Welcome to FREJA's third newsletter of 2023. In this newsletter, we would like to share with you what's happening in our part of the transport and logistics world.
In a time where sustainability and environmental priorities are increasingly playing a crucial role, we see a trend towards the implementation of more transportation fees. In this newsletter, we will go through the fees that are on the horizon and the significance they will have on transportation costs.
It is important to consider cargo insurance. The NSAB regulations have their limitations, so in case of accidents, you must consider the need for cargo insurance before the transportation begins. Read in the newsletter how FREJA can assist with this.
At FREJA, we are excited to have welcomed new trainees on September 1st. For us, it is important to contribute to the education of young individuals and future talents. Read what motivated Silje to start her education.
A new product has been introduced at FREJA. We call it FREJA Courier, and it is a transportation solution where transit time and economy are crucial elements. Meet the employees in FREJA Courier and see what we offer in this segment.
I would like to thank you for your interest in FREJA's newsletter.
Happy reading,
Jan Sunde
Jan Sunde
Managing Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5005
+45 4060 5600
jsu@freja.com
New transportation fees: How do they impact the transport industry and our customers?
In a time when global sustainability and environmental concerns are playing a crucial role, we are witnessing a growing trend where authorities are implementing transportation fees as a means to regulate and shape the transport industry. These fees have the potential for far-reaching consequences for businesses and stakeholders within the transportation sector, thereby affecting our customers who will experience increased costs.
In the following section, we will summarize some of the known fees that the transportation industry will face in the future, including the new Danish road tax, the increase in German Maut fees (German road tax), as well as the Emission Trading System (ETS) 2024 fee for maritime and ferry transport, and how they may impact the transportation industry.
Danish road tax 2025: Challenges and adjustments for businesses in Denmark
With the introduction of the Danish road tax in 2025, transport companies will face new challenges. The tax, based on the vehicle's characteristics and emissions, will increase operating costs for all trucks using the Danish road network. This is intended to motivate companies to consider more fuel-efficient vehicles or alternative transportation methods to reduce costs and minimize environmental impact.
Unfortunately, viable alternatives are currently limited. These need to be rolled out first and involve vehicles capable of using new "fuels" as an alternative to regular diesel, namely hydrogen, biogas, and electric trucks. These alternative fuels require infrastructure where vehicles can charge/fuel up with the new types of fuels, and their acquisition cost needs to decrease to contribute to the green transition.
Members of the European Parliament approved new EU rules on the establishment and regulation of infrastructure for alternative fuels (AFIR) during the plenary session on July 11, 2023. Thus, the responsibility lies with the Transport Minister, Thomas Danielsen. AFIR sets out the deployment of alternative fuels' infrastructure for both battery-powered and hydrogen-powered vehicles on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), at urban hubs, and secure parking areas.
According to the agreement, electric charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles should be installed every 120 km along 15 percent of the entire length of the TEN-T network by the end of 2025. The distance will then be reduced to 60 km on the most heavily traveled roads and 100 km on the remaining road network.
Regarding hydrogen, refueling infrastructure should be possible every 200 km on the TEN-T core network by the end of 2030. Currently, there is a long way to go from the above with only two public charging stations in Denmark (as of August 2023).
Increase in German Maut fees (road tax): Impact on international road transport
Germany's decision to increase Maut fees by nearly doubling the fee per kilometer starting December 1, 2023, will have a significant impact on the cost structure of international transport to and from Germany, as well as transit through Germany. For businesses, this will mean increased freight costs.
ETS 2024 fee: Maritime and air freight, as well as ferries
New guidelines for the Emission Trading System (ETS) in 2024 will directly impact maritime freight and ferries. Going forward, companies will need to invest in CO2 quotas, which will reflect CO2 emissions. These quotas will be traded on a commodities exchange. This change aims to steer the transportation industry towards more sustainable practices and promote investments in greener technologies, particularly in the context of maritime transport and ferry services. Fluctuations in the prices of these CO2 quotas may translate into increasing costs for these modes of transportation from 2024 onwards.
ETS will be gradually implemented, with ships required to report on 40% of CO2 emissions in 2024, increasing to 70% in 2025, and finally reaching 100% in 2026.
Jan Sunde
Managing Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5005
+45 4060 5600
jsu@freja.com
Are your goods insured while in transit with FREJA?
The short answer is: No! Unless cargo or transportation insurance has been taken out to cover your goods during transport. Has your company taken out cargo or transportation insurance?
As a freight forwarder, we naturally assume responsibility for your goods while they are in our care. This responsibility is regulated by NSAB 2015 and international legislation applicable to various modes of transportation. In all cases, the forwarder's liability is limited in comparison to the actual losses that the cargo owner often incurs in rare cases of transport damage or loss of goods during transportation.
These shortages are not limited to the well-known transport law restrictions of 8.33 SDR (approx. DKK 75) per kilogram for road transport and 2 SDR (approx. DKK 18) per kilogram for sea transport. For example, the forwarder is not directly responsible for repair costs or liable for the cargo owner's often significant expenses for assistance from a surveyor or similar for assessing and documenting a damage claim. Finally, there are cases where the forwarder is entirely free from liability for damage or loss of goods.
In fact, our experience shows that in cases of damage or loss where our customers obtain compensation directly from the forwarder, they may be left with a greater or lesser loss of their own.
However, we can help you avoid such losses by offering you the option to take out cargo insurance through us for the transports we perform for you.
Franz Andersen
Sales Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5030
+45 5234 5030
fas@freja.com
Get professional courier solutions with FREJA's new service – FREJA Courier
In FREJA Denmark, we are happy to finally unveil a new service for our customers – FREJA Courier. Throughout the spring and summer, we have worked hard to get FREJA Courier up and running and have everything in place for the launch. We are proud to finally offer this service to our customers.
"Courier services have long been a wish for FREJA. Many customers have continuously requested it, and therefore, we explored the possibility of adding it to our product portfolio. The timing was right, but it was important that we had the right person to drive the project, and for that, we found René Rasmussen, who has more than 30 years of experience in the transport and logistics industry", says Sales Director at FREJA Denmark, Franz Andersen.
About his new start as Director Courier & Express at FREJA Denmark, René says: "The future prospects, visions, strategies, and the support from the management were crucial factors for me to accept the challenge and become a part of FREJA Transport & Logistics on February 1st of this year. It has long been a dream to be involved in building up a new product from scratch, and to do so in such an established and reputable company as FREJA is simply exceptional, and an opportunity I could not resist."
Together with Rikke Hansen, Operational Manager Courier, René has been working diligently since spring to establish FREJA Courier. Rikke also has significant industry experience and an in-depth knowledge of courier solutions. The two, in close collaboration with FREJA's IT department, have developed our new courier service. With FREJA Courier, existing and new customers have the opportunity to access more flexible freight solutions, where both transit time and economy are important. We offer three different services to choose from, ensuring our customers can always find a freight solution that suits their shipments, whether it's related to import, export, or cross-trade.
Regardless of which service you choose, you get access to a user-friendly and fast online booking platform, where you can easily and quickly create a booking, follow up on your shipments and check prices and transit times before dispatch.
Initially, FREJA Courier is only offered in Denmark, but we expect to eventually provide the same service in other FREJA countries.
Read much more about our courier service on our website www.dk.freja.com/kurer/ or contact us at courier.dk@freja.com if you want to know more.
Franz Andersen
Sales Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5030
+45 5234 5030
fas@freja.com
René Rasmussen
Director Courier & Express, Denmark
+45 9670 5265
+45 6040 9620
rra@freja.com
The road to success – become a trainee in FREJA
In FREJA we believe it is important to contribute to the education of young people. Therefore, we offer a number of trainee positions each year in our different locations in Denmark. We were delighted to welcome 8 new trainees on September 1st divided between Taastrup and Stilling.
Being a trainee in FREJA, you become a part of the team from day one. The trainee will be matched with a mentor in his/her department and will have thorough training. The trainee will learn about the various aspects of the work as a freight forwarder and will soon have responsibility for his/her own assignments. We plan the education so that the trainee will be placed in two or three different traffic departments and thereby have a wide knowledge of the job as a planner.
Silje Vinther is a trainee in FREJA in her second year. We have asked Silje why she chose this direction and she replies: “This line of business appeals to me because of the many different work assignments related to handling various types of transports. As a trainee, no two days are the same. In FREJA you quickly become a part of the team, you have helpful colleagues and you soon have the full responsibility for your own tasks”.
Silje continues: “During this type of education you have a variation between going to school and working in FREJA. This allows you to test the theory in practice which is not the case for very many other educations.”
In FREJA our intention is to keep most of our trainees onboard after the end of their education. We aim to hire as many as possible in order to benefit from their knowledge in the long run. During the trainee period, we invite the trainees to a number of internal training sessions in order to give them the best possible knowledge about FREJA and the business in general. At a later stage, we offer other possibilities for supplementary education or leadership training.
If you want to know more about becoming a professional in transport and logistics in FREJA, please visit our website or contact us at hr@sdkfreja.com.
Welcome to FREJA's second newsletter for 2023! In this edition, we invite you to explore our exciting world of transportation and logistics, where sustainability and environmental awareness are playing an increasingly significant role.
As the importance of sustainability and environmental issues continues to grow, we are witnessing a rising trend in the introduction of more transport fees. In this newsletter, we will delve into the upcoming fees and their impact on transportation costs.
We would like to emphasize the importance of considering cargo insurance. NSAB regulations have their limitations, and it is wise to contemplate the need for cargo insurance before the actual transportation begins. Take a look at our newsletter to learn how FREJA can support you in this matter.
Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that our new terminal and logistics facility is taking shape just outside Jönköping. Located just a stone's throw from the E4 highway in Torsvik, we are constructing an impressive facility spanning 20,000 square meters, with planned occupancy in spring 2024. We look forward to sharing more about this exciting project in future updates!
Morten Dreyer
New transport fees: How do they affect the transport industry and, consequently, our customers?
In a time when global sustainability and environmental considerations play a crucial role, we are witnessing a growing trend where authorities introduce transport fees as a means to regulate and shape the transportation industry. These fees can potentially have far-reaching consequences for companies and stakeholders within the transportation sector, and thus, for our customers who will face increased costs. In the following sections, we summarize some of the known fees that the transportation industry will be subject to in the future, the increase in German Maut fees (German road tolls), as well as maritime transport and ferry fees within the Emissions Trading System (ETS) 2024, and how they may impact the transportation industry.
Increase in German Maut fees (road tolls): Impact on international road transport
Germany's decision to raise road tolls by nearly doubling the fee per kilometer from December 1, 2023, will have a significant impact on the cost structure of international transport to and from Germany, as well as transit through Germany. For businesses, this will result in increased shipping costs.
ETS 2024 Environmental Fee: Maritime transport and ferries
The new guidelines for the Emissions Trading System (ETS) 2024 will have a direct impact on maritime transport and ferries. In the future, companies will be required to invest in CO2 allowances that will reflect their CO2 emissions. These allowances will be traded on a commodity exchange. This change is aimed at driving the transportation industry towards more sustainable practices and promoting investments in greener technology, particularly in the context of maritime transport and ferries. Fluctuations in the prices of these CO2 allowances could potentially result in rising costs for these modes of transportation from 2024 onwards.
The ETS will be implemented gradually, with vessels having to report 40% of their CO2 emissions in 2024, increasing to 70% in 2025, and finally reaching 100% in 2026.
New terminal and logistics building in Jönköping
The construction of our new logistics property and terminal is progressing as planned, and we anticipate a preliminary move-in date in May 2024. With this investment in the Jönköping logistics hub, our capacity will quadruple. We are already experiencing significant interest in our services, and we are in several exciting discussions with companies looking forward to collaborating with FREJA in the future.
When we move in, we will have access to an impressive 5,000 square meters of cross-docking and 14,300 square meters of contract logistics. Our planned layout with racking will have a capacity 17,500 pallets.
See pictures from the construction site.
Feel free to reach out to FREJA's Head of Logistics, Niclas Andersson, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the expansion in Jönköping.
Are your goods properly insured during transportation?
The short answer is: No, unless you have taken out cargo or transport insurance that covers your goods while they are in transit. Has your company taken out product or transport insurance?
As a freight forwarder, we naturally take responsibility for your goods while they are in our care. This responsibility is governed by NSAB 2015 and by the international legislation applicable to the various modes of transportation. What they have in common is that the forwarder's liability for damages is limited in relation to the losses that the shipper often actually incurs when, on rare occasions, there is a transport damage or the goods are lost during transport.
This is not just about the well-known transport legal limitations of 8.33 SDR (approximately 115 SEK) per kg for road transportation and 2 SDR (approximately 28 SEK) per kg for sea transportation. For example, the forwarder is not directly responsible for repair costs or liable for the shipper's often significant expenses for the assistance of a surveyor or similar to calculate and document a damage claim. And finally, there are a number of cases where the forwarder is completely exempt from liability for damage or loss of goods.
In fact, it is our experience that our customers, in cases of damage and loss, where they receive compensation directly from the forwarder, can be left with a greater or lesser cost.
However, we can help you avoid such losses to a large extent by offering you the option to take out product insurance through us for the transports we carry out for you.
We arrange product insurance for each individual shipment, so we can also assist you with insurance for individual shipments that, for one reason or another, are not covered by your existing product insurance coverage.
Please contact your contact person at FREJA if you have questions or would like further guidance on how we can help you with product insurance.
Maximize your logistics with Dedicated Solutions
In a world where time is money and efficiency is crucial, it's essential to have reliable partners who can deliver according to your needs. At FREJA, we have successfully created an unbeatable concept to provide you with the most efficient and reliable logistics solution for your projects. We understand the importance of keeping the project's schedule. With Dedicated Solutions, we can offer you fixed schedules, and your cargo will never come to a standstill until it reaches your end customer. We take care of the entire logistics chain on your behalf. From customs clearance to receiving containers at our terminals for unloading and loading, everything is done with unparalleled precision. From the container to the trailer and then directly to your customer – we handle it for you, allowing you to focus on driving your project forward. Regardless of the scope and mode of transportation, we tailor a solution just for you.
Our terminal in Jönköping offers a range of services, including storage, picking, cross-docking, and more. We are ready to adapt our services to meet your specific needs, no matter how complex they may be.
Don't waste any more time and energy dealing with logistics problems. Let us take care of everything for you. Contact us today to start maximizing your logistics and ensure smooth project deliveries every time.
At FREJA Transport & Logistics, we are constantly exploring various sustainable transportation modes. We make an effort to optimize our environmental efforts aiming to make a meaningful contribution to the collective fight against climate change. We invest in training our employees, empowering them to integrate environmental considerations into their daily work.
We also want to help our customers and business partners incorporate CO2 footprint into their supply chains and integrate the environment into their solutions. Therefore, we introduce the FREJA Footprint Analyzer.
With this tool, you can get an overview of your company’s CO2 footprint throughout the transportation process. You can immediately see what happens to your CO2 footprint when you change the mode of transportation between trucks, HVO trucks, trains, and ships, and what happens to the footprint when you mix different modes of transportation in new ways.
While FREJA’s Footprint Analyzer doesn’t provide precise values, it offers valuable insights into the relative differences between these transportation modes based on existing FREJA data. The tool allows you to explore diverse solutions and optimize your CO2 footprint across your entire supply chain.
Experiment with different scenarios and engage with us for precise CO2 calculations tailored to your transportation solutions. FREJA's Footprint Analyzer can support your business with the following:
- Get an overview of your CO2 footprint
Understanding your supply chain’s CO2 emissions is the first important step in achieving your environmental goals. - Optimize your supply chain
Find the right balance between CO2 footprint, costs, service levels, and risk. - Calculate potential emissions compensation
Once you know your CO2 footprint, you can calculate how much you need to invest in environmental projects to compensate for your CO2 emissions. - Sustainable fuel
Benefit from our knowledge of green fuels and reduce emissions without changing your operations. For example, see what happens if you switch from trucks to HVO trucks.
Try FREJA Footprint Analyzer here
Contact FREJA's QE department if you have any questions.
For the fourth and final time this year, I would like to welcome you to FREJA’s newsletter.
The year is coming to an end and we look back on a year that has been filled with strong relationships, sustainable initiatives, exciting projects and large fluctuations in activity levels.
In this newsletter you can read more about the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the taxes that will be introduced as of January 1, 2024, to motivate people to reduce CO2 emissions. The taxes will have a direct impact on sea freight and ferry traffic, and by 2027 also on road transportation.
Speaking of the green transition, you can also read more about FREJA’s new online tool, FREJA Footprint Analyzer, which we launched last month. With the tool, you have the opportunity to check your company’s CO2 footprint and see what happens when you switch modes of transportation between truck, HVO truck, train and ship.
You can also read more about FREJA’s brand new logistics center in Jönköping, Sweden, which is expected to be ready in May 2024. We look forward to opening the doors to the 20,000 square meter modern logistics center.
Good partnerships are important to us, and we are happy and proud that we have established a strong partnership with the Danish retailer Coop in a very short time. At the beginning of the year, FREJA was chosen to transport some of Coop Denmark’s shipments from Poland to Denmark, and in October, the partnership was expanded to include all their temperature-regulated shipments on the same route.
In FREJA, we have always helped those in need, and now that Christmas is upon us, we have chosen to support ‘Juleuddelingen af 1867 under Den Danske Frimurerorden’ in Kolding. The organization distributes Christmas aid to financially struggling families in Kolding and the surrounding area, and we are happy to be able to contribute to them.
On behalf of FREJA, I would like to wish all our customers, suppliers and partners a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.
Best regards
Jan Sunde
Jan Sunde
Managing Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5005
+45 4060 5600
jsu@freja.com
Maritime transport affected by new requirements for CO2 emissions per January 1, 2024
Maritime transport plays a major role in the EU’s economy and is one of the most energy-efficient forms of transport, but it is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) was introduced in 2005 as a tool to limit and reduce CO2 emissions. This will have a direct impact on sea freight and ferry traffic, as these operators will be required to invest in CO2 quotas that reflect their CO2 emissions. The aim is to push the industry towards more sustainable alternatives and achieve CO2 neutrality by 2050 and meet the target of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030. The EU wants to promote investments in greener technologies.
Under the ETS, the companies that emit greenhouse gases must pay a tax in proportion to how much they emit in order to motivate them to reduce their emissions and costs.
The ETS will be integrated on sea freight/ferry routes in three phases, with the first phase being introduced on January 1, 2024, and including emission permits for 40% of emissions. In 2025, the ETS will cover 70% of emissions, and in 2026, 100% of emissions will be taxed.
We see that electric ferries are being deployed on short routes such as Helsingør-Helsingborg, but longer routes can currently be not be replaced by electrically powered vessels.
As FREJA uses ferries on a number of destinations, the new tax will unfortunately lead to increased costs, which we cannot cover alone, but will be forced to pass on to our customers. The cost will be calculated in relation to the individual route and will follow the current costs relating to the route. It is to be expected that the costs for the ETS will fluctuate, as CO2 quotas are traded on the European Energy Exchange (EEX) and other similar commodity exchanges.
We hope for understanding that the EU’s CO2 taxation is important for the overall desire to reduce climate impacts.
Should there be any questions about this, you are welcome to contact your usual contact person at FREJA.
Jan Sunde
Managing Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5005
+45 4060 5600
jsu@freja.com
FREJA Footprint Analyzer – Track and analyze your CO2 footprint using our latest online tool
Preserving the environment is important to us, and we actively seek ways to minimize our industry’s impact. Recognizing the influence of our operations on the environment, we continuously explore sustainable efforts.
We educate our employees on integrating environmental considerations into their daily work, such as maximizing load utility and reducing empty kilometer haulage. However, we also want to support our customers and partners in reducing their CO2 emissions.
Therefore, we introduce the FREJA Footprint Analyzer. With this tool, you can get an overview of your company’s CO2 footprint throughout the transportation process. You can immediately see what happens to your CO2 footprint when you change the mode of transportation between trucks, HVO trucks, trains, and ships, and what happens to the footprint when you combine different modes of transportation in new ways.
Though FREJA Footprint Analyzer doesn’t provide precise values, it offers valuable insights into the relative differences between these transportation modes based on existing FREJA data. The tool allows you to explore diverse solutions and optimize your CO2 footprint across your entire supply chain.
Check it out here and engage with us for precise CO2 calculations tailored to your transportation solutions.
Eric Clausen
Head of ESG & Quality
+45 9670 5216
+45 2933 6958
ecl@freja.com
FREJA’s new logistics center in Sweden is beginning to take shape
FREJA is expanding in Sweden and is building a brand new environmentally certified logistics center in Jönköping. The construction is ongoing, and in May 2024, when the new building is expected to be completed, the capacity in Jönköping will quadruple.
The expansion is a result of positive development over recent years. With a new large logistics center of 20,000 m2, we will offer short transit times to and from the Nordic countries and Europe, including our own national last-mile setup in Sweden.
We will have access to 5,000 square meters of cross-docking and 14,300 square meters of contract logistics, and there will be room for 17,500 pallets.
We are already experiencing great interest in our new logistics center, and we are in contact with several companies who see the benefits of using FREJA’s logistics center in Jönköping.
Contact us if you want to know more about FREJA’s new logistics center in Jönköping and the services we will offer. It may be the perfect opportunity for your business.
Franz Andersen
Sales Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5030
+45 5234 5030
fas@freja.com
Coop Danmark A/S uses FREJA for shipments from Poland to Denmark
At the beginning of the year, FREJA was chosen to transport some of Coop Denmark’s shipments from Poland to Denmark, and it has been a successful collaboration.
Coop Denmark is a retail company founded back in 1866. Among other things, the company runs Coop.dk and Coop 365Discount.
FREJA Denmark was chosen, as Coop needed a transportation and logistics partner with a large capacity and who can provide the vehicles they need at short notice and still deliver on time. This is especially important for the company in connection with peak seasons and campaigns, which can be extra busy at times.
About the collaboration with FREJA, Daniel Medrano, Procurement manager at Coop, says: “FREJA has proven to be a valuable partner for our company. The communication has been clear from day one. They have listened to us and been quick to understand our needs, and therefore, we have established a strong and smooth collaboration in a short time.”
FREJA’s Senior Account Manager, Rasmus Elkjær, also mentions communication as one of the most important parameters for the good partnership. He says: “We have always had a good dialogue about Coop’s wishes and expectations. Not only have we listened to Coop, but they have also been a flexible partner who has been open to suggestions for optimization, and we appreciate that.”
As of October 1, 2023, we have expanded our collaboration, and FREJA now transports all temperature-regulated goods from Poland to Denmark for Coop. Rasmus Elkjær says: “We are incredibly proud that a company such as Coop has chosen to expand the collaboration with FREJA. It is a testimony that our setup has been ideal for them, and we look forward to continuing the positive collaboration”.
Franz Andersen
Sales Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5030
+45 5234 5030
fas@freja.com
FREJA supports ’Juleuddelingen af 1867’ in Kolding
Christmas is upon us, and at FREJA, it means a lot to us to be able to help those who have an extra hard time during this period. That is why this year, we have chosen to support ‘Juleuddelingen af 1867 under Den Danske Frimurerorden’ in Kolding.
Every year, they distribute Christmas aid to financially struggling families in Kolding and the surrounding area in the form of Christmas food, Christmas decorations and gifts for the children. The families thereby get what they need to celebrate a good Christmas Eve.
‘Juleuddelingen af 1867’ expects to be able to help around 100 families this year.
If you would like to donate to ‘Juleuddelingen af 1867 under Den Danske Frimurerorden’ in Kolding, you can transfer a donation to this account number: 5098-0001460509. Every contribution here will go entirely towards Christmas assistance.
Franz Andersen
Sales Director, Denmark
+45 9670 5030
+45 5234 5030
fas@freja.com
We at FREJA look forward with anticipation to our new logistics and terminal property, which is now really taking shape and which is the basis for our expansion in Jönköping. The project has come a long way and occupancy is planned for spring 2024. There are favorable conditions here for efficient handling of goods and warehousing, as well as further transport to all Nordic and European countries with local last-mile services.
Get in touch with us to find out more and see what solutions we can offer your business when we get started in the new premises.
Niklas Blomgren
Key Account Manager Sweden
+46 36 18 13 51
+46 70 182 50 19
nbl@freja.com
Niclas Andersson
Head of Logistics Sweden & Branch Manager
+46 36 18 13 60
+46 76 308 89 60
nia@freja.com
As the Chinese New Year approaches, set between February 10 and February 16, it is a good idea to plan accordingly. Most factories typically close one week before the celebrations and may remain closed for 1-3 weeks afterward.
If you are importing from China, please consider the following
- Ensure orders are placed well in advance to accommodate factory closures
- Plan ahead with your freight forwarder as schedules and available capacity may be affected
- Check when factories resume operations again after the holiday period
Impact on freight rates
During this period, you might experience a significant price increase due to rising demand. Furthermore, the current situation in the Red Sea has added extra pressure on capacity and containers, resulting in longer transit times, additional surcharges, and increased freight rates.
We recommend our customers book well in advance during this period to avoid delays or disruptions in their supply chains. Moreover, a sea-air solution could also be relevant for your company. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your local contact at FREJA or David Nielsen, Head of Business Development Air & Ocean, if you wish to explore how we can support your business.
General shipping tips for the Chinese New Year
- Pre-plan Deliveries
Coordinate in advance with suppliers and freight forwarders. - Avoid Short Notice Orders
Try to minimize last-minute orders. - Advance Booking
Book transports early—ideally 2-3 weeks before departure for sea freight. - Terminal and Warehouse Congestion
Expect congestion around the New Year; verify sailing plans for LCL movements. - Consider Alternatives
For urgent deliveries, consider a sea-air solution, but schedule flights a few weeks ahead. - Confirm Schedules
Recheck and confirm schedules with all involved parties before the holiday period.
16-1-24
It is still unsafe to sail through the Red Sea, and many container carriers appear to have adopted the new normal of navigating south of Africa. The extended route naturally impacts transfer times, but at FREJA, we are closely monitoring the Estimated Time of Arrivals (ETAs).
Given the situation in the Red Sea and the upcoming Chinese New Year, we recommend that our customers book well in advance to prevent potential delays. We offer sea-air services, and we are in close dialogue with our customers to find the right solutions that meet their needs during these challenging periods.
Feel free to contact your local representative at FREJA to learn more about our sea-air solutions.
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8-1-24
There are still tensions in the Red Sea, and many container carriers have suspended their vessels or redirected them to sail around Cape of Good Hope.
The Red Sea crisis had resulted in various challenges within the sea freight market, including longer transit times, additional surcharges and increased freight rates. These challenges affect the supply chains due to the unpredictable market conditions.
Moreover, with the Chinese New Year approaching, factories typically close not only during the holiday but also both before and after it. Therefore, we recommend our customers to book well in advance in this period to avoid delays or disruptions in their supply chains.
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2-1-24
The new year has begun, and the ongoing uncertainty persists due to the risks in the Red Sea. Additional attacks have been reported, and the decision of whether or not to use the Red Sea passage is up to the individual container carrier.
The latest update regarding surcharges remains valid – PSS and CAC (Contingency Adjustment Charge) have been applied since the 1st of January, leading to an increase in prices.
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21-12-23
We have been notified that container carriers will be implementing a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) effective from the 1st of January, 2024, impacting your shipments.
Please note that PSS details may vary among different carriers. FREJA will ensure to inform you about how this will affect your shipping costs.
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19-12-23
Over the past weeks, several commercial vessels have been attacked by drones and missiles in the Red Sea. Consequently, many container carriers are rerouting their vessels from the Red Sea and the Suez Canal to ensure the safety of their crews, vessels, and cargo.
Several container carriers have already informed us that they are sailing around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope, as this is the only viable alternative. We anticipate that more will follow suit. However, the effects are longer transit times as the route is approximately 4,000 nautical miles longer, which equals approximately 7,300 kilometers.
The consequences of this are delays of 2-4 weeks and potentially increased costs for customers – although this is not yet confirmed. At FREJA, we support the container carriers' decisions, considering safety's crucial role in this situation. However, we regret any inconvenience this might cause for our customers.
Please reach out to your local contact at FREJA if you have any questions regarding this matter.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure to keep you updated.
We appreciate your understanding.
The weather situation in Scandinavia is causing us some challenges these days. The snowfall is heavy, the roads are slippery and passability is reduced. We therefore experience some delays in deliveries.
We apologies for the inconveniencies, and encourage you to reach out to your contact person in FREJA for more information.
When the WCA Conference 2024 takes place from the 24th of February to the 2nd of March in Dubai, UAE, FREJA will once again participate in this global event.
For several years, FREJA has taken part in the annual conference held by WCA, as it provides excellent opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing with other industry peers and potential partners from across the globe. Furthermore, it gives FREJA a great opportunity to showcase products and solutions and increase our visibility worldwide.
The WCA Conference facilitates one-on-one meetings during the day, providing businesses with a chance to connect with potential partners and gain insights into local opportunities and challenges across different countries. Additionally, attendees can extend their networking opportunities by participating in evening conversations over dinner.
FREJA’s representatives are excited to meet with industry professionals and look forward to exploring new trends and business opportunities at the WCA Conference.
You can locate FREJA at stand A17, and for those interested in scheduling a meeting, bookings can be made through the following links:
- WCA First Conference 24th – 26th of February: 23rd WCA First Annual Conference
- WCA Worldwide Conference 27th of February – 2nd of March: 13th WCA Worldwide Conference
| NAME | JOB TITLE | MEETING ID |
| David Nielsen | Head of Business Development Air & Ocean | [ID#2053] |
| Mikkel Luebker Andersen | Head of Department Sea Freight Denmark | [ID#2507] |
| Jan Klock Bjorndal | Region Director South Norway/Seafreight Manager Norway | [ID#1410] |
| Petter Lossius | Airfreight Manager Norway | [ID#1404] |
| Jaakko Havia | Air Freight Operation Manager Finland | [ID#1415] |
| Petri Stromberg | Air Freight Manager Finland | [ID#1414] |
| Rex Cai | BD Manager China | [ID#3824] |
See you at the WCA Conference!