Preparing for the peak season of ocean and air freight shipping in the logistics industry requires observing and knowing past demand patterns. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has changed everything. Many industries are currently facing peculiar shifts in their usual demand and supply trends. Let’s take a look at some of the most apparent changes:

There Has Been an Increase in Demand in Some Industries

While some industries have experienced high demands during the pandemic, others have struggled to remain afloat, creating a rare peak season. At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, Asian imports dropped to a record-breaking low, while lockdown orders and demand uncertainties created a short-term pause in manufacturing. Thus, many importers were forced to reconsider their orders.

Unpredictable Buyer Spending Habits

Buyer spending habits have also remained unpredictable throughout the entirety of the pandemic. Many countries are continuing to uphold restrictions, making predicting actual spending and inventory quantity highly difficult. This shift in buyer habits is affecting different industries in various ways, such as low demand for formal clothes and increased interest in home improvement products.

Volatility in Air Freight Options

The air cargo industry has been one of the most unstable industries in 2020. This has triggered a reduction in belly space, forcing governments to rush personal protective equipment shipments onto the fastest freight channel.

Meanwhile, an increase in demand has also led to the fluctuation of prices, with more than 35% of shippers experiencing disruptions in their air transport schedules. The high rates and low capacity have thus made securing space during the pandemic increasingly difficult.

So How Should Importers Prepare for Possible Delays Triggered by the Pandemic?

Importers can work with manufacturers and increase production to fit ocean freight shipment times as opposed to airfreight. Airfreight is fast, but ocean freight shipment options are cheaper.

Communicate with your logistics provider in advance to avoid delays and manage unexpected bottlenecks. A reliable logistics provider can provide shipping process guidelines and help you save money by handling documentation and customs clearance.

Should You Ship by Ocean or Air?
However, while ocean freight shipment offers less costly rates, the economy and express air freight shipping options can be faster and easier to track. Due to sail cancellations, some importers are opting for airfreight shipment, even though it is costlier.

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