How to protect your supply chain during the summer holiday season?
The summer holiday season (as well as the winter holiday period) is one of the most sensitive times for the supply chain. International experience and analytical reports show that this period often brings shipment delays, reduced transport capacity, and shortages of logistics operators and warehouse staff.
📍For example, Maersk analysts emphasize that during the summer period, it is essential to coordinate delivery schedules precisely and to plan storage and transport resources in advance
📍DP World highlights another factor – seasonally increased cargo flows, especially from summer through autumn. During this period, warehouse capacity is often limited.
📍Another major challenge is weather conditions. Excessive heat in summer can affect vehicle performance and pose a risk to workers’ health, further reducing supply capacity.
In international freight transport, the CMR Convention applies. Article 19 states that delay in delivery is considered a breach of contract if delivery does not occur within the agreed or reasonable time. Under Article 23(5), compensation may be claimed for such breaches – even if actual damage is not proven, the carrier may be liable up to the freight charge unless intent or gross negligence is proven.
Under Lithuanian law (Civil Code), businesses face clear obligations:
✔️ Obligations must be fulfilled properly and on time.
✔️ Late performance is considered improper performance.
✔️ If the delay is material, the other party may unilaterally terminate the contract.
In case of dispute, each party must substantiate its position in court. Therefore, it is essential not only to have well-drafted contracts but also to maintain proper documentation.
Before the holiday season, we recommend that businesses:
✅ Review logistics and supply contracts. Make sure deadlines are clear, marked as essential, and that supply (purchase-sale) agreements include penalties for breaches.
✅ Define risk allocation. Contracts should state who is responsible for force majeure, customs delays, inactivity of suppliers, carriers, or warehouses.
✅ Ensure documentation management is in order. From correctly completed CMR waybills to saved email communications – these can be crucial evidence in case of a dispute.
Although both national and international laws provide clear standards, in practice, problems most often arise not due to a lack of regulations, but because those provisions are not included in contracts. That is why legal preparedness is a critical part of supply chain management.
Contact us – we’ll help you review your logistics and supply contracts, assess risk allocation, and ensure your supply chain can withstand seasonal challenges.
📞 +370 664 42822
📩 info@prevence.legal
