---
title: "Market Update: October 12, 2017"
description: "Golden Week blank sailings squeeze ocean capacity while air rates climb toward a November peak season super peak."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/logistics-updates/freight-market-update-october-12-2017/
lifecycle: live
---

# Market Update: October 12, 2017

## Ocean Freight Market Updates

**Blank sailings this week . . .**

Carriers announced many [blank sailings](https://www.flexport.com/help/355-what-is-a-blank-sailing) this week (as is typical during and after [Golden Week](https://www.flexport.com/help/325-how-will-golden-week-impact-my-shipments)).  

**. . . will lead to high demand next week**

Normal schedules will resume next week, with increased demand after 2 weeks of blank sailings; this will likely result in some cargo being [rolled](https://www.flexport.com/help/350-what-is-rolled-cargo).  

## Air Freight Market Updates

**The peak before the super-peak**

Air rates are high, and capacity is tight. We’re in peak season, but rates *will* go up further -- there will be a “super-peak” in November, with higher rates and even tighter capacity.

**Another fuel surcharge increase for cargo out of Hong Kong**

Air carriers have announced another fuel surcharge increase for cargo ex-Hong Kong. Beginning November 1, the fuel surcharge will be $0.16/kg, up from $0.09/kg. This increase, as set out by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, corresponds with the rising price of oil.

Other Freight Market Updates

**Amazon holiday cutoff dates**

Amazon announced its inventory cutoff dates for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas:

*Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Inventory due by November 7*   Christmas: Inventory due by December 1

More details are available [here](https://www.flexport.com/help/351-what-is-amazons-holiday-shipping-schedule).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/logistics-updates/freight-market-update-october-12-2017/](https://www.flex.thisisbrew.com/logistics-updates/freight-market-update-october-12-2017/) for AI/LLM consumption.*