Every November, importers across the U.S. face the same challenge: holiday demand surges, ports tighten up, inspections increase, and shipments that normally clear without issue suddenly sit for days. For Houston importers especially, this season puts pressure on every part of the supply chain.
The goal is to get products on shelves, fulfill online orders, and meet customer expectations during the busiest retail month of the year. The reality is that even the most organized businesses feel the strain. When your shipment is stuck in customs, those delays ripple into missed revenue, frustrated buyers, and unnecessary operational stress.
That’s where having the right customs broker makes all the difference. At Hawthorne Global Logistics, we help importers stay ahead of the chaos by managing the details, reducing risks, and clearing freight quickly so you don’t lose momentum during the months when timing matters most.
Why November Is the Busiest Season for Importers
By the time November hits, the global supply chain is already running at full steam. Retailers are preparing for Black Friday, Cyber Week, and December holiday orders. E-commerce sales surge, inventory moves faster, and distributors race to replenish stock.
The downside of this peak season is predictable: congestion at ports, increased customs scrutiny, and slower-than-usual communication across agencies and carriers. During the holiday rush, even small documentation errors can snowball into major setbacks.
Customs may hold a shipment for additional review, ports may run out of space, and overworked carriers may miss cutoffs. When the entire system is stretched thin, importers that normally breeze through clearance suddenly find themselves stuck behind a long line of other businesses facing the same challenges.
What Causes Customs Delays During the Holiday Season
Higher Import Volumes
The fourth quarter brings the highest import volumes of the year. When volume spikes, customs agencies must process more entries and inspect more containers. Even perfectly documented shipments can face delays simply due to overload.
Increased Inspections
Because so many consumer goods enter the U.S. in Q4, CBP increases random inspections to enforce safety, trademark, and compliance standards. Importers shipping regulated or high-demand items may see more holds than normal.
Carrier and Port Congestion
With vessels, trucks, and warehouses at capacity, a late document or missed cutoff can push a shipment to the back of the line. Delays compound quickly during peak season.
Documentation Errors Amplified
An incomplete packing list or unclear product description can cause a hold any time of year. In November, the impact is magnified because customs teams are working through larger backlogs.
How Importers Can Reduce Holiday Season Delays
The good news is that importers have more control than they may realize. Small steps early in the process help avoid major problems later.
Confirm HTS classifications early and ensure product descriptions match across documents.
• Provide accurate country-of-origin details for every item.
• Communicate with suppliers to verify documentation is complete before freight departs.
• Maintain compliance records for goods at higher inspection risk.
• Work with a customs broker who can submit entries quickly and address customs inquiries immediately.
These practices reduce uncertainty, but even with perfect documentation, peak season introduces enough volatility that expert support becomes invaluable.
What Hawthorne Global Logistics Does to Keep Your Freight Moving
Proactive Documentation Review
Before your cargo reaches the port, our team reviews classifications, valuations, descriptions, and supplier documents. By resolving issues early, we prevent the errors that trigger holiday-season delays.
Real-Time Monitoring of Customs Entries
During peak months, things can change hour by hour. We monitor each entry, watching for holds or requests from CBP. When customs needs clarification, we respond immediately to keep your freight from falling behind.
Coordination Across the Supply Chain
Customs clearance only works smoothly when every link in the chain is aligned. We coordinate with carriers, truckers, warehouses, and forwarders to eliminate miscommunication and keep freight flowing.
Season-Specific Strategies
We help importers anticipate November challenges by advising on shipment cutoffs, alternate routings, and products most likely to face inspection. Preparing entries early helps shorten processing time during peak congestion.
Why a Customs Partner Matters More During the Holidays
Importers often underestimate how much peak season magnifies even minor issues. A shipment that normally clears in hours can take days. A missing document may sit unnoticed until after the rush. Freight stuck at the port may incur storage fees, demurrage, or delivery disruptions that impact your entire operation.
The real challenge is timing—holiday delays hit when demand is highest and buyers are least forgiving. A trusted customs broker becomes a safeguard for seasonal revenue. Hawthorne Global Logistics fills that role by preventing problems before they occur and managing the complexities that most importers don’t have time to handle themselves.
What Importers Can Expect When Partnering with Hawthorne Global Logistics
You gain a team that protects your shipments during the riskiest time of year. You get visibility into entries, confidence that documents are correct, and assurance that someone is watching your freight even when the system is overloaded.
Our experience in the Houston market allows us to anticipate seasonal patterns and guide importers with clarity and strategy. When freight needs to move quickly, we’re the partner that keeps you from falling behind.
Protect Your Holiday Season Shipments
Peak season pressure doesn’t have to disrupt your business. With the right support, your products move smoothly, customers receive what they need, and your operation stays ahead even when the port is stretched to capacity. If you want to avoid costly delays, strengthen compliance, and keep freight moving this holiday season, we’re here to help.
Contact Hawthorne Global Logistics at 866-348-7069 or visit www.hawthorneglobal.com.
