2026 Chinese New Year Shipping Guide — Lock Space 30 Days Ahead
Chinese New Year is the first major stress test of the year for freight forwarders: ocean space tightens from early December, air space needs to be locked 30 days in advance, and last-minute orders nearly always pay up.
1. Ocean — Book before Lunar December 15
| Stage | Date | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-book | Before Winter Solstice (~Dec 21) | Submit forecast, sign Q1 contract |
| Lock space | Before Lunar Dec 10 | Confirm FCL/LCL, place deposit |
| Final window | Lunar Dec 20 | Last-minute = double rate + no ETA guarantee |
| Recovery | After Lunar Jan 10 | Rates normalize, sailings resume |
AYC insight: US West Coast rates climb 30–50% in the last two weeks before CNY; Canada routes sometimes nearly double.
2. Air — Book ahead
Air bookings are usually driven by urgency, and the most painful slot is one week before CNY:
- 15 days before: Normal pricing, comfortable window.
- 7–10 days before: Space rationed, rates +20–40%.
- 3 days before: Only top-courier-direct channels; unlimited price.
AYC recommendation: submit confirmed urgent orders 30 days ahead so production can plan.
3. FBA receiving timing
Amazon warehouses slow down during CNY; popular FCs (ONT8, LAX9) need 3–5 days for unloading appointments. For cargo shipped in the last 7 days before CNY, choose US West Coast fast vessel + booked delivery to avoid FIFO queues.
4. Special goods add friction
Battery, liquid, and powder cargo can ship year-round, but pre-/post-CNY inspection tightens. Goods without FDA / CE / FCC paperwork face +30%+ delays at security screening.
Submit documents to AYC customer service early — qualified cargo can be accepted into bonded warehousing and processed through normal screening shifts.
5. Should you ship earlier?
If your pre-CNY inventory is shaky, ship January cargo in mid-December — minimal freight increase, and you sidestep late-January scarcity.
Customers needing 2026 CNY schedules should contact AYC by Sep 30 to lock Q1 space and pricing.