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.
Sea Freight: Upcoming blank sailings are now expected, please contact your Röhlig representative for the latest information.
Yes, Rail shippers and carriers will stop services during 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.
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.
Regular cut-off of 5 days for Sea Freight prior to departure.
Document cut-off prior to the holidays is Feb 5, 2021 in order to finish the customs process for Rail by ETD.
Yes, according to recent Sea Freight disruption, we estimate a delay of around 2 weeks.
Yes, we estimate a delay of around 2 weeks for Rail.
Sea 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.
For Sea Freight delays and peak season conditions are expected to persist after the holiday.
Peak season conditions for Rail Services are expected to persist after the holiday.
Sea Freight communications will be upheld between Röhlig, carriers, and overseas personnel.