Shipping Season Analysis

Introduction

When I first entered the industry, I experienced more than a decade of consistent seasonality trends, spanning nearly 15 years of my career. This seasonality typically aligns with major holiday periods, such as Chinese New Year. Historically, there have been distinct seasonal phases:

Low Season: February to June
Mid Season: June to September
High Season: September to Christmas

During the Christmas period, a slight low can be observed, but by January, activity ramps up again with the onset of Chinese New Year, marking the high season. Prices during this high-demand period have traditionally reached their peak.

Reflecting on the late '90s and early 2000s, it is worth noting that the landscape was vastly different from what we see today. E-commerce had yet to dominate the market; retail stores typically didn't hold sales throughout the year. Instead, sales were predominantly held after holiday periods or once all gifts had been purchased.

This shift in e-commerce practices has transformed the retail environment and the associated shipping patterns, making it essential for businesses to adapt to these changing dynamics in consumer behavior and market expectations.

Keywords

Seasonality
Shipping
Low Season
Mid Season
High Season
Chinese New Year
E-commerce
Retail Sales

FAQ

What is the shipping seasonality trend?
The shipping seasonality trend refers to the consistent fluctuations in demand during different periods of the year, typically influenced by major holidays.

What are the phases of the shipping season?
There are three primary phases: Low Season (February to June), Mid Season (June to September), and High Season (September to Christmas).

How has e-commerce affected retail sales?
E-commerce has changed the retail landscape by introducing constant sales throughout the year, unlike earlier times when sales were limited to post-holiday periods.

What period experiences the highest shipping prices?
The period leading up to Chinese New Year is typically where shipping prices reach their highest due to increased demand.