reaching a double peak in price and volume in mid-November.
Air Freight Dedicated Lines: The peak season time is basically synchronized with commercial express, but due to the lower flexibility in capacity allocation, the tight capacity situation may continue until the end of December.
Sea Freight: The peak season starts slightly earlier, with an increase in shipping volume appearing in mid-September. This is mainly due to cross-border sellers preparing for Christmas sales by replenishing inventory through sea freight in advance to avoid the high costs and delays of air freight during the peak season. Southeast Asia Route: The peak season is relatively delayed, with the peak period from mid-November to mid-December, driven by local year-end promotions and holiday spending.
III. Special Circumstances for an Earlier Peak Season
If e-commerce platform promotions start earlier in the year, there are major policy adjustments (such as changes in customs clearance policies), or fluctuations in the global supply chain (such as capacity shortages), the peak season may start as early as late September. In addition, the peak season definitions may vary slightly among different courier companies; please refer to the official peak season notices issued by each company for the most accurate information.
(Note: All fees and delivery times mentioned above are for reference only. Please refer to the actual situation for specific details. Thank you!)
If you have any international logistics service needs, please click on the floating chat icon in the lower right corner or other contact methods in the lower right corner of the page to contact us immediately!
