Common Misconceptions about Domestic Shipping and Strategies for the Peak Season

1. Common Misconceptions

Misconception	Fact
❌ "No insurance needed for domestic sea freight"	✅ Transportation risks exist; it is recommended to purchase cargo insurance
❌ "The lower the price, the better"	✅ You need to check what the ALL-IN price includes. A low price may not cover terminal fees/haulage charges
❌ "Door-to-door always includes haulage at both ends"	✅ It depends on the agreement. When inquiring, confirm the exact scope of "door-to-door" service
❌ "Domestic sea freight is as complex as international sea freight"	✅ It omits three steps: customs declaration, customs clearance, and bill of lading, making the process much simpler
❌ "A 40GP container is always twice as expensive as a 20GP"	✅ Freight rates are not linear; the unit price per 20GP can be higher than that of a 40GP

2. Peak Season Coping Strategies 🔄

Domestic sea freight has distinct peak and off seasons. Understand the rhythm and plan accordingly:

Aspect	🔴 Peak Season (Aug-Oct)	🟢 Off Season (Around Chinese New Year)
Freight Rate	Increase of 20-40%	Low point of the year
Space	Tight, requires scheduling	Plentiful
Booking Lead Time	5-7 days	2-3 days

4-Step Action Plan for Peak Season:

Plan Ahead: Book space 10 days in advance
Alternative Plans: Prepare 2-3 alternative sailing schedules
Maintain Communication: Stay in touch with the logistics company to track space availability
Adjust Flexibly: If the regular voyage is full, consider alternative routes

💡 The most capacity-constrained route during peak season is the South China ↔ North China route. If you ship frequently during peak season, it is advisable to sign an annual cooperation agreement to lock in space and pricing.