Why January Is the Best Time to Plan Logistics for the Entire Year

05.01.2026

After the holiday rush subsides and before peak shipping seasons begin, January offers a unique window to analyze, plan, and optimize shipping operations. Businesses that take advantage of this period gain better pricing, stronger partnerships, and fewer disruptions throughout the year.

The Market Is Calmer After the Holiday Rush

December is traditionally one of the most congested months in global logistics. Holiday demand, port congestion, weather disruptions, and year-end deadlines all contribute to delays and higher costs.

By contrast, January marks a reset.

Ports begin clearing backlogs, vessel schedules normalize, and demand temporarily softens. According to Drewry Shipping Consultants, early Q1 often experiences lower pressure on capacity compared to peak periods later in the year.
https://www.drewry.co.uk

This calmer environment allows businesses to plan shipments more strategically instead of reacting to bottlenecks.

 

Better Visibility Into Annual Budgets and Volumes

January is when most companies finalize:

  • Annual budgets

  • Sales forecasts

  • Inventory plans

  • Export volumes

Having clarity on expected shipment volumes allows logistics planning to become proactive rather than fragmented. Businesses that know how much they plan to ship and when can negotiate better terms, optimize container usage, and avoid costly last-minute arrangements.

According to McKinsey & Company, companies that align logistics planning with annual budgeting significantly reduce cost volatility and operational risk.
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights 

Early Planning Leads to Better Rates and Availability

Shipping rates are influenced by demand, fuel costs, and capacity. While prices fluctuate throughout the year, January often provides opportunities to:

  • Lock in preferred routes

  • Secure container availability

  • Plan consolidated shipments

  • Avoid premium seasonal surcharges

The Freightos Baltic Index (FBX) shows that freight rates often stabilize or soften in early Q1 before demand rises later in the year.
https://www.freightos.com/freight-resources/freight-rate-index/  

Businesses that plan early are less exposed to sudden rate spikes during peak seasons.

Preparing for Peak Seasons Before They Start

The most challenging logistics periods — spring demand surges, summer shipping peaks, and year-end congestion — are predictable. The problem is that many companies prepare too late.

Planning in January allows businesses to:

  • Schedule shipments ahead of peak periods

  • Build buffer time into delivery schedules

  • Avoid last-minute premium costs

  • Reduce exposure to weather-related disruptions

According to the World Bank, early planning is one of the most effective ways to reduce logistics costs and delays in global trade.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/trade

January is more than just the start of a new calendar year — it’s the best opportunity to take control of logistics instead of reacting to it.

Businesses that plan logistics early benefit from:

  • Better pricing and availability

  • Fewer disruptions

  • Stronger partnerships

  • Improved cost control

  • Greater operational stability

At All Cargo Export, we work closely with our clients at the beginning of the year to build efficient, reliable shipping strategies that support their growth all year long.

Planning early isn’t just smart — it’s a competitive advantage.