---
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.flexport.com/global-logistics-update/freight-market-update-october-12-2017/
lifecycle: live
author:
  - "Flexport Editorial"
publishedAt: 2017-10-13T00:00:00.000Z
dateModified: 2026-07-31T03:21:50Z
readingTimeMinutes: 1
topics:
  - "Capacity & Rates"
  - "Market Updates"
  - "Peak Season"
  - "Transpacific"
  - "Greater China"
  - "Ocean Freight"
  - "Air Freight"
---

# Market Update: October 12, 2017

## Ocean Freight Market Updates

**Blank sailings this week . . .**

Carriers announced many [blank sailings](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/blank-sailing/) this week (as is typical during and after [Golden Week](https://www.flexport.com/help/golden-week-china-impact/)).  

**. . . 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/glossary/rolled-cargo/).  

## Air Freight Market Updates

![Air freight rate and space table by trade lane: Hong Kong, Asia, Europe, US Exports with Golden Week and Apple launch notes](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ynj1yl20/development/9ef27504deeebf03b5bd469de539b95b090f4ec8-884x379.png)

**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/amazon-holiday-deadlines/).

---

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