As the Christmas season approaches, global trade enters its busiest time of the year. Retailers, eCommerce sellers, and importers are all racing to stock up on holiday essentials, Christmas decorations, gifts, and other seasonal products.
In this guide, we share practical insights into wholesale shipping of Christmas products, helping you plan, cut costs, and ensure your goods arrive on time.
Why Christmas shipping gets complicated
Every December, the demand for international shipping services skyrockets. Carriers, ports, and customs offices all experience peak traffic. As a result, shipping internationally during Christmas often means facing longer transit times and higher freight costs.
However, with early preparation and the right logistics partner, your supply chain can stay efficient. Planning your shipments helps you secure space on vessels or flights before rates surge.
How long does international shipping take during Christmas?
Delivery times depend on your chosen shipping method and destination.
- Air freight is faster, typically taking 5 to 10 days, but it becomes more expensive during the holiday rush.
- Sea freight is more affordable but also slower, usually taking 25 to 45 days depending on the route.
- Road and multimodal options are also growing in popularity, offering a balance between cost and speed for routes between China and Europe.
If you’re wondering how long international shipping takes during Christmas, the answer is: longer than usual. Weather conditions, customs inspections, and increased cargo volumes all contribute to potential delays. That’s why it’s strongly recommended to plan your shipments at least one month in advance.
The cheapest way to ship internationally this season
Everyone wants the cheapest way to ship internationally, especially when profit margins are tight.
Here are a few success strategies to help you save on costs:
- Book early: Freight rates tend to rise sharply after mid-November.
- Consider consolidated shipping: Grouping smaller shipments into one container can significantly reduce expenses.
- Compare air, sea, and express options: Sometimes express lines offer seasonal promotions that make them more affordable than you might expect.
- Work with a trusted forwarder: A professional logistics provider, like Airsupply, can help you negotiate better rates and manage customs efficiently.
In short, the cheapest solution is not always the slowest one—it is the option that best fits your timeline and budget. At Airsupply, we provide customized international shipping solutions from China to destinations worldwide, tailored to your specific logistics needs.
Christmas imports and wholesale shipping tips
Whether you’re sourcing Christmas lights, ornaments, toys, or festive packaging, timing and supplier coordination are essential for success.
Below are some key tips to help you manage your Christmas imports more efficiently:
- 1Order early (by September or October) to avoid production and shipping delays.
- Verify your suppliers to ensure compliance with local safety and labeling standards.
- Choose the right Incoterms (FOB or EXW) based on your supplier’s location and shipping preferences.
- Prepare customs documents in advance to prevent clearance issues.
To secure quality products at competitive prices, you can find reliable factories through a sourcing agent or by purchasing directly from platforms like 1688 or Alibaba. Once your goods are ready, ASLG provides professional consolidation and international shipping services, managing every step from pickup to final delivery.
Managing Christmas logistics with confidence
The complexity of Christmas logistics goes beyond shipping alone. It involves careful scheduling, warehouse coordination, and real-time tracking.
As a trusted freight forwarding partner in China, we can help you:
- Plan multi-route shipping strategies
- Manage customs clearance across different regions
- Optimize costs with combined air-sea solutions
- Provide end-to-end tracking for peace of mind
From wholesale Christmas imports to oversized cargo or dangerous goods, we handle every detail — freight booking, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery.
