If you thought international freight felt tight in the lead-up to Christmas 2025, you were far from alone. Space constraints, rising rates and declining reliability converged at the least convenient time. As we look toward 2026, one lesson is clear: early planning is no longer optional. It is the single biggest factor separating smooth import programs from costly disruption.
Every year the same cycle plays out. Demand builds, vessel space tightens, schedules become less reliable and costs escalate—just as importers need certainty to support manufacturing, showroom launches, online fulfilment and peak sales periods. When freight planning is reactive, delays ripple quickly through the business. When it is proactive, stock arrives on time, margins are protected and operational stress is reduced.
The pressure on inbound freight is unlikely to ease in 2026. Longer transit times and irregular schedules continue on key Asia–Australia trade lanes, particularly ex China and Vietnam. Carrier alliance changes are reducing predictability, with blank sailings now a regular feature. At the same time, decarbonisation requirements, including tightening IMO emissions rules, are adding cost and operational constraints across global shipping networks. Locally, ongoing waterfront and labour risks continue to influence congestion and reliability at Australian ports.
Analyse Historical Data
Against this backdrop, early engagement gives importers far greater control over cost, timing, and risk. The strongest freight plans start months ahead of peak season and are built on a clear understanding of demand. Reviewing historical sales data helps identify seasonal patterns, peak periods, and high-performing products, while accurate forecasting—adjusted for economic conditions, promotions, and market trends—reduces the risk of both stockouts and excess inventory.
Categorise Products
A structured approach to inventory is equally important. Categorising products into seasonal, steady, and slow-moving lines allows procurement and logistics effort to be focused where it matters most. Supplier relationships should also be reviewed well ahead of time, with an emphasis on reliability, capacity, and flexibility. Early negotiations create room for better pricing, payment terms, and delivery windows, rather than being forced into unfavourable conditions during peak congestion.
Plan Logistics and Shipping
Logistics planning itself is now inseparable from stock control and sales forecasts. Real-time tracking, exception reporting and prediction tools for container flow and deconsolidation provide early warning when plans need adjusting. Inventory targets should combine efficiency with resilience, balancing a “just-in-time” approach with a “just-in-case” buffer for critical items. Budgets must also reflect the reality of price volatility, storage requirements, and transport costs—supported by sufficient cash flow to handle large seasonal orders.
Develop Contingency Plans
Finally, no freight plan is complete without contingency options. Congestion, supplier disruptions and global events are no longer rare. Flexible agreements that allow forecast volumes to be adjusted, ports to be switched, routings to change and transit times to be traded for speed or savings are essential safeguards. These choices protect margins and reduce volatility when market conditions inevitably shift.
Decisions made now will shape cost, service, and reliability throughout 2026 and beyond. If you are preparing a new freight tender or reviewing existing arrangements, ensure your plan reflects the seasonal realities of your import program.
At Colless Young, we stay across global shipping trends, carrier schedules, congestion points, and emerging risks. If you would like support reviewing your 2026 freight plan, talk to Andrew on +61 7 3890 0800 or email enq@collessyoung.com.au .
