Peak Season Calendar

Asia to North America (Transpacific Eastbound) Peak Season Calendar

Peak shipping periods for Asia to North America (Transpacific Eastbound): when capacity tightens, what drives it, expected rate increases, and planning tips.

Origin
Asia
Destination
North America
Mode
Both
Origin ports
Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Busan, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung
Destination ports
Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle, Vancouver, New York/New Jersey

Freight demand on the Asia to North America (Transpacific Eastbound) lane changes through the year. Use the periods below to plan bookings around peaks, holidays, and expected surcharges.

Peak periods

  • Pre-Chinese New Year Rush (December–January, extreme intensity). Drivers: Retailers stocking before factory closures, Spring retail planning, E-commerce restocking. Impacts: Rates increase 30-100%, Space extremely tight, Equipment shortages, Longer transit times.
  • Back-to-School Season (June–August, very-high intensity). Drivers: Back-to-school merchandise, Summer retail inventory, Pre-holiday inventory building. Impacts: Rates increase 20-50%, Container shortages, Vessel delays, Blank sailings reduced.
  • Peak Season (Pre-Holiday) (August–October, extreme intensity). Drivers: Black Friday/Cyber Monday prep, Christmas inventory, Holiday retail stocking. Impacts: Highest rates of year, Severe space constraints, Rollovers common, Premium charges apply.

Off-peak periods

  • Post-Chinese New Year Lull (2, 3): Lower rates, Better space availability, Faster transit, Negotiating leverage.
  • Spring Slowdown (4, 5): Moderate rates, Good equipment availability, Reliable schedules.
  • Post-Holiday Slowdown (11, 12): Rates declining, Space opening up, Equipment rebalancing.

Holidays that affect this lane

  • Chinese New Year (January, 2-4 weeks): Factory closures, pre-rush congestion, post-holiday ramp-up delays
  • Golden Week (China) (October, 1 week): Reduced capacity, pre-holiday rush, minor disruptions
  • US Thanksgiving/Black Friday (November, 1 week): Increased import demand weeks prior

Expected surcharges

  • Aug-Oct peak: 30-100% above baseline
  • Pre-CNY: 50-150% above baseline
  • Off-peak: 10-20% below peak rates

Planning tips

  • Book 4-6 weeks early during peak season
  • Consider shifting to off-peak months when possible
  • Negotiate contract rates before peak season
  • Build buffer stock before Chinese New Year
  • Use alternative ports to avoid congestion
  • Consider air freight for critical items during peaks

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to ship from Asia to North America?

February-March (post-CNY) and April-May offer the best rates and availability. November-December post-holiday is also favorable.

How far in advance should I book during peak season?

During peak season (Aug-Oct), book at least 4-6 weeks in advance. For CNY period, book 6-8 weeks ahead.

What happens if my cargo gets rolled during peak season?

Rollovers are common during peak. Cargo may be delayed 1-2 weeks. Premium rates can guarantee loading. Build contingency time into planning.