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The 2025 peak shipping season has arrived, and supply chain teams across Asia-Pacific (APAC) face one of the busiest periods of the year. Tight vessel space, rising freight rates, port congestion, and unpredictable weather are creating challenges for shippers. Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) and General Rate Increases (GRIs) are adding cost volatility, making careful planning essential.
This blog highlights the key trends, risks, and strategies shaping the 2025 peak season, and what supply chain teams can do now to maintain delivery performance and control costs.
September marked the start of peak season: vessels filled quickly, utilisation hit record highs, and bookings closed well before cut-off. General Rate Increases (USD 300–600 per TEU) pushed costs higher, while shortages of NOR containers at Chinese ports added pressure to already tight equipment windows.
Looking ahead, demand remains strong across APAC. Space is scarce, rates continue to climb, and the market has split: premium carriers holding firm on price and reliability, and budget carriers competing aggressively to fill space. For supply chain teams, each booking is now a calculation between cost, certainty, and speed.
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Airfreight: E-commerce, perishables, and urgent cargo are increasing demand.
September marked the start of peak season: vessels filled quickly, utilisation hit record highs, and bookings closed well before cut-off. General Rate Increases (USD 300–600 per TEU) pushed costs higher, while shortages of NOR containers at Chinese ports added pressure to already tight equipment windows.
Looking ahead, demand remains strong across APAC. Space is scarce, rates continue to climb, and the market has split: premium carriers holding firm on price and reliability, and budget carriers competing aggressively to fill space. For supply chain teams, each booking is now a calculation between cost, certainty, and speed.
Peak season affects every stage of the supply chain:
Last Mile: Congestion and higher delivery costs in metropolitan areas.
Service Reliability: Blank sailings, weather events, and port congestion will continue to impact on-time delivery.
1. What drives freight rate increases during peak season?
Higher demand, limited capacity, and seasonal surcharges such as GRIs and PSS are the main drivers. Early September increases set a pricing baseline for the season.
2. How can shippers secure space effectively?
Book shipments 3–4 weeks in advance, provide accurate forecasts, and diversify routes to reduce reliance on a single service.
3. Is airfreight a viable option during peak season?
Yes. While more expensive, airfreight is ideal for high-value or time-sensitive cargo and can complement sea freight strategies.
4. How do weather and port congestion affect shipments?
Ongoing congestion in Sydney and Melbourne slows berthing, and cyclone season adds risk to northern ports. Buffer days and alternative routes should be included in planning.
5. How can businesses manage cost volatility?
Plan budgets with flexibility for GRIs and PSS, monitor market announcements, and work with logistics partners to secure stable agreements in advance.
Effective preparation is key to keeping your shipments on schedule and managing costs during the 2025 APAC peak season. Plan ahead, secure space early, and stay informed to navigate delays and rate fluctuations with confidence.
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