GLOBAL CARGO SYSTEM

What is Peak Season?

What is Peak Season? It is a period of the year in which there is a massive and concentrated increase in demand for freight transport services, especially on major trade routes such as the Transpacific (Asia-North America) and Asia-Europe. When does it occur? There are different types of Peak Season depending on the route and the time. Many of them are fixed on the calendar, such as Black Friday/Cyber Monday and Christmas, during which retailers and distributors must stock their inventories sufficiently in advance to meet demand. Others include Asian festivities (Chinese New Year, Golden Week) when factories close and importers seek to move their merchandise before these shutdowns. Impact and consequences Rate Increases (PSS): Shipping lines impose the Peak Season Surcharge (PSS), a seasonal surcharge to manage capacity and additional operational costs. Freight rates (spot rates) skyrocket due to high demand. Capacity Shortages: There is a shortage of space on vessels and, often, a shortage of available containers for shipping. Cargo Rollovers (Roll-overs): Reserved containers may be "rolled over" or postponed, meaning they are not loaded onto the intended vessel and are moved to the next sailing, causing unplanned delays. Port Congestion: High activity saturates the ports, causing significant delays in loading, unloading, and customs clearance. Longer Transit Times: The combination of port delays and the risk of rollovers makes transit times longer and more unpredictable. What is the key to facing it? ANTICIPATION AND FLEXIBILITY Planning and advance booking Inventory forecasting (Forecast) Booking space in advance (scheduled at least 4 weeks in advance) Partner and agreement management Always have trusted logistics partners Try to secure annual or long-term agreements with space guarantees Flexibility and diversification Consider different scenarios that bring together a larger number of shipping lines, services with different routes, and a diversity of transit times. Securing space and different arrival dates for greater coverage. Technology and proactivity Detailed tracking of shipments through our client space Operations specialists in the trade monitoring shipments from the moment of booking until arrival at your facilities. Preparing operations in time and having a contingency plan for delays and additional costs could minimize the impact of Peak Season on your supply chain. At Global Cargo System, we use our strategic alliances to offer you the experience and reliability your merchandise needs.

2025-11-12 15:06:20

22 Years of Logistics with Heart: Celebrating Our Anniversary at Global Cargo System

This year is very special for the entire Global Cargo System S.A. family, as we celebrate our 22nd anniversary. Twenty-two years in which we have grown from a project full of enthusiasm to a leading company in the global logistics sector. Our journey reflects a path built with effort, dedication, and a clear vision for the future. Looking to the Future Without Losing Our Essence Since day one, our driving force has been to evolve alongside our clients and partners. We are strongly committed to innovation, sustainability, and technology as key pillars to adapt to the demands of a global market that never stops evolving. This allows us to continue providing comprehensive, efficient, and fully customized logistics solutions that you truly value. Growth and New Energy This anniversary comes with great news and transformations: Always Expanding: We’ve opened new offices! Operations launched in Vietnam, strengthening our presence in Asia. Expanded presence in the United States, reinforcing our global network and service capacity. We have also expanded our team, welcoming new talents who bring fresh ideas and help us drive our business forward. The growth of Global Cargo System is, above all, the growth of our people. New Headquarters in Valencia We have moved our main office to larger facilities in Valencia — a new home designed not only to grow but also to enhance collaboration and team spirit. Despite all these major changes, one thing remains unchanged: the essence that has defined us from the very beginning. At Global Cargo System, we continue to uphold our closeness with clients, our commitment to service, and our dedication to excellence in every operation. Our Commitment Continues We are aware that the future brings new challenges and great opportunities. That is why we reaffirm our commitment to staying competitive, flexible, innovative, and sustainable. We want to keep anticipating your needs and providing solutions that truly create added value for your business. Thank you for trusting us over these 22 years. Let’s keep connecting the world together! ?

2025-11-04 15:06:20

LCL vs FCL shipments: differences and how to choose

Container shipping is mainly offered in two modes: FCL and LCL. Making the right choice has an impact on cost, security, and delivery time. Below, we explain what each option consists of and how to decide. What are FCL and LCL? FCL (Full Container Load): the container is used exclusively by a single exporter or importer. You pay a fee per container (whether you fill it or not). LCL (Less than Container Load): your goods share a container with others. You pay according to W/M (weight/volume: 1 m³ = 1,000 kg), with minimums and handling charges at consolidation terminals. Key differences 1) Shipment volume Size (m³) is the first filter: Rule of thumb: up to 10–12–13 m³ usually makes LCL worthwhile; above that, FCL is usually more efficient. It depends on the origin/destination, season, density (kg/m³), and space availability. 2) Security and handling FCL: less handling; the container travels sealed from origin to destination → lower risk of damage or confusion. LCL: more loading/unloading points at CFS (consolidation/deconsolidation). The goods are well palletized and stowed but receive more “handling” in the chain. 3) Total cost LCL: rate per W/M, with minimums and local CFS charges at origin/destination. Generally more stable throughout the year. FCL: per container rate (20’, 40’, 40’HC, etc.), sensitive to seasonal peaks and the spot market. It can be more cost-effective even below ~12 m³ if freight rates are low or if local LCL charges are high. 4) Lead time and predictability FCL: usually faster and more predictable. LCL: adds consolidation/deconsolidation times and, if there are transshipments, can accumulate delays. Ideal when dates are flexible. [TABLE] Other factors to consider Density and packaging: very dense loads can be penalized in LCL (W/M). Special cargo: dangerous, oversized, or high-value goods usually require FCL. Local charges: in LCL there are CFS and handling costs; in FCL, watch out for delays and container detentions. Operations: FCL offers greater control over cut-offs, loading appointments, and terminal times. Not sure whether to choose LCL or FCL? We will prepare a cost breakdown for you, including freight, local charges, and delivery times for your specific route.

2025-10-14 14:10:00

New alliance in Global Cargo System

At Global Cargo System, we are very happy to announce a new alliance! We have become official sponsors of U.E. BORDETA, a team that shares our core values such as passion, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Beyond logistics and freight transport, at Global Cargo System we firmly believe in the importance of an active lifestyle and the principles that sport promotes. That is why, with this sponsorship, we want to support talent and contribute to the development of a strong and united community. We are ready to stand by U.E. BORDETA at every match and celebrate their achievements together. We wish them the best of luck for this season! Let the game begin! ⚽

2025-09-17 15:06:20

Global Cargo System USA celebrates its first anniversary

This month we celebrate the first anniversary of GLOBAL CARGO SYSTEM USA. After more than 20 years in the logistics industry, last year we took the big step of expanding into the United States with the opening of our Miami Office, a strategic move in our mission to offer global logistics solutions. Since our arrival, we have strengthened our ability to handle large-scale import and export operations, efficiently utilizing sea, air, and land transportation. Our Miami office has been consolidated as a key hub for international trade. We have managed to establish a solid bridge between the US market and countries such as Spain, China or Vietnam. This has allowed us to successfully manage a wide range of logistics projects, from routine import and export operations to the transport of large-scale project cargo via sea, air, and land. The Miami office is not only a point of growth but an essential part of our global network, daily boosting our ability to offer customized logistics solutions. We take this moment to express our most sincere gratitude to those who have trusted us: our clients, our logistics partners, and the entire Global Cargo System team that has made this project a solid and reliable operation. At Global Cargo System, we advance with firm steps, connecting markets and generating value for everyone.

2025-09-09 15:33:04

Global Cargo System at Fruit Attraction 2025: Innovation and Efficiency in Agri-Food Logistics

Global Cargo System is pleased to confirm its presence at Fruit Attraction 2025, one of the most important international events in the agri-food sector. Our participation underscores our commitment to a cargo logistics approach that is not only efficient but also sustainable and fully adapted to the growing demands of global trade. This fair represents an ideal platform to showcase the latest innovations we are developing. In a market that demands freshness, speed, and reliability, the challenges are greater than ever. Logistics in the fruit and vegetable sector is not just about moving goods; it's about protecting the quality, integrity, and value of every shipment, ensuring it arrives at its destination in optimal condition. That is why at Global Cargo System, we have been working tirelessly on an approach that goes beyond simple transport. Global Cargo System invites all professionals in the sector to visit our stand to see firsthand how these innovations can transform the agri-food supply chain. We look forward to seeing you there to share our passion for what we do and explore future collaborations! From September 30 to October 2, you can find the Global Cargo System team in the Fresh Food Logistics zone, specifically at Pavilion 4, Stand 4A24. We will be ready to discuss how our solutions can help you.

2025-09-03 09:24:36