Transport mode	Potential impact
Air freight	Flight suspensions, reduced capacity, cargo backlogs, missed connections and rerouting
Ocean freight	Vessel diversions, higher insurance costs, schedule changes and possible congestion at alternative ports
Road freight	Cross-border delays, additional security checks and limited truck availability
Rail freight	Alternative options on suitable corridors, subject to available connections and capacity
Warehousing and distribution	Storage pressure, stock shortages and missed delivery commitments
Multimodal freight	Additional handling, customs requirements, transfer delays and higher overall costs

Area to monitor	What would signal further deterioration?
Saudi airports	Extended closures or further airline suspensions
Regional airspace	New restrictions affecting major connecting hubs
Strait of Hormuz	More vessel attacks, reduced transits or additional carrier restrictions
Red Sea shipping	New security warnings, diversions or service suspensions
Road freight	Border closures, restricted crossings or a shortage of available trucks
Freight markets	Reduced capacity, rising surcharges and longer booking lead times

UAE MPCI Requirements 2026: New Maritime Cargo Filing Rules From 1 October

September 25, 2026

From 1 October 2026, new UAE Maritime Pre-load Cargo Information (MPCI) requirements will become mandatory for applicable containerised sea freight shipments moving to or via the UAE.

Does this affect your shipments?

If you import into or export from the UAE by sea, or your cargo transits or transships through a UAE port, the new requirements may apply to your shipment.

The requirement covers:

Certain other containerised maritime movements

Imports into the UAE

Transit cargo moving through the UAE

Transshipment cargo

What do you need to do?

As an importer or exporter, you don’t necessarily need to manage the MPCI filing yourself.

However, you must provide your freight forwarder or shipping line with complete and accurate shipping information within the required documentation deadline.

This may include:

Shipper and consignee details
Cargo description
HS codes, where required
Container and seal details
House Bill of Lading information
Other information required for the MPCI filing

If you are using a House Bill of Lading, additional information may be required to ensure the House Bill is correctly linked to the carrier’s Master Bill.

Why is this important?

MPCI information must be submitted before the cargo is loaded at the relevant overseas port.

Incorrect, incomplete or late information could result in loading delays, cargo holds, additional costs or potential penalties.

The current UAE requirements specify a 24-hour pre-load filing deadline for the lowest-level House Bill filed by a freight forwarder or sub-co-loader.

What should you do now?

If you have UAE-bound or UAE-transiting sea freight planned from 1 October 2026 onwards, please make sure your shipping information is provided to us accurately and within our documentation cut-off.

If you’re unsure whether your shipment is affected by the new UAE MPCI requirements, speak to our team before your cargo is ready to ship.

A little preparation now can help avoid delays when the new requirements come into force.

Air Freight: Why Timing Matters as Peak Season Approaches

For businesses moving international cargo, September is the point in the calendar when delivery dates start to become much more important.

The final quarter brings higher retail demand, product launches, seasonal stock movements and year-end production requirements. Add China’s Golden Week in early October, changing airline capacity and the usual increase in time-critical shipments, and there is less room for freight plans to go wrong.

That doesn’t mean air freight capacity is suddenly unavailable. It means shippers need to be more deliberate about when and how they move cargo.

For some shipments, ocean freight remains the right choice. For others, waiting several weeks for a vessel simply isn’t practical. This is where air freight becomes a useful part of the wider supply chain.

AIRFREIGHT SERVICECS

What is air freight and when should you use it?

Air freight is the transportation of commercial goods by aircraft, usually used when speed, reliability or the value of the cargo makes faster transport worthwhile.

It is generally more expensive than ocean freight, so it isn’t automatically the best option. The decision comes down to the cost of time as much as the cost of transport.

A delayed component could hold up a production line. A missed retail launch could leave stock sitting in the wrong country. A spare part may be inexpensive compared with the cost of machinery standing idle.

In these situations, the question isn’t simply, “How much does air freight cost?”

It is, “What does it cost us if this shipment arrives late?”

That distinction matters.

Why air freight is particularly relevant right now

The global air cargo market has continued to grow through 2026.

According to the International Air Transport Association, global air cargo demand increased by 3.9% year-on-year in July 2026, while available cargo capacity increased by 1.7%. European carriers recorded 4.4% growth in demand, while Asia-Pacific demand increased by 4.1%.

However, the market isn’t moving in one uniform direction.

Demand and capacity vary considerably between routes. IATA reported particularly strong growth on the Asia-North America trade lane, while Europe-Asia continued to grow. At the same time, some routes connected to the Middle East remained disrupted.

For importers and exporters, this matters because an air freight market can look perfectly healthy globally while a particular origin, destination or departure date becomes much harder to secure.

That’s why experienced freight forwarders look at the individual shipment rather than relying on a single global market headline.

Peak season air freight: why September is the time to plan

The traditional autumn peak doesn’t arrive overnight.

Demand builds as businesses prepare for the final quarter, and October brings China’s Golden Week, when factories and businesses close or operate with reduced staffing across the national holiday period.

For companies importing from Asia, this can affect production schedules, cargo availability and departure planning. Maersk’s September market update specifically recommends reviewing shipment schedules and space requirements ahead of Golden Week and Q4 requirements.

Air freight can become particularly important when a shipment needs to move before or after a factory closure, or when goods that were originally planned for ocean freight suddenly need to arrive sooner.

There is another consideration.

Current market commentary suggests that late-September air freight conditions are becoming more dependent on individual trade lanes.

In other words, leaving a time-critical booking until the last possible moment can reduce your options.

How long does air freight take?

Transit time depends on the origin, destination, airline, service level, routing, customs requirements and final delivery location.

An airport-to-airport flight may be relatively quick, but that isn’t the same as door-to-door transit time.

A shipment still needs to be collected from the supplier, prepared for export, documented, security screened, delivered to the airport, loaded, flown, cleared through customs and transported to the final destination.

For that reason, businesses should avoid planning around the flight time alone.

If your customer needs stock delivered by Friday, for example, the useful question isn’t how long the aircraft spends in the air. The useful question is whether the complete shipment can realistically move from supplier to final delivery address within the required window.

That’s where freight forwarding experience becomes important.

What does door-to-door air freight include?

Door-to-door air freight covers the complete movement rather than simply arranging space on an aircraft.

Depending on the shipment, this can include:

Collection from the supplier
Export documentation
Airline booking
Airport handling
Cargo security requirements
Customs clearance
Import documentation
Final-mile transport
Delivery to the consignee
Shipment tracking and updates

Future Forwarding provides air freight support from booking through customs clearance and final delivery, giving businesses a single point of coordination across the shipment.

This is particularly useful for urgent shipments because airport-to-airport transport is only one part of the logistics process.

A flight arriving on schedule doesn’t help much if customs documentation isn’t ready or there is no vehicle arranged for the final delivery.

Can air freight help when ocean freight is delayed?

Yes, and this is one of the most practical uses of air freight.

Businesses don’t always need to move an entire shipment by air.

Suppose a container contains 500 units, but 50 are urgently needed to keep production running. Rather than replacing the entire ocean shipment with air freight, the urgent quantity could potentially be moved by air while the remaining cargo continues by sea.

This is sometimes referred to as a split shipment or air-sea strategy.

It allows the business to protect the most time-sensitive part of the order without automatically paying air freight costs on everything.

The right approach depends on the cargo, route, dimensions, value, delivery deadline and available services, but it is an option worth discussing when supply chain delays start creating operational problems.

What should businesses consider before booking air freight?

The most important information is usually the delivery deadline.

Start with the required arrival date and work backwards.

Consider:

When will the goods be ready?
When can the supplier release the cargo?
How long will collection take?
What export documentation is required?
Which airport offers the most practical routing?
Are direct or connecting services available?
How long will customs clearance take?
How will the shipment reach its final destination?
What happens if the preferred flight is cancelled or rolled?

This approach gives your freight forwarder something much more useful than simply, “We need this shipped urgently.”

It creates a clear logistics requirement.

Is air freight more expensive than sea freight?

Generally, yes. Air freight normally costs more than ocean freight, particularly for larger and heavier shipments.

But comparing the freight rate alone can be misleading.

A lower transport cost doesn’t necessarily mean a lower overall supply chain cost if the slower service causes stock shortages, production downtime, missed sales or contractual problems.

The right comparison is the total cost of meeting the delivery requirement.

For high-value, lightweight, urgent or production-critical cargo, air freight can therefore make commercial sense even when ocean freight is available.

For large volumes with flexible delivery dates, ocean freight may remain the more appropriate option.

The answer depends on the shipment.

Jeddah Port Congestion: Latest Operational Update

September 24, 2026

Jeddah Islamic Port remains operational, but current congestion is affecting container collection, terminal operations and inland transport. Recent updates from major shipping lines indicate that elevated cargo volumes are putting additional pressure on port yards and truck movements.

For importers and exporters using Jeddah, the main impact is the potential for longer container release and delivery times.

What is happening at Jeddah Port?

Jeddah is currently experiencing increased operational pressure, particularly around container handling and landside evacuation.

Hapag-Lloyd reported on 16 September that Jeddah’s container yard was operating at around 73% density, close to its stated capacity reference of 76%. The carrier also reported changes to individual vessel service rotations involving Jeddah.

Maersk has also reported elevated cargo flows through Jeddah and King Abdullah Port, resulting in longer container collection and truck turnaround times. The carrier noted that this can also affect empty container returns and equipment availability.

The situation does not represent a general port closure. Jeddah continues to handle vessels and cargo, but individual shipments may experience delays depending on the carrier, terminal and inland transport arrangements.

What is causing the congestion at Jeddah Port?

Several factors are contributing to the current pressure on Jeddah’s logistics network.

Higher cargo volumes

Cargo flows through Jeddah have increased as shipping networks continue to adapt to changing conditions across the Middle East and Red Sea.

Maersk has specifically identified elevated cargo flows through Jeddah and King Abdullah Port as a factor affecting container collection and truck turnaround times.

Jeddah’s role as a major Red Sea gateway also makes it an important part of alternative supply chains serving Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Gulf markets.

Pressure on inland transport

Port congestion does not stop at the terminal gate.

When containers take longer to collect, trucks can spend more time completing each delivery cycle. That reduces available truck capacity and can create a knock-on effect across warehouses, depots and delivery schedules.

Maersk says it has added trucks and terminal-yard support to help manage inland demand and is coordinating customs clearance, depot services and onward transport.

Changes to regional shipping networks

The wider Middle East shipping environment remains a significant factor.

Carriers continue to adjust routes and schedules in response to regional security conditions. This can result in changes to port calls, vessel schedules and cargo flows between Red Sea, Gulf and Mediterranean gateways.

Hapag-Lloyd’s September operational update, for example, recorded changes to individual services calling at Jeddah.

How could this affect shipments?

The main concern for importers is the time between vessel arrival and final delivery.

A container can arrive at Jeddah but still require time for discharge, customs clearance, terminal release, truck collection and onward transportation.

Current congestion means businesses should avoid relying solely on the vessel ETA when planning delivery dates.

Truck availability can also become a factor. Longer turnaround times mean vehicles may complete fewer journeys, putting additional pressure on inland transport capacity.

What should shippers do?

Businesses with cargo moving through Jeddah should consider:

Allowing additional time for container collection and delivery
Completing customs documentation before vessel arrival where possible
Arranging trucking in advance
Monitoring container availability and terminal release
Reviewing delivery dates for time-sensitive cargo
Considering alternative routing where commercially appropriate

There is no single delay period that applies to every shipment. Conditions can vary between carriers, terminals and destinations.

Operational conditions can change quickly. This update reflects carrier and logistics information available as of 24 September 2026 and should not be treated as a guaranteed transit time for individual shipments.

New EU Steel Import Evidence Requirements From October 2026

Businesses importing certain steel products into the European Union will face new documentation requirements from 1 October 2026.

Importers of affected steel products will need to hold evidence confirming both the country where the steel was melted and poured. They will also need to hold the heat number associated with the imported steel.

For businesses moving steel into the EU, checking these details with suppliers before shipment will be important. This will help avoid customs delays.

What information is required for EU steel imports?

From 1 October 2026, importers will need documentation that confirms:

The country of melt and pour for the steel
The heat number of the imported steel

The main document used to provide this information will be the Mill Test Certificate (MTC).

Importers should contact their steel suppliers and check that the MTC supplied with each shipment contains the required information.

What is a Mill Test Certificate?

A Mill Test Certificate, often referred to as an MTC, is a document issued by a steel manufacturer or mill. It provides information about the material supplied.

Depending on the product and certificate, this can include details such as the material grade and chemical composition. It can also include mechanical properties and traceability information.

For affected EU steel imports, the MTC will be particularly important. This is because it can provide evidence of the steel’s melt and pour country and heat number.

Where the MTC does not contain all the required information, other supporting documentation may be accepted.

A transition period will apply

A transition period will run until 30 September 2027 where an MTC is unavailable.

While this provides additional time for businesses to adapt, importers should still review their supplier documentation as early as possible.

Waiting until a shipment is ready for customs clearance could create unnecessary delays. This may happen if the required evidence cannot be obtained quickly.

Do the requirements apply when using a tariff quota?

Yes. The new evidence requirements apply to affected steel imports generally, regardless of whether a tariff quota is being claimed.

However, where an importer is using a tariff quota, there may be additional quota requirements. These requirements may also need to be met.

Importers should therefore consider both the evidence requirements and any applicable tariff quota conditions when preparing future EU steel shipments.

What should steel importers do now?

With the new requirements coming into effect on 1 October 2026, businesses importing affected steel products should start reviewing their upcoming shipments.

We recommend checking:

Which steel products you import into the EU and whether they are affected by the new requirements.
Your supplier documentation to confirm that the required melt and pour country information is available.
Mill Test Certificates to make sure the heat number is clearly recorded.
Supporting documentation where the MTC does not contain all the required information.
Tariff quota requirements, where a quota is being claimed.
Upcoming shipments to make sure the necessary evidence can be obtained before the goods are presented to EU customs.

Taking these steps before shipment can help reduce the risk of documentation issues when the goods arrive.

How Future Forwarding can help with EU steel imports

Changes to customs and import requirements can make international shipments more complex. This is particularly true when additional documentation is required from overseas suppliers.

At Future Forwarding, we help businesses manage their international freight and customs requirements. This includes shipments involving the movement of goods into the EU.

If you’re importing steel into the EU and have questions about the new evidence requirements, our team can help you review your upcoming shipments. We can also help you identify the documentation you may need.

Planning an EU steel shipment after 1 October 2026? Contact Future Forwarding before your goods ship to discuss your requirements.

EU Deforestation Regulation

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is introducing new requirements for businesses that place certain products on the EU market. It also applies to businesses that export those products from the EU.

The regulation covers commodities including cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, rubber, cattle and wood. It also covers certain products made from these commodities.

The key requirement is that businesses must be able to demonstrate that their products:

Can be traced back to their place of production using the required information, including geolocation data
Are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation
Were produced in line with the relevant laws in the country of production

What does this mean for importers and exporters?

If your business handles products covered by the EUDR, you may need to collect and manage detailed information about your suppliers. In addition, you may need information about the origin of the goods.

Depending on your role in the supply chain, this can include carrying out due diligence. You may also need to submit a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) before the relevant goods are placed on the EU market or exported.

This means EUDR compliance needs to be considered as part of your wider supply chain and customs processes. Therefore, it should not be treated as a separate environmental requirement.

When does EUDR apply?

The current application dates are:

30 December 2026
Large and medium-sized operators

30 June 2027
Smaller operators

The European Commission has also published updated guidance and additional rules to help businesses understand and prepare for the regulation.

How can we help?

Preparing early is important, particularly if you import or export goods that fall within the scope of EUDR.

We can support you with the customs and logistics aspects of your supply chain. Additionally, we help you understand what information and processes may be required.

If you are unsure whether EUDR applies to your products or what you need to do before the relevant deadline, contact us for information.

MORE INFORMATION

BMSB Season 2026/27: Important Import and Export Requirements for Australia and New Zealand

September 2026 marks the beginning of BMSB season.

BMSB seasonal measures are now in effect for shipments to Australia and New Zealand.

Importers and Exporters moving cargo to Australia or New Zealand should be aware that seasonal biosecurity measures for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) apply from 1 September 2026 through 30 April 2027.

These measures are designed to prevent BMSB and other pests from entering Australia and New Zealand through international cargo.

For businesses shipping machinery, vehicles, metal products, equipment and other potentially high-risk goods, getting the treatment and documentation right before shipment is essential. Failure to comply can result in inspections, treatment, delays and additional costs at destination.

What is BMSB?

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is an invasive pest that can hide in cargo, shipping containers, machinery, vehicles and other goods.

The insect is particularly active as a biosecurity risk during the northern hemisphere autumn and winter. It seeks sheltered places to survive colder temperatures, which means international cargo can become an ideal hiding place.

When cargo arrives in Australia or New Zealand, authorities may inspect shipments for BMSB and other biosecurity risks.

The consequences of an infestation can be significant. Both countries have strict biosecurity controls to protect their agricultural industries, environment and economy.

When does the 2026/27 BMSB season apply?

Australia

For Australia, the 2026/27 BMSB risk season runs from 1 September 2026 to 30 April 2027, inclusive.

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) measures apply to targeted goods manufactured in or shipped from designated target-risk countries when shipped during this period.

The on-board date shown on the Ocean Bill of Lading is used to determine when goods were shipped. A container’s gate-in date is not accepted for this purpose.

Certain vessels that berth, load or tranship in target-risk countries during the BMSB season can also be subject to seasonal vessel requirements.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) also operates a BMSB risk season from 1 September to 30 April.

For applicable target vehicles, machinery and parts, the measures apply when goods are exported on or after 1 September and arrive in New Zealand on or before 30 April.

MPI also has specific BMSB requirements for sea containers exported from Italy during the risk season.

Which shipments are affected?

Not every shipment to Australia or New Zealand automatically requires BMSB treatment.

The requirements depend on factors including:

Country of manufacture
Country of export or shipment
Transit and transhipment arrangements
Type of goods
Whether the cargo is new or used
Shipping method
Applicable Australian or New Zealand biosecurity rules
Whether the goods fall within a specified high-risk or target-risk category

For Australia, DAFF states that target high-risk goods shipped as sea cargo from target-risk countries during the BMSB season generally require mandatory treatment, subject to specific exemptions.

This is particularly important for businesses shipping machinery, vehicles, equipment, metal products and other goods that may provide hiding places for BMSB.

BMSB treatment requirements

Where treatment is mandatory, the cargo must be treated using an approved treatment method and in accordance with the applicable biosecurity requirements.

For Australia, approved BMSB treatment options include heat treatment, methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride, subject to the prescribed treatment conditions.

Australia has also introduced ethyl formate as a new onshore BMSB treatment option for the 2026/27 season.

For New Zealand, MPI provides approved treatment pathways and requires treatment to be carried out in accordance with its approved biosecurity treatment requirements. Depending on the commodity and applicable pathway, treatment may include offshore fumigation or heat treatment by an MPI-approved treatment provider.

Treatment certificates and documentation

Correct documentation is just as important as the physical treatment.

Where treatment is required, importers and exporters must make sure they have the correct BMSB treatment certificate and supporting documents. The documents must meet the requirements of the relevant destination country’s biosecurity authority.

For New Zealand, MPI requires importers to provide a treatment certificate from an MPI-approved treatment provider when the applicable BMSB treatment pathway requires one.

For Australia, DAFF can inspect cargo when it arrives and may require further biosecurity action if the shipment does not meet the requirements. To reduce the risk of delays and additional treatment costs, businesses should arrange BMSB treatment offshore before the cargo reaches Australia.

Always check the treatment requirements before you ship. The correct treatment and documentation can help prevent unnecessary delays, inspections and additional costs at destination.

What happens if BMSB requirements are not met?

Non-compliant cargo can face additional intervention at destination.

Depending on the circumstances, authorities may:

Hold the shipment
Inspect the cargo or container
Require treatment
Direct the cargo for onshore treatment
Delay cargo clearance
Apply additional biosecurity controls
Create additional storage, handling and treatment costs

For LCL and FAK shipments entering Australia, BMSB risk can be managed at the container level before deconsolidation. Containers subject to BMSB controls may be placed on a seasonal pest hold and require the appropriate declarations before release.

In other words, a missing certificate or incorrect treatment can quickly turn into a costly logistics problem.

What should importers and exporters do?

If you are shipping cargo to Australia or New Zealand between September and April, we recommend checking BMSB requirements before the shipment is booked and before the cargo is loaded.

1. Check the country of origin and shipping route

Confirm whether your cargo originates from, or has been shipped through, a country covered by the relevant BMSB measures.

Transit and transhipment arrangements can affect the applicable requirements, so the complete routing should be reviewed rather than looking only at the final port of departure.

2. Check whether your goods are classified as target or high-risk goods

The commodity itself is important.

Machinery, vehicles, parts, metal products and other goods with potential pest-hiding places can fall within BMSB controls.

Do not assume that a shipment is exempt simply because similar cargo was not treated during another season.

3. Arrange treatment before shipment where required

If treatment is mandatory, use an approved treatment provider and ensure the correct treatment method and parameters are applied.

Where possible, offshore treatment can help reduce the risk of delays and additional treatment after arrival.

4. Obtain the correct treatment documentation

Make sure the relevant certificate and supporting documents are completed correctly and are available for the shipment.

Documentation should be checked before the vessel sails, not after the container arrives at destination.

5. Allow additional time during the BMSB season

Biosecurity inspections and treatment requirements can affect cargo clearance.

Allowing extra time in the supply chain is particularly important for machinery, vehicles, equipment and other cargo categories that may require intervention.

Don’t let a biosecurity issue become a shipping delay

BMSB compliance should be treated as part of your shipment planning, not something to deal with once the container reaches the destination port.

For importers, checking the BMSB requirements before purchasing goods can help avoid unexpected treatment, storage and clearance costs.

For exporters, confirming the requirements with your freight forwarder and treatment provider before loading can help prevent documentation problems and delays later in the journey.

If you are exporting to Australia or New Zealand between 1 September 2026 and 30 April 2027, speak to us before shipping. We can help check the applicable BMSB requirements for your cargo, origin, routing and destination and advise whether treatment and supporting documentation are required.

Important note

BMSB requirements can vary according to the commodity, country of origin, country of export, routing, shipping method and current biosecurity rules. Requirements may also be updated during the season.

Always confirm the current requirements with the relevant authority and your freight forwarder before shipment.

CLIENT ADVISORY – UK AIRFREIGHT DISRUPTION

Impact of the NATS Flight Disruption

September 9th, 2026

The recent technical issue affecting NATS has caused widespread flight delays and cancellations across UK airports.

While the NATS system has now been restored, the impact on air cargo is likely to continue as airlines work through the resulting backlog.

What happened to UK flights?

The disruption began on Tuesday 8 September following a technical problem with the NATS flight processing system.

The issue resulted in significant restrictions on aircraft movements and affected departures and arrivals at airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester and others.

More than 1,000 flights were cancelled or significantly disrupted, with further cancellations and delays continuing into Wednesday as airlines attempt to recover their schedules.

NATS has stated that the issue was resolved and that airspace remained open, but the recovery process has taken longer than expected.

That distinction is important for freight.

An air traffic control system can be back online while the freight network is still dealing with the consequences.

BBC NEWS

What does this mean for air freight?

A significant amount of international cargo travels in the belly hold of passenger aircraft. When passenger flights are cancelled or delayed, cargo can also be:

Rolled to a later flight
Delayed at the airport
Rebooked onto alternative services
Affected by missed connections
Subject to reduced capacity and longer transit times

The disruption may continue even after flights begin operating normally, as airlines reposition aircraft and crews and clear accumulated passenger and cargo volumes.

What should shippers do?

If you have urgent cargo moving through a UK airport, we recommend checking its status with us as soon as possible.

For time-critical shipments, alternative options may include different flights, airlines, airports or dedicated freighter services, depending on available capacity.

The key is to act early. As airlines work through the backlog, alternative air freight capacity is likely to become increasingly limited.

If your cargo has been affected, speak to our team about the available options for your shipment. We can review alternative routing and help minimise delays to your supply chain.

Information correct as of 9 September 2026 and subject to ongoing airline and airport updates.

China Public Holidays 2026: How September and October Holidays Could Affect Shipping

September 8th, 2026

If you have cargo moving to or from China over the next few weeks, now is the time to start planning.

China has two important public holidays coming up in quick succession: Mid-Autumn Festival from 25–27 September 2026, followed by the National Day holiday from 1–7 October 2026, known as Golden Week.

Why could this affect your shipments?

In the run-up to the holidays, we may see increased demand for available shipping space as businesses bring shipments forward.

This can lead to:

Higher demand for vessel and air freight capacity
Tighter space availability
Potential increases in freight rates
Longer lead times for factory production and cargo collection
Reduced availability of trucks and warehouse services
Delays in export documentation and cargo handling
Possible congestion at ports and terminals
Slower responses from suppliers and logistics providers during extended leave periods

The biggest risk is leaving a shipment until the last minute and finding that there is limited capacity available before the holiday period.

What should you do?

Book your shipments as early as possible.

If you already know that you have cargo ready, or will have cargo ready towards the end of September, please speak to us now. Early planning gives us more time to secure suitable shipping options and work around potential capacity constraints.

We also recommend that you:

1. Confirm production dates with your suppliers

Check when your goods will actually be ready and whether your supplier plans to close or reduce operations around the holidays.

2. Bring forward urgent shipments

If your cargo is time-sensitive, don’t wait until the final days of September to arrange transport. Earlier bookings give us more options.

3. Allow extra time in your supply chain

Build some additional buffer into your plans for factory collection, documentation, port handling and transit.

4. Check your stock levels

If you rely heavily on Chinese suppliers, consider whether you need to bring stock forward to cover any potential delays during the holiday period.

5. Speak to us about your upcoming shipments

If you’re unsure when to ship, we can look at your requirements and help you plan around the holiday period.

Don’t leave it until the last minute

The official holidays may only cover a few days, but the knock-on effect can be felt before and after the closures as businesses prepare for the break and work through a backlog afterwards.

For importers and exporters, early booking is the safest approach.

If you have shipments planned from China for late September or October, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll help you review the timing, available options and any potential risks so you can keep your supply chain moving.

Planning ahead now could save you delays, additional costs and a lot of unnecessary stress later.

China Port Congestion Update

Shanghai remains congested, while Ningbo and Yantian are gradually improving

September 24th, 2026

We would like to provide an update on the ongoing congestion affecting major Chinese container ports.

The situation has improved compared with the severe congestion seen earlier in September, particularly at Ningbo and Yantian. However, the network has not yet returned to normal, and Shanghai continues to experience significant vessel and terminal delays.

Shanghai

Shanghai remains the main area of concern.

The latest available industry data indicates an average vessel waiting time of approximately 4.72 days. Conditions vary considerably between terminals, with some Yangshan and Waigaoqiao facilities still reporting waiting times of approximately 6–8 days.

High berth congestion and elevated yard utilisation continue to affect vessel schedules and terminal operations.

As a result, shipments moving through Shanghai should still allow additional time for vessel berthing, cargo handling and departure.6%

Ningbo

The situation at Ningbo has improved from the levels seen earlier this month, although congestion has not completely cleared.

The latest seven-day average vessel waiting time is around 2.51 days, compared with approximately 3.58 days earlier in September. Some terminals continue to experience longer waiting times, with MSICT around four days.

This indicates that the backlog is gradually being reduced, but vessel schedules can still be affected.

Yantian

Yantian has seen a more noticeable improvement.

Latest data indicates an average vessel waiting time of around 1.56 days, while separate weekly port data for 13–19 September showed a median waiting time of only 0.37 days, categorised as low congestion.

However, terminal yard and gate conditions can still create delays for individual export shipments, particularly around the upcoming holiday period.

What this means for your shipments

The overall situation is moving in the right direction, but recovery is uneven.

Shanghai: Significant congestion remains and additional schedule buffer is recommended.

Ningbo: Conditions are improving, but delays remain possible.

Yantian: Considerably better than earlier in September, although local terminal and gate restrictions can still affect cargo.

The recent series of typhoons caused substantial disruption across Chinese ports, with the resulting vessel bunching and backlogs continuing to affect September schedules. Industry reports now indicate that Chinese port congestion is gradually easing from its recent peak, but the recovery is still ongoing.

Upcoming holiday period

The timing is also important. China’s Mid-Autumn Festival runs from 25–27 September, followed by the National Day / Golden Week holiday from 1–7 October.

With only a limited number of normal working days between these holiday periods, there is a risk that remaining backlogs and vessel schedule disruptions will take longer to clear.

For shipments planned during this period, we recommend allowing additional time for vessel departures and arrivals, particularly for cargo moving through Shanghai and Ningbo.

We will continue monitoring port conditions, vessel waiting times and carrier schedules and will provide further updates if there are any significant changes.

Current overall assessment: congestion is easing, but Shanghai remains under significant pressure and the wider China network has not yet fully recovered.

Previous Update

Saudi Airport Attacks: What Could This Mean for Freight and Regional Transport?

What is happening now?

Saudi air freight: disruption and capacity pressure

Ocean freight: a separate and serious risk

Road freight: an alternative, but not a guaranteed solution

How could each transport mode be affected?

Could the disruption spread wider across the Middle East?

How We Can Help

Outlook for the coming days

What should shippers do?

UAE MPCI Requirements 2026: New Maritime Cargo Filing Rules From 1 October

Does this affect your shipments?

What do you need to do?

Why is this important?

What should you do now?

Air Freight: Why Timing Matters as Peak Season Approaches

What is air freight and when should you use it?

Why air freight is particularly relevant right now

The global air cargo market has continued to grow through 2026.

Peak season air freight: why September is the time to plan

How long does air freight take?

What does door-to-door air freight include?

Can air freight help when ocean freight is delayed?

What should businesses consider before booking air freight?

Is air freight more expensive than sea freight?

Jeddah Port Congestion: Latest Operational Update

What is happening at Jeddah Port?

What is causing the congestion at Jeddah Port?

Higher cargo volumes

Pressure on inland transport

Changes to regional shipping networks

How could this affect shipments?

What should shippers do?

New EU Steel Import Evidence Requirements From October 2026

What information is required for EU steel imports?

What is a Mill Test Certificate?

A transition period will apply

Do the requirements apply when using a tariff quota?

What should steel importers do now?

How Future Forwarding can help with EU steel imports

EU Deforestation Regulation

What does this mean for importers and exporters?

When does EUDR apply?

How can we help?

BMSB Season 2026/27: Important Import and Export Requirements for Australia and New Zealand

What is BMSB?

When does the 2026/27 BMSB season apply?

Australia

New Zealand

Which shipments are affected?

BMSB treatment requirements

Treatment certificates and documentation

What happens if BMSB requirements are not met?

What should importers and exporters do?

1. Check the country of origin and shipping route

2. Check whether your goods are classified as target or high-risk goods

3. Arrange treatment before shipment where required

4. Obtain the correct treatment documentation

5. Allow additional time during the BMSB season

Don’t let a biosecurity issue become a shipping delay

Important note

CLIENT ADVISORY – UK AIRFREIGHT DISRUPTION

Impact of the NATS Flight Disruption

What happened to UK flights?

What does this mean for air freight?

What should shippers do?

China Public Holidays 2026: How September and October Holidays Could Affect Shipping

Why could this affect your shipments?

What should you do?

Don’t leave it until the last minute

China Port Congestion Update

Shanghai remains congested, while Ningbo and Yantian are gradually improving

Shanghai

Ningbo

Yantian

What this means for your shipments

Upcoming holiday period

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