The success of many businesses depends on their ability to ship products efficiently within a given time. In 2022, we are facing increased shipping delays due to disruptions caused by the pandemic. In this article, we will see the top causes of freight delays and avoid them.
Common Causes of Freight Delays:
Let us look at the common causes and how to avoid them to get your shipments delivered on time.
Weather Delays:
No one can control the weather. Sometimes meteorologists are unable to predict the right conditions as well. So, shipping delays are bound to happen. From snowstorms to pouring rainfalls to flash flooding, truckers have to drive safely through all to avoid delays due to poor weather.
Traffic Delays:
Another cause of delays is traffic conditions. A carrier can be stuck in traffic for long periods. Freight trucks have to travel on the same roads and highways as other vehicles, so they face similar traffic conditions. Accidents and road construction can cause traffic jams.
Extraordinary Events:
The supply chain was affected by the Covid pandemic, and we’re still experiencing the after-effects. Most of the processes have resumed, but there are still disruptions. The coronavirus vaccine is still being shipped to different parts, which has increased the demand for refrigerated trucks. Driver availability has been compromised in many cases due to the virus. All these factors can affect the shipping time of cargo.
Seasonal Delays:
Online shopping and shipping have seen a boom. This vibrant industry experiences a surge during the holiday and peak seasons. In 2021, the seasonal boom was calculated to be 47.2%.
Although more sales are good, they also mean increased demands. So, many trucks can operate at one, causing shipping delays.
Tips to Avoid Delayed Shipments:
As a shipper, you must comprehend all the delivery and shipping estimates. Still, the best of us encounter situations that are beyond our control. Here are some tips to help you avoid these delays.
Consider Expedited Shipping:
When shipping during the peak season, you can provide an efficient and speedy delivery by choosing an expedited shipping form. If you have a time-sensitive shipment on hand, you can meet the recipient’s needs in this way.
Watch The Weather:
Even though you have pleasant weather now, your shipment could be traveling through torrential rainfall, hurricanes, or more. Shippers need to keep an eye on the weather conditions your shipment will pass through.
If you have this knowledge, you can plan to update your client or work with a 3PL to get their accessorial services.
Contingency Plans:
If you don’t plan, you are planning to fail. This is also true for freight shipping. Having a disaster recovery plan can help you keep your business on track in emergencies. You should include how to handle shipping delays in your contingency plans. When designing a project, keep all factors like peak shipping season, special packing needs, and time sensitivity.
Partner With A 3PL:
When you partner with a third-party logistics provider, you instantly get in touch with their shipping expertise and cutting-edge technology. They can provide you with better insight along the way.
FAQs
Q1- Why is shipping taking so long right now?
As the recent COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, there are several reasons why shipping takes so long. Supply chains across the world have been disrupted, due to which the transportation industry has also suffered. The limited companies operating have increased burden due to which more delays in shipping are being observed.
Q2- What is a logistics delay?
A delay in logistics occurs due to a lack of maintenance resources. The time wasted during this is called a logistics delay. This doesn’t include an administrative delay.
Conclusion:
Freight delays can be controlled by efficient planning, as this article demonstrates. As a shipper, you should consider different forms of delays and design practical strategies to overcome them.
Also Read: What Makes Linear Foot Important For Shipping And How To Calculate It?
