ports

Peak Season Concept Loses Relevance as Trade Patterns Shift

The traditional concept of peak season is increasingly obsolete as global container supply chains face mounting geopolitical and economic pressures, according to logistics executives. Demand now fluctuates across multiple waves throughout the year rather than following predictable seasonal surges, said Renee Toh, vice president of global ocean freight at Rhenus. Volume patterns have become less consistent and more reactive, driven by external disruptions, cost expectations and retail cycles. Carriers are aggressively managing shipper allocations ahead of new bunker adjustment factors taking effect July 1, creating severe capacity constraints. Major shippers report difficulty securing space from ocean lines. Some forwarders expect tight conditions through mid-August, with booking levels for early July and subsequent roll pool buildup suggesting pressure could extend through Golden Week into September. This creates an elongated demand period spanning May through September rather than a concentrated peak.