No one in the freight industry wants to deal with a shipping delay. Any disruption to the shipping timeline can significantly impact the bottom lines and the supply chain. The unfortunate reality is that the journey of goods from points A to B is full of potential challenges that can lead to unexpected delays. While some causes of delays are outside of our control, crucial steps can be taken to lower the risk of delays and soften their impact if they do occur. In this guide, we discuss ten common causes of freight delays and provide actionable solutions to prevent them.
What causes shipping delays?
Shipping delays often seem to occur out of the blue. Read on to learn what to look out for.
- Weather Events – The unpredictability of weather can bring chaos to shipping schedules. Hurricanes, blizzards, high wind storms, and other weather events can disrupt transportation routes and force drivers to stay off the roads, leading to delays and logistical challenges.
- Natural Disasters – Earthquakes, wildfires, volcano eruptions, and other natural disasters can add a layer of complexity to the supply chain. These events can cause widespread damage, harming people and property and hindering the smooth flow of goods.
- Political Events – Events such as war and conflicts can have a profound impact on shipping routes and customs processes. Political instability can make it difficult to move goods smoothly and securely.
- Schedule Changes – Around holidays, in particular, schedules often undergo significant changes. The shift in routines can create a backlog that has to be resolved, causing delays in the transportation process.
- High Volumes of Traffic – Peaks in shipping activities, such as those seen before holidays, can congest transportation networks and slow down the movement of freight.
- Customs Issues – Various shipping documents are required when going through customs. If any documents are missing, incomplete, or incorrect, there may be a delay in resolving those issues. Additionally, authorities may need to check the cargo and conduct further inspections, which extends the shipping timeline.
- Missing Documents – Essential documents, including delivery orders, bills of lading, and shipping instructions, must be in order to ensure smooth transportation. Missing documents can bring the process to a full stop.
- Outdated Technology – Traditional methods of booking shipments through email chains and phone calls can be time-consuming. Using outdated software or long processes hinders shipping efficiency. Using advanced technology for instant booking and real-time tracking is essential.
- Production Delays – If a supplier experiences a production delay, it can have a cascading effect on transportation plans. A buffer must be built into the schedule so the overall shipping timeline is not compromised.
- Freight Damage – While rare, freight damage can happen. When it does, it is crucial to address the damage promptly by filing a claim. Keep in mind that filing a claim and obtaining replacement goods can contribute to delays.
5 Tips for Preventing Shipping Delays
Despite everyone’s best efforts, shipping delays can still occur. Here’s what to do to limit the likelihood a delay will arise and mitigate the impact if something unexpected happens.
- Get documents in order so that everyone is on the same page and has the crucial information to keep the freight moving along smoothly.
- Keep up with major events by looking at weather forecasts, reading the news, and tracking the market. Understanding these events helps anticipate potential disruptions, allowing time to prepare to minimize the impact.
- Prepare for the holidays in advance to avoid getting stuck in bottlenecks and delays.
- Use up-to-date technology for instant booking, real-time tracking, and automated communication to streamline the shipping process.
- Partner with an experienced logistics provider who will handle all of the documents and communication and has the resources to skillfully prevent and navigate delays.
First Star Logistics Has Your Back
Why spend your precious business hours trying to prevent and manage shipping delays when you can leave all the hassle to the pros? Navigating the complexities of freight transportation can be a steep challenge to many business owners, and we are here to streamline the process. .
First Star Logistics is a unique asset-based global brokerage company with over 60 years of experience. We take great pride in meeting the needs of our customers, carriers, brokers, and agents. For our customers, we understand that efficiency, safety, and reliability are crucial. We use fast, cutting-edge technology to ensure a satisfactory experience with our specialized shipping services. We support our carriers with the technology, management, resources, and support they need to ensure safe, on-time delivery for shipments. We provide our agents and brokers with a dedicated management team and proprietary software that empowers our employees to succeed.
To experience the difference that a seasoned logistics provider can make, contact First Star Logistics today!
