As we progress through the final quarter of 2026, global supply chains are managing the immediate aftermath of seasonal pressures and regional infrastructure challenges. Today, the 7th of October, marks the end of China’s Golden Week holiday. For logistics and supply chain managers, proactive planning remains the only way to bypass the resulting bottlenecks and ensure goods keep moving seamlessly.
The Ongoing Impact of China Golden Week 2026
China’s National Day on the 1st of October marked the beginning of Golden Week, with businesses across the country closing or operating on reduced staffing until the 7th of October. As normal operations resume, international freight networks face a critical period of disruption and backlog clearance.
To protect your logistics operations during this recovery phase, it is vital to anticipate the following ongoing market shifts:
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Expect a significant increase in demand for both ocean and air freight space as delayed production resumes.
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Higher booking volumes will lead to reduced trucking availability for origin pickups.
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Be prepared for continued port congestion and container equipment shortages at major terminals.
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The period of skeleton staffing has resulted in slower cargo and customs processing that must now be cleared.
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Shipping lines frequently adjust vessel schedules around this period.
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There is a high likelihood of blank sailings and capacity changes driven by fluctuating market demand.
Bypassing European Port Congestion
While origin ports face recovery pressures, European destination ports are also experiencing severe infrastructure strain. Recently, the route from Xiamen to Buccovice via Hamburg was taking over 70 days due to port and rail congestion.
To combat this and maintain speed across the supply chain, RIF Group is continuously exploring alternative options. For European imports, we have recently moved to using Gdansk as an arrival port. Shifting to less congested hubs allows importers to avoid lengthy delays and maintain a competitive advantage during peak periods.
Rapid Transit: The Ocean Alliance Suez Express Route
In addition to alternative routing, new ocean freight services are presenting major opportunities for time saving. The Ocean Alliance now offers an express route through the Suez Canal. This service provides a critical alternative to vessels taking the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, operating 10 to 14 days faster.
Key details of this express service include:
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The service calls at the Chinese ports of Xiamen and Shenzhen once a week.
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From these origin ports, the ship sails directly to Rotterdam and then on to Hamburg without making any further stops.
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Relevant goods from the Ningbo and Shanghai metropolitan areas can be transported by truck to Xiamen or Shenzhen to utilise this service.
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Transit time from Shenzhen to Rotterdam is 24 to 26 days.
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Transit time from Shenzhen to Hamburg is 26 to 28 days.
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Transit time from Xiamen to Rotterdam is 26 to 28 days.
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Transit time from Xiamen to Hamburg is 29 to 31 days.
Secure Your Capacity Today
Market volatility requires strategic foresight. RIF Group experts are ready to support all your Sea, Air, and Road freight requirements. Secure your space now before post holiday capacity tightens further.
Contact our team today to discuss your upcoming shipments and safeguard your supply chain by emailing Pricing@rifworldwide.co.uk.