Depends on Demand and Supply. Traditionally from December through to April, it is called the “slow season.” Because the retail market slows down after Christmas. However from mid January through to early February there is an upsurge of cargo moving to beat the Chinese New Year deadline. This usually keeps rates high as there are always space problems for cargo getting on vessels. From May through to November is the “peak season” where there is a big demand for cargo movement, so the Carriers raise the rates during this period, with the GRI (general rate increase), PSS (peak season surcharge) and BSS (Bunker Surcharge)