The start of a new year is one of the best times to step back and look at what’s ahead. In logistics, many of the biggest challenges aren’t surprises – they’re seasonal pressure points that return year after year.
As 2026 gets underway, understanding when global logistics peak seasons occur can help businesses plan smarter, avoid disruption and keep supply chains moving smoothly. Below are the key periods to be aware of this year, and what they typically mean for freight movements.
Chinese New Year (15–23 February 2026)
Chinese New Year is the first major logistics pinch point of the year, and one of the most impactful.
Although the holiday itself falls in mid-February, its effects are already felt weeks in advance. Factories begin winding down, carrier schedules are reduced, and available space tightens quickly.
What to expect:
- Factory slowdowns from January
- Reduced sailings and limited capacity
- Post-holiday congestion as volumes rebound
Planning insight: Early January is already planning time for shipments moving in the run-up to, and immediately after, the holiday period.
Global Summer Congestion (June–August)
The summer months often bring increased pressure across global trade lanes. Higher demand, adjusted carrier schedules and equipment imbalances can all affect transit times.
What to expect:
- Busier ports and terminals
- Longer lead times on some routes
- Fluctuating capacity across sea and air freight
Planning insight: Summer congestion tends to build gradually — early bookings and flexible schedules can make a real difference.
European Summer Peak & Driving Restrictions (July–August)
For European road freight, summer brings additional complexity. Driver holidays, reduced staffing and seasonal driving bans across various countries can slow movements.
What to expect:
- Reduced haulage capacity
- Weekend and summer driving bans
- Longer transit times for cross-border movements
Planning insight: Factoring in extra transit time early helps avoid avoidable delays later.
China Golden Week (1–7 October 2026)
Golden Week is another major holiday in China with global knock-on effects. Nationwide factory closures and reduced port activity can disrupt supply chains well beyond the official dates.
What to expect:
- Production pauses and port slowdowns
- Congestion ahead of the holiday
- Backlogs as operations resume
Planning insight: The impact is often felt from mid-September through to mid-October.
Pre-Christmas Peak Season (September–November)
As retailers prepare for the festive season, global shipping volumes increase significantly. This is traditionally the most competitive period for space and capacity.
What to expect:
- Higher demand for vessel and aircraft space
- Increased rates across many trade lanes
- Pressure on ports, terminals and carriers
Planning insight: If goods are needed before Christmas, planning usually needs to start by late summer.
Year-End Slowdown (Mid-December)
While volumes may begin to ease, the final weeks of the year bring reduced working days, factory shutdowns and limited carrier schedules.
What to expect:
- Slower cargo handovers
- Reduced operational capacity
- Shipments rolling into January
Planning insight: December often requires just as much coordination as peak season — just in a different way.
Peak seasons are part of the logistics calendar, not unexpected disruptions. The businesses that manage them best are usually the ones that plan early, communicate clearly and build flexibility into their supply chains.
With 2026 now underway, this is the ideal time to map out key shipping periods and start conversations early – long before capacity tightens.
Planning shipments for 2026? Speak to our team early to discuss upcoming movements and how to plan around key peak periods.