Tariff Trends 2026: Expert Insights on the Evolving U.S. Tariff Landscape
Join Flexport's customs and trade advisory experts live on September 16 as they break down the evolving U.S. tariff landscape and what the latest changes mean for importers.
Peak season preparation hub
Successfully plan and execute your Peak season freight and fulfillment strategy with our comprehensive resources. Stay informed on crucial shipping deadlines, logistics pricing and fees, industry best practices, and more.
Key dates for peak season
Visit our Help Center for a comprehensive list of key shipping dates and deadlines for Peak Season 2026, covering Prep, Reserve Storage, inventory removal requests, and more, to support effective logistics planning with Flexport.
Flexport has been a reliable partner for Wyze. Their customer support is exceptional and responsive, addressing our issues quickly and listening to our needs, which has been crucial during challenging times.
Peak season preparation: your strategic supply chain guide
Flexport Launches Fulfillment Services in Canada and the United Kingdom
SAN FRANCISCO — September 2, 2026 — Flexport today announced the launch of its first international fulfillment services in Mississauga, Canada and Manchester, England.
A Record Typhoon Season is Removing Capacity from China’s Biggest Ports
In the two weeks after Typhoon Dolphin hit the eastern coast of China, nearly 500,000 TEUs of container capacity came out of China’s top three ports.
Panama Canal Transit Caps: What Importers Need to Know for Q4
On August 20, the Authority confirmed it will cap daily transits starting September 3rd and cut them again mid-month.
Tariff Trends 2026: Expert Insights on the Evolving U.S. Tariff Landscape
Tariff Trends 2026: Flexport customs and trade advisory experts break down the evolving U.S. tariff landscape and what the latest changes mean for importers.
When Is Peak Season 2026? Important Dates to Know
Learn key dates and consumer trends for Peak Season 2026. Use this information to grow your ecommerce business.
Executive Order 14411 and Foreign Importers: What Your Customs Broker Will Now Ask You
Executive Order 14411 requires foreign importers of record to be CTPAT-validated or file through a CTPAT-validated customs broker. Here's the vetting to expect and how to prepare.
Live Updates: Trump Administration Tariffs, Trade Policy Changes, and Impacts on Global Supply Chains
Flexport's running log of Trump administration tariff actions and trade policy shifts, and what each new measure means for importers and their supply chains. Updated as changes land.
Frequently asked questions
How should I prepare for peak season?
Prepare early and methodically:
- Analyze and forecast demand: Use prior‑year sales, SKU performance, and seasonal trends to build accurate demand plans. This helps avoid stock‑outs or overstocking and excessive reserve storage fees.
- Engage suppliers early: Communicate forecasts and build in buffer time for lead‑time delays, port congestion, and production slowdowns. Considering air freight options for urgent orders can reduce disruption risk.
- Audit processes and tech stack: Ensure your fulfillment tech (WMS, automated sorting, demand planning tools) is optimized. Automating bookings, inbound + outbound inventory, and returns enhances efficiency during peak periods.
- Scale your team: Ramp up customer service and warehouse crews ahead of peak. Provide training on shipping deadlines, promotions, returns, and site resilience.
How should I manage my inventory during peak season?
- Use on‑demand, multi‑channel inventory: Tools like Flexport Reserve Storage enable you to place stock near high‑demand zones and auto‑replenish across channels—helping to minimize storage fees and prevent stock-outs.
- Prioritize returns management: Peak season sees high return volumes. Partner with a 3PL with advanced returns management capabilities to ensure fast restocking (within ~3 business days) and improve customer experience.
When are the peak season shipping deadlines?
This article provides key Flexport dates and timelines for your inventory to be sellable during 2025 Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) and December Holidays across our suite of services:
- Inbounds (No Prep Required)
- Reserve Storage
- Prep
- Removals and disposals
- Trucking
To avoid any delays, please ensure your products adhere to all compliance requirements. If you have any questions, please contact Support.
How will tariffs impact peak season?
Tariffs in 2025 will likely raise costs for imported goods, prompting businesses to accelerate shipments ahead of any increases, leading to a front-loaded peak shipping season. This could strain port and logistics capacity earlier than usual. As a result, freight rates may rise and inventory strategies may shift to mitigate tariff-related risks. To estimate duties, spot special rates, and plan sourcing and shipments ahead of Peak season, visit the Flexport Tariff Simulator.