As a professional buyer, you must notice that the current ocean freight cost increased sharply. Below is some info and links for your reference. I hope you can arrange your orders and shipments well.
1. Container freight rates at highest level since epidemic
2. East-west freight rates continue rise; even transatlantic edges up
https://theloadstar.com/east-west-freight-rates-continue-rise-even-transatlantic-edges-up
3. Red Sea Crisis Could Bring Early Start to Peak Shipping Season
4. A ‘carrier-controlled market’ as spot rates rise and capacity tightens
https://theloadstar.com/a-carrier-controlled-market-as-ocean-rates-rise-and-capacity-tightens
5. Drewry’s World Container Index increased 11% to $3,511 per 40ft container this week
Below are some suggestions for your reference.
1. Check with different shipping agents
If you need to ship the goods immediately to avoid running out of stock, it seems you have no choice, but to check with different shipping agents to get the best rate. With the stock shortages you are currently experiencing, any further delay in securing inventory could lead to significant sales losses and negatively affect your reputation with your customers.
2. Hold on the shipment
If the goods are ready but the shipment is not so urgent, you can hold on the shipment and check the shipping rates recently. According to our experience, July and August are not the peak season of the year. So you can wait until July to make the decision. However, the freight cost will increase from Sep. to the Chinese Spring Festival. So you don’t have too much time to make a decision or wait for a very long time.
3. Hold on the order or place it?
If you have a new order at hand, I think you can still place it but you should advise the supplier that if the freight cost is too high, you need free storage for some time to wait for the proper freight cost for the shipment.
For our aluminum storage boxes, now we suggest our customers place the orders as normal and we’ll see whether the freight can be down. Some of our customers place their orders for Christmas in advance, then we can have a look when is the proper time for shipment.
That’s all. I hope you can find the best way to solve the current problem. Good luck!