Getting your packaging on time is important. When you place an order with LeKAC, we do our best to let you know about any potential shipping delays. In this post, we’re talking about updated potential shipping delays, and when you should place your order. Keep reading to learn more!
Shipping Methods
Here at LeKAC, we use two main types of shipping method: air and sea vessel.
Normally, when ordering your packaging via sea vessel, shipping takes 6-8 weeks to arrive. However, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, China’s energy crisis, and the flooding that British Columbia experienced in November 2021, those shipping times have drastically increased.
Now, if shipping items via sea vessel, the expected turnaround time for packaging is about 4-5 months!
Alternatively, for an additional cost, air shipping is available. Most customers can receive their packaging in about 10 days. If you’re on a time crunch and working with one of our international suppliers, we strongly suggest this option!
For our North American partners, LeKAC now works with a local supplier! Right now, they can only make corrugated boxes. However, we’re always looking for more suppliers to expand our local offerings! For more information on the difference between a local and international supplier, check out this blog post.
Having a local supplier also helps with shipping! Since they don’t need to ship via sea, they have a slightly faster turnaround time of about 2 months!
Post-Production
Once your packaging receives its final quality checks at the factory, it gets shipped to its destination country. A third party shipping company co-ordinates with our Production team to make sure it gets where it needs to go!
Workers unload packages at the port and transport them to local warehouses. An additional customs check later, and they’re ready to ship to your door!
At each stage of the production process, one of our team members will keep you up to date. For more information about our quality control process, click here!
Updated Potential Shipping Delays
Since our previous blog post, new supply chain delays have arisen. These include:
- Container shortage — China produces 80% of the world’s shipping containers. An ongoing energy crisis has forced many factories to close for several days of the week, reducing their production capabilities. This applies not only to the containers that ship your packages, but also to your packaging itself!
- Natural disasters — The effects of climate change can also have an impact on shipping times. In November 2021, British Columbia experienced heavy flooding. This flooding caused delays at the port as well as in order fulfillment. If you’re curious about the status of the Vancouver port, you can check here for the most up-to-date information.
These delays are unpredictable, but not to worry! Our team will always keep you up to date on the status of your order.
Potential Holiday Shipping Delays
Since many of our factories are based in Asia, they also observe the Lunar New Year! The Lunar New Year usually happens in January or February, but is different every year. Most workers start their holiday on the eve of Lunar New Year. Some even leave 2-3 weeks in advance to return to their home villages to prepare!
Many of our factories for this reason stop accepting orders at a certain point. For example, this year, the Lunar New Year is February 1, 2022! Our factories have stopped accepting orders for the time being in preparation for the upcoming holiday. This additional delay means that if you order your packaging with LeKAC in the next couple of weeks, it likely won’t arrive until May or June!
However, if you want to place an order for packaging, the factory can reserve the materials so they can produce it once they return from the holiday!
What can I do to avoid a packaging shortage?
The best thing to do is simple: order early! By thinking ahead, you can account for any delays. This makes sure that you know how much packaging you have, and are prepared in case you run out.
Still not sure when the best time to order is? Contact us today! One of our knowledgeable Business Development Consultants can help you decide when’s the best time to order. That’s not all! We can help through every step of the packaging process. From custom designs, to 3D renders, we’re with you every step of the way.
