The Festive Period is the most special time of the year. The shops and distributions centres need to be stocked higher than at any other time.
This makes any closures affecting import or exports significantly more important and your business will need to plan around them.
Here is what you need to know about holiday closures in Customs offices, Sea Freight Ports, Freight Airports in the UK, and Europe.
There Will be A Very Sharp Spike in Demand
During this period there is a spike in demand for most products but that also means that there are more freight loads competing for the same amount of offloading and warehouse capacity.
Consider Your Stock in The Supply Chain and Pipe Fill
Interruptions in supply may be minor but it will deplete how much stock is available in warehouses as well as the pipe fill. It is easy to miss issues until it is too late, and your company is short of stock in January.
Plan For Manufacturer and RDC Closures
Manufacturers, suppliers, and distribution points will also close which means that you will need to account for other breaks in supply and capacity to offload and store.
UK Customs Offices and Internal Border Facilities (IBF’s) Closures
Christmas Closing
Closes 19:00 24th December
Re-opens 7:00 27th December
New Year Closing
Closes 19:00 31st December
Re-opens 7:00 2nd January
European Union Customs Offices Closures
Most E.U. Countries closed on 25th, 26th of December and 1st January
The countries included are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland (Eire), Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Sea Port Closures
| Christmas Eve 24/12/22 | Christmas Day 25/12/22 | Boxing Day 26/12/22 | 27/12/2022 | |
| Felixstowe | Closes 18:00 | Closed | Closed | Opens 7:00 |
| London | Closes 18:00 | Closed | Closed | Opens 6:00 |
| Southampton | Closes 15:00 | Closed | Closed | Opens 8:00 |
| Liverpool | Closes 12:00 | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| New Year’s Eve 31/12/2022 | New Year’s Day 01/01/2023 | 02/01/2023 | 03/01/2023 | |
| Felixtowe | Closes 18:00 | Closed | Opens 19:00 | Open |
| London | Closes 18:00 | Opens 10:00 | Open | Open |
| Southampton | Closes 17:00 | Opens 12:00 | Open | Open |
| Liverpool | Closes 12:00 | Closed | Closed | Open |
Airport Closures
Airports remain open over Christmas and New year however the Baxter Freight clearing agent for imports is closed
23 to 27th Dec
and
31st Dec to 2nd Jan
How Can We Help?
- Speak to us soon: Please act early so that one of our freight experts can plan your loads around the various holidays affecting your load.
- Let us solve your supply chain headaches: Baxter Freight are experts in taking away the headaches and pains that customers will encounter in their supply chain. We can use our adaptable network to get you the solution you need.
Keep up to date with important dates and closures affecting freight movements around the world with our articles.
Our experienced logistics team will keep you informed about strikes, seasonal port issues and closures all year round.
