High Season in Logistics: How It Affects Prices, Delivery Times, and Routes

As November and December arrive, the logistics industry enters its high season. During this period, transport companies and their partners adjust pricing, routes, and delivery timelines to keep pace with demand. Here’s how STALOGISTIC is navigating these challenges to support its clients.

Sea Freight via Western Ports

Key ports like Klaipeda, Riga, Kotka, Tallinn, and St. Petersburg are experiencing a surge in sea freight rates due to the high season. Compared to October, shipping costs have jumped by over $1,000 per container and remain at elevated levels.

Why the increase? “Rate hikes during peak season are expected, so businesses often plan shipments ahead of time to avoid higher costs,” explains Olga Primachyonok, Head of STALOGISTIC’s Western Procurement Sector.

Capacity issues: Securing container space now is challenging, especially for goods leaving popular export markets like China. Shipping schedules are delayed, with some shipments transferred to alternative vessels.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to ship from China before year-end, act fast to secure remaining space.

Deliveries from the EU

The flow of goods from the EU has significantly decreased due to sanctions, including those implemented on October 2, 2024, which restrict key exports to Belarus. Import restrictions introduced by Belarus further complicate logistics. 

Border challenges:

• Baltic States and Poland: Artificial delays at border crossings have led to increased wait times.
• Lithuania: A new electronic queuing system was introduced on December 1, but operational issues persist. Current entry slots at main crossings (e.g., Benyakoni–Salcininkai, Kamenny Log–Medininkai) are booked up to mid-December.
• Polish border: Wait times are driven more by administrative slowdowns than increased traffic.

Imports from China

As businesses shift focus from the EU to China, new challenges arise, including:

• Seasonal weather disruptions (snowstorms, strong winds) at major checkpoints and transit routes.
• Increased transit times (by 5–10 days on average).
• A shortage of permits for Belarusian carriers entering China, driving up freight costs.

Advice: To avoid delays, plan shipments early and explore alternative border crossings when possible.

Rail Freight and the Far East

High demand has led to a rapid booking of rail freight slots for December departures. Rates spiked mid-November due to Russia’s 13.8% rail tariff hike but have stabilized slightly since. Another tariff increase (5%) is expected in January.

Notable challenges:

• Delays at Far Eastern ports: Loading times range from two weeks to a month.
• Transit times from the Far East to Belarus can reach 55 days due to infrastructure bottlenecks and railcar shortages.

How STALOGISTIC Supports Clients

Despite these challenges, STALOGISTIC is actively finding innovative solutions to minimize delays and optimize costs for its clients. By leveraging alternative routes, strategic partnerships, and expert planning, the company ensures seamless deliveries, even in peak season.

Stay tuned for more updates and recommendations from our logistics specialists.


Journalist: Adapted from Oksana Kuznetsova’s original article.
For the original story, visit myfin.by.