How to Solve China Freight Delays? A Complete Guide to Smooth Logistics
How to Solve China Freight Delays? A Complete Guide to Smooth Logistics
Still worried about China freight delays? You're not alone. Waiting months for shipments is often frustrating—not
only disrupting supply chains, driving up costs, but also significantly reducing customer satisfaction. But don't worry,
there are solutions. This guide will delve into the root causes of China freight delays, practical solutions, and how to
choose a reliable freight forwarder to help you optimize your logistics processes and avoid costly transportation
disruptions.
一. Why Do China Freight Delays Occur?
In 2025, China freight delays will persist due to a variety of factors, including logistics, economics, and external
disruptions. Here are the most common reasons:
1. Port Congestion
China's major ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen) handle enormous cargo throughput—in 2022 alone,
Shanghai handled over 47 million TEUs, firmly securing its position as the world's largest port by cargo volume.
Even with optimal port staffing and favorable weather conditions, this unprecedented surge in shipping demand
can still lead to delays: ships often have to wait days or even weeks for loading and unloading operations,
significantly delaying delivery times.
2. Labor Shortage
Labor shortages have long been a thorny issue for the port and logistics industries. Across China, critical positions
such as truck drivers and stevedores are understaffed, leading to a significant halt in the movement of goods
between factories and ports. This is due to an aging workforce in some industries and occasional labor
strikes—both of which disrupt the "last mile" of the supply chain.
3. Freight Container Imbalance
Disruptions in the global supply chain in recent years have left millions of shipping containers stranded at ports
in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This has drastically reduced the number of available containers in China,
making it difficult for exporters to load their goods on time. Despite a roughly 40% drop in container prices in 2023,
this persistent imbalance in container supply and demand continues to cause shipping delays for companies trying
to meet global order demand.
4. Surging Demand and Full Shipping Lines
As a major manufacturing nation, China's products continue to experience strong global demand, placing
significant pressure on shipping lines, particularly those serving e-commerce and manufacturing sectors. As more
and more businesses choose to source goods from China, long queues for ship bookings are common. For example,
at the peak of the pandemic, the cost of shipping a 40-foot container soared from approximately $2,000 to $20,000,
and delays caused by full ships became increasingly severe.
5. Geopolitical Tensions
The Sino-US trade war and global trade restrictions (such as sanctions, tariffs, and new export regulations) have
forced shipping lines to reroute cargo. Whether by sea or land, these diversions disrupt shipping schedules and
create uncertainty about cargo arrival times.
6. Energy Shortages
Parts of China experience energy shortages during certain seasons, leading to power outages and slowing factory
production. Delays in production naturally impact shipping plans, causing ripple effects throughout the supply chain.
7. Chinese Statutory Holidays
Statutory holidays such as the Spring Festival and Golden Week are significant sources of freight delays in China.
Factories and logistics companies often shut down for days or even weeks during these holidays. When operations
resume, backlogs of orders and port congestion after workers return can cause shipments to be delayed for up to
a month.
8. Customs Inspection Delays
China's stringent inspection requirements for export goods can extend customs inspection times. Missing necessary
documents such as commercial invoices and certificates of origin, unannounced spot checks, or sudden changes in
importing country policies can cause containers to be held up at the border, sometimes for weeks.
二. How to Address China Freight Delays? 8 Practical Strategies
China freight delays are not unsolvable. The following proven strategies can help minimize disruptions,
shorten wait times, and ensure a stable supply chain:
1. Diversify Suppliers and Shipping Routes
Don't rely on a single supplier or port. If delays with your primary supplier occur, switch to a backup provider
immediately. When choosing a port, avoid heavily congested hubs like Shanghai and Shenzhen, opting instead
for less congested ports like Dalian and Qingdao to expedite loading and unloading. This flexibility can effectively
avoid transportation bottlenecks caused by issues with a single partner or route.
2. Optimize Inventory Management
If you use a just-in-time inventory model, it's recommended to adjust your strategy and increase safety stock.
Holding extra inventory for high-demand goods can act as a buffer against shipping delays—ensuring sufficient
stock to meet customer demand until regular shipping resumes, minimizing sales losses due to stockouts and
ensuring normal business operations.
3. Choose Air Freight for Urgent Orders
Ocean freight is cheaper, but air freight is faster—shortening delivery times from weeks to days. Air freight is an
ideal option for urgent, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments (such as seasonal goods and spare parts). In 2021,
China's air freight volume grew by over 25% as businesses sought faster alternatives to ocean freight. While air
freight is more expensive, it's a wise investment to ensure timely delivery for critical orders.
4. Prepare standardized digital documents
Incomplete or incorrectly filled documents are a major cause of customs delays. Ensure all required documents
(including commercial invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin, packing lists, etc.) are available and implement
automated document processing systems. In 2023, companies using digital tools reported a 15% reduction in
customs delays, thanks to efficient and error-free document processing.
5. Improve transparency with digital tools and data analytics.
Technology can help you predict and mitigate delays. Use tools that offer the following features:
- Real-time cargo tracking (24/7 monitoring of cargo location and ongoing shipping progress);
- Port congestion, weather conditions, and vessel schedule analysis (pre-identifying potential delays and adjusting
shipping plans).
A 2022 survey showed that 70% of companies using digital tracking tools reported significantly improved supply
chain transparency and reduced freight delays.
6. Plan production ahead of Chinese holidays.
Freight demand surges around holidays like the Spring Festival and Golden Week, making delays more likely.
Companies should take preventative measures in advance: coordinate with suppliers, place orders 2-3 months
before the holiday, and adjust production plans. In 2023, companies that prepared for the Lunar New Year months
in advance successfully avoided major delays, while those that did not faced significant transportation disruptions.
7. Prepare for Geopolitical Risks
Trade restrictions and tariffs may contribute to shipping delays in China. To mitigate the impact of geopolitical
factors, companies need to gain a deep understanding of international trade rules and adjust their procurement
strategies based on policy dynamics (for example, prioritizing operations in trade-friendly regions). Furthermore,
companies should be proficient in using tariff codes to avoid additional taxes and fees due to trade war-related
policies and reduce transportation bottlenecks.
8. Strengthen Container Logistics Management
Addressing container shortages is key to reducing delays. Three approaches can be taken:
- Partner with shipping companies with large container fleets to outsource container needs;
- Opt for container leasing to reduce costs over the long term;
- Stockpile containers in advance, especially during peak shipping periods (such as around holidays and during
e-commerce promotions) to ensure supply.
9. Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder
The competitive market has led to the emergence of many unreliable freight forwarders, often offering extremely
low prices and ultra-fast shipping times. However, many large companies often quote shipping times based on
the industry average—that is, the actual shipping time to your location. Unreliable freight forwarders often base
their estimates on unreliable times.
In 2025, many companies used these methods to ensure sufficient container supply during peak shipping periods,
effectively shortening shipment preparation time.
三. How to Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder in China?
To avoid delays caused by choosing the wrong freight forwarder, focus on the following key factors:
1. Industry Experience
Preferably, choose a forwarder with extensive experience in export shipping from China. Such forwarders are
familiar with the operating rules of busy ports like Shanghai and Shenzhen, can flexibly handle port congestion,
and efficiently handle cargo loading and unloading processes.
2. Carrier Network
A high-quality freight forwarder should establish close partnerships with shipping lines, airlines, and local
transportation service providers. A strong network of partners not only ensures booking priority but also allows
for quick switching to alternative routes when ports are congested. For example, during the 2021 freight peak,
ITS GOOD's parent company, Haopeng International Logistics, successfully secured space on fully booked
vessels for clients, significantly reducing wait times.
3. Customs Expertise
Customs issues are a significant cause of delays, so it's crucial to choose an agent with extensive experience in
the customs clearance process. A reliable agent can stay abreast of customs policy changes, ensure document
compliance, and minimize the risk of cargo being held up at the border.
4. Tracking Services and Transparency
Choose an agent that offers real-time online tracking services and prompt communication. Data from 2022 shows
that 70% of businesses using digital tracking tools experience significant reductions in freight delays due to real-time
visibility into cargo status. At ITS GOOD, we have our own logistics tracking system, allowing you to track the status
of your shipments in real time.
5. Local Resources
A local agent with strong roots in China can better handle local transportation and warehousing issues, ensuring
rapid cargo dispatch and shortening shipping preparation times.
If you need a freight service that combines all of the above advantages, contact ITS GOOD. We offer a full range
of services by air, ocean, rail, and truck, covering door-to-door and port-to-port modes. While guaranteeing quality
service at competitive prices, we are committed to delivering your goods to their destination in the shortest
possible time.
