The Ultimate Guide to Festive Season Logistics for SG Retailers (CNY, Hari Raya, Christmas)
In Singapore, the festive seasons—Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, and Christmas—represent the “make or break” months for retailers. Whether you are selling hampers, festive bakes, or home decor, the surge in orders is a blessing for your revenue but a nightmare for your operations.
As we head into the peak seasons of 2026, the logistics landscape is more competitive than ever. Relying on last-minute couriers often leads to “failed deliveries,” angry customers, and skyrocketing surcharges.
Here is your ultimate guide to mastering festive logistics without losing your mind (or your margins).
1. The “Festive Surge” Timeline
To help your planning, here is when the logistics demand spikes in Singapore:
| Festive Season | Peak Logistics Window | Demand Type |
| Chinese New Year | 3 weeks before Day 1 | Bulky hampers, seafood, citrus crates. |
| Hari Raya | Last 2 weeks of Ramadan | Traditional bakes (Kueh), new furniture, apparel. |
| Christmas / EOY | Dec 1st to Dec 24th | Gift sets, party catering, Christmas trees. |
2. Why Traditional Couriers Fail During Peak Seasons
If you’ve been in business for a while, you know the “Courier Blackout.” During peak periods, standard delivery apps often:
- Increase Surcharges: Adding $3–$8 per trip “peak fees.”
- Long Wait Times: Drivers are in short supply, leading to unpicked-up orders.
- Rough Handling: In the rush to meet quotas, fragile festive hampers are often damaged.
The Solution: Take control of your own “Last-Mile” delivery by using a dedicated van-sharing service like LoadUp.
3. Strategy: The “Dedicated Delivery Block”
Instead of booking 20 individual couriers, smart SG retailers are switching to Block-Booking.
By renting a van for a fixed 6-hour or 12-hour block, you gain:
- Fixed Costs: No matter how many stops you make, your rental price stays the same.
- Quality Control: You (or your trusted staff) handle the loading. No more crushed pineapple tarts or tilted log cakes.
- Route Density: You can hit 5 addresses in one HDB estate (e.g., Punggol or Jurong West) much faster than a courier jumping across the island.
4. Pro-Tips for Festive Logistics Success
I. Audit Your “Cubic Capacity”
Don’t get stuck with a van that’s too small.
- Small Items (Apparel/Small Bakes): A small van like a Nissan NV200 or NV100 is sufficient.
- Large Items (Hampers/Furniture): Opt for a high-roof Toyota Hiace.
- LoadUp Tip: Check the vehicle dimensions in our app before you book to ensure your tallest hamper fits upright!
II. Plan for “Redelivery”
During CNY or Christmas, many recipients aren’t home. Always have a “Failed Delivery” protocol. Using a shared van allows you to keep the items safely in the vehicle and attempt a second delivery at the end of your route without paying for a new trip.
III. Use the “Driver + Runner” System
To move twice as fast, have one person drive (the Pilot) and one person jump out with the goods (the Runner). In high-density areas like Orchard or Toa Payoh, the Pilot can circle the block while the Runner makes the drop-off, saving you hours in parking time.
5. Conclusion: Don’t Let Logistics Be Your Bottleneck
The difference between a 5-star review and a refund request is often the delivery experience. By moving to a flexible, asset-light model with LoadUp, you ensure your products arrive on time, in perfect condition, and at a cost that keeps your business profitable.
Be Prepared for the Next Peak.
Don’t wait until the week before peak season to figure out your logistics. Onboard LoadUp today and secure your logistics for the busiest months of the year.
