Luna New Year 2021 Ox

Lunar New Year 2021: What you need to know about freight shipments to/from China

 

 

Update from 02/05/2021:

Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new year in the Lunar Calendar, and is celebrated as a national holiday in many Asian countries. The Year of the Ox will begin on February 12th, 2021. The Lunar New Year period affects freight movement each year both in Asia and throughout the world, with many offices and industries closing for the holidays.

In China, pandemic prevention measures are expected to restrict travel during the holidays, meaning operational capabilities could vary in comparison with previous years. Below is a brief FAQ compiled by our freight experts outlining expected schedules and delays for all modes of transport travelling to and from China. While these schedules can serve as a general guide to disruption in other countries in Asia, sea freight operations do vary, please ensure you check well in advance with a local Röhlig representative before placing any bookings for any mode of transport.

Will carriers stop working during this time?

Sea Freight: Upcoming blank sailings are now expected, please contact your Röhlig representative for the latest information. 

Air Freight: Due to newly introduced self-isolation measures, there is a shortage of available drivers which is severely affecting trucking operations. Some flights may be cancelled during the Lunar New Year holiday as backlog is shifted.

Rail: Operators are gradually reducing services. Related road transportation has already halted operations for the holidays.

Yes, trucking companies will stop services during Lunar New Year (EU/South East Asia).

Will my account manager be out of office during this time?

 

For Air Freight services staff and operations agents will be assigned to attend to urgent situations.

For all other services (Sea,  Rail, Truck Freight) Staff rotation will be organised to ensure we are contactable.

 

Can I place a booking before the Lunar New Year?

Sea Freight: Due to numerous factors including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, equipment imbalance, the Lunar New Year holiday, and the early dispatch of goods from factories, we must inform you of severe port congestion affecting China’s ports including but not limited to Yantian, Ningbo, Shanghai, Xiamen and Qingdao. Please contact your Röhlig representative for the latest information.

Air Freight bookings will generally be accepted until the last working day before the holiday. We advise customers to contact their Röhlig representative as soon as possible to inquire about available space.

Rail bookings will generally be accepted until the last working day before the holiday. However, due to a backlog, we currently estimate a delay of 2-3 weeks.

The booking process is expected to continue as normal throughout the holidays, but capacity must be checked case by case as a mandatory measure (EU/South East Asia).

When is the document cut-off?

Regular cut-off of 5 days for Sea Freight prior to departure.

Document cut-off 2 days prior to flight date from PVG as normal. However, earlier Air Freight booking is strongly recommended due to a lack of trucking and slower operations.

Document cut-off prior to the holidays is Feb 5, 2021 in order to finish the customs process for Rail by ETD.

Upon arrival at borders (EU/South East Asia).

Are delays expected?

 

Yes, according to recent Sea Freight disruption, we estimate a delay of around 2 weeks.

Yes, Air Freight will not be as responsive as normal.

Yes, we estimate a delay of around 2 weeks for Rail.

Yes, 4-5 days at least (EU/South East Asia).

Will there be a communications delay?

 

Sea Freight communications will be upheld between Röhlig, carriers, and overseas personnel.

Air Freight communications will be upheld between Röhlig, carriers, and overseas personnel.

Röhlig Rail Team will maintain regular communication on Rail Services with our customers, carriers, and overseas personnel.

Communications will be upheld between Röhlig, carriers, and overseas personnel with some delays (EU/South East Asia).

What is the projection after Lunar New Year?

 

For Sea Freight delays and peak season conditions are expected to persist after the holiday.

Full operations for Air Freight are expected to resume after the holiday.

Peak season conditions for Rail Services are expected to persist after the holiday.

Peak season conditions are expected to persist for Truck services after the holiday (EU/South East Asia).

Do you have questions on this?

Just ask us about your shipment during Lunar New Year.

Contact us

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