Seasonal Shipping Guide
Christmas cut-offs, Black Friday dispatch strategy and Chinese New Year factory closures — plan ahead to avoid peak season shipping disasters.
Christmas Shipping 2025
Last dispatch dates for DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD and GLS. EU and international cut-offs to ensure delivery before 25 December.
Black Friday Shipping 2025
Capacity planning, peak surcharges and dispatch strategy for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. BFCM: 28 Nov – 1 Dec 2025.
Chinese New Year 2026
Chinese factory closure dates, last pre-CNY shipment deadlines and post-CNY supply chain planning for European importers.
Peak Season Surcharges by Carrier
| Carrier | Black Friday | Christmas | Post-CNY | Surcharge period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | €1.50–€3.00 | €1.50–€3.00 | €1.00–€2.50 | Nov 1 – Jan 15 |
| UPS | €1.00–€2.50 | €1.00–€2.50 | Varies | Oct 1 – Jan 15 |
| DPD | €0.50–€1.50 | €0.50–€1.50 | N/A (EU only) | Nov 1 – Jan 15 |
| GLS | €0.30–€0.80 | €0.30–€0.80 | N/A (EU only) | Nov 1 – Jan 15 |
| FedEx | Varies | Varies | Varies | Nov 1 – Jan 31 |
Surcharge amounts are indicative based on published carrier schedules. Actual surcharges vary annually — check your carrier's current peak surcharge schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do carrier peak surcharges start?
Most carriers begin peak surcharges from 1 November and end them around 10–15 January. DHL Express typically runs the surcharge through the end of January. UPS often begins in October. Check your carrier's published peak surcharge schedule each year — amounts and dates change annually.
What is the last date to ship within the EU for Christmas?
For EU economy road (GLS, DPD): dispatch by 16 December 2025. For EU express (DHL Express, UPS Express): dispatch by 19 December 2025. These are estimates — always confirm binding cut-off dates with your carrier as they vary each year.
How long do Chinese factories close for Chinese New Year?
The official national holiday is 7 days, but effective factory closure is typically 3–4 weeks. Most Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu factories close from approximately 10 January 2026 and return to full capacity by 10 February 2026. Individual supplier closure dates vary — confirm with each supplier directly.
Book Before the Deadline
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