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Stockwells logistics news report

Friday 9th January, 2026

In this news report:

Chinese New Year: How It Impacts International Shipping and Your Supply Chain

Fremantle Bridge Closure from February 1, 2026

Severe Winter Weather Disrupts European Transport

Shipping Charges & Fees

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Chinese New Year: How It Impacts International Shipping and Your Supply Chain

Chinese New Year (CNY) is one of the most significant holidays in China and across Asia, and it has a major impact on global trade and logistics. In 2026, celebrations will begin on February 17, but the effects on international shipping extend well beyond the holiday itself.

Why Does It Affect Shipping?

During CNY, factories, offices, and warehouses across China shut down for at least one to two weeks, with many businesses operating at reduced capacity for longer. Millions of workers travel home, meaning production halts and port operations slow down. This creates a ripple effect across global supply chains.

Key Impacts to Expect

Factory Closures: Most manufacturers stop production for 1–2 weeks, and some take longer to resume full capacity.
Port Congestion: Increased demand before the holiday leads to vessel space shortages and higher freight rates.
Delays in Shipping: Orders placed too close to the holiday may not ship until weeks later.
Extended Lead Times: Even after CNY, backlogs and staffing shortages can delay shipments for several weeks.

How to Prepare

Plan Ahead: Place orders early to avoid production and shipping delays.
Communicate with Suppliers: Confirm their closure dates and production schedules.
Adjust Inventory: Stock up on critical items before the holiday.
Work with Your Freight Forwarder: Secure bookings early and consider alternative routes or modes of transport. In order to ensure space is secured, clients will need to Stockwells of new orders at least 2 weeks prior to the cargo ready date.

Chinese New Year is predictable, but its impact on global supply chains can be significant if not managed proactively. By planning ahead, you can minimise disruptions and keep your business moving.

Get in touch with the Stockwells team today, we can help with your freight booking needs, and the in-house booking office can arrange all your FCL movements in the lead up to and around Chinese New Year.

Fremantle Bridge Closure from February 1, 2026.

The State Government has confirmed the Fremantle Traffic Bridge will close on 1 February 2026, to enable completion of a new and iconic bridge for the port city.

Fremantle Traffic Bridge to close on 1 February 2026 for up to 12 months
Range of measures to support bridge closure in place from start of 2026 school year
Community information sessions underway and resources available to help people plan their journeys
Live Traffic WA app launched to provide real-time travel updates during the closure
New traffic bridge part of Cook Government's commitment to delivering quality infrastructure for Western Australians and improving Fremantle's road network

The State Government has confirmed the Fremantle Traffic Bridge will close on 1 February 2026, to enable completion of a new and iconic bridge for the port city.

The bridge will be closed for up to 12 months, with the construction schedule to be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the program expedited where possible.

Replacement of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge will improve journeys for road, shared path and river users as part of the Cook Government's commitment to delivering quality infrastructure and improving the State's road network.

In October, the State Government announced its full suite of initiatives to reduce peak-hour vehicle usage and keep Stirling Highway moving during the closure period.

This package includes additional train and bus services, a free-travel zone along South Terrace between Douro Road and Fremantle Station, additional transit officers, and parking at Fremantle Station will be expanded and made free for passengers using SmartRiders.

Removing the current $2 parking fee at the station and a new one-zone flat fare will provide a weekly saving of up to $27 for commuters using the train to travel from Fremantle to Perth, five days a week.

To keep traffic on Stirling Highway moving, Main Roads is modifying 15 intersections, with 18 new devices being installed to provide enhanced real-time monitoring of traffic movements so the information can be relayed immediately to road users.

Full media release | Fremantle Traffic Bridge to close on 1 February 2026 | Western Australian Government

Severe Winter Weather Disrupts European Transport

Heavy snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures continue to impact ports and inland transport across Northern and Western Europe. Trucking, rail, and barge services are experiencing significant delays, causing congestion throughout the supply chain.

Key impacts:

Terminal and depot delays
Road closures and traffic jams
Reduced handling slot availability
Weather-related congestion

Port Updates:

Hamburg: Eurogate and HHLA terminals suspended operations on Jan 3; waterside activities have resumed slowly, while rail and truck remain limited.
Wilhelmshaven & Bremerhaven: Minor disruptions, no full shutdowns.
Rotterdam: ECT Delta operations halted until further notice.
Antwerp: No major constraints reported.

Conditions are expected to persist, affecting loading/unloading schedules and closing times. Please plan for ongoing delays.

Stockwells Air Freight Portal

Stockwells’ has introduced its new airfreight portal that will allow clients to directly book courier services themselves to fast track the process. If you would like more information contact your KAM or CSR

Domestic Transport Portal

Our domestic transport service was developed, seamlessly integrating into the user-friendly Domestic Transport Portal (DTP). This service connects customers to Stockwells extensive network of carriers, offering a range of benefits and logistics efficiencies.If you would like more information contact your KAM or CSR

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