Observation From My Recent Container Shipment Cost

Irish 2.0

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I did not personally see a spike in my freight cost for China origin starting in August that I typically have. I typically see anywhere from a 25-35% bump in freight cost on containers around this time as that is when a lot of the holiday shipping will begin.

My most recent example, albeit slightly later than Christmas, I have a 20ft container going from Zhuhai, CN to Quebec City that cost me $4500 for door-to-door. Last year, that was a $5750 freight cost.

Something to keep in mind as we move into the holiday season.

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AggieT

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9:22a, 11/15/23

AG

I only bring in a few containers a year from China, but there was no increase in the freight cost for the order I just placed (ETA early January.)

However, this is something to pay attention to heading into next year:

Panama Canal

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In reply to AggieT • 9:36a, 11/15/23

I really like that you posted this! I am one of two suppliers for my largest customer and we actually just took a good bit from the other supplier that is located in the US near Houston. The other supplier had all of South America, but due to the canal issue, we just got all of Western S. America because we ship out of Gaolan, CN and no concerns there for the canal.

jagvocate

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12:10p, 11/15/23

AG

We lost so much manufacturing to China. Hope some of it comes back.

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htxag09

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4:29p, 11/15/23

AG

WSJ: U.S. Retail Sales Fall for First Time Since March as Holiday Season Approaches

Quote:
Warning signs ahead of the holidays

The National Retail Federation expects spending this holiday season, which it defines as Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, to grow 3% to 4% from the same period last year. That would be down from a 5.4% increase in holiday sales last year and a 12.7% jump in 2021, according to Commerce Department figures.

Stores and warehouses are taking note. The number of seasonal positions publicly advertised fell to the lowest level in a decade, according to outplacement-services firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Employers are adding fewer extra workers this year and have been finding it easier to fill those roles.

Customers have been placing fewer orders for Litko Game Accessories, said owner Ken Litko. The Valparaiso, Ind., company makes game tokens and accessories for board-game players. Two assemblers left in recent months, and Litko has hired only one to replace them. He is waiting to see if demand will pick up before adding more staff.

"This is the busy season coming up," he said. "It seems a little tepid."

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