Shipments moving around the world can come up against several challenges. And much like unexpected traffic jams, delays can be unavoidable.
Delays can throw a wrench in your expertly planned logistics, causing knock-on effects that affect your whole supply chain. So what can you do?
Read on to learn about shipping delays and strategies to help you handle those unexpected challenges that catch you off guard.
Common Causes Of Shipping Delays
First, let’s take a look at some typical reasons your shipment might experience a delay.
Weather
Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and don’t we know it? Storms and high winds can cause damage to roads and railways, port infrastructure, warehouse buildings… You name it. Fog, extreme heat, snow – all adverse weather conditions can be unsafe to travel in and set your shipping schedule back.
Congestion And Capacity
Ports and transportation hubs can become congested when too many ships or trucks want to enter and unload at the same time. Queues of freight vessels and vehicles lead to delays in loading, unloading and subsequent transit.
Customs Clearance
Customs can be complicated! Complex procedures, documentation errors and even inspections themselves can cause your shipments to be held back at borders.
Technical Difficulties
Ageing equipment can break down, technical equipment can malfunction, and workers can choose to go on strike. There are so many moving parts in the freight world; a problem in one area quickly affects all others, disrupting transportation schedules.
Unexpected Events
Sometimes, something big happens. Just like the recent Baltimore bridge collapse, unforeseen circumstances like world events, natural disasters and political unrest can cause massive ripple effects within the shipping industry.
The Impact Of Delays: More Than Just A Late Delivery
Shipping delays are inconvenient, but the problem runs deeper than your cargo running a bit behind schedule.
Shipping delays can lead to…
Increased Costs
Delays can lead to increased storage costs, missed shipping deadlines and even demurrage fees. Demurrage refers to the time a container spends at the port terminal before it’s taken to its next destination. (Read more about detention and demurrage fees here).
Damaged Reputations
Late deliveries can upset customers, new and old, eating into the trust they have in you as a provider and potentially impacting your brand reputation.
Supply Chain Disruptions
What might seem like a small delay can have adverse knock-on effects on your entire supply chain. From production schedules to inventory management, and eventually showing itself on your bottom line, shipping delays tend to snowball.
Proactive Strategies To Minimise Delays
With a better understanding of potential disruptions, you can get ahead of the game by preparing for the worst (and achieving the best).
Here are four strong, Millennium-backed strategies to help you minimise the chance of dastardly delays…
Plan For The Unexpected
Contingency plans are your friend. We always encourage businesses to have backup plans in place in case of unexpected disruptions. Without a contingency plan (don’t worry, we can help you create one!), you risk fines and customer dissatisfaction.
Choose Reliable Partners
Work with reputable freight forwarders, carriers and suppliers. Check out their testimonials, request case studies, and speak to previous clients if you need to; you want to make sure your partners know what to do when challenges arise.
Check Your Documents
Get a fresh pair of eyes on every single shipping document involved in your shipment to check for errors and make sure you’ve got the paperwork you need ahead of time. Mistakes and missing paperwork can cause easily avoidable days.
Keep An Eye
Stay up-to-date on world news. Gaining knowledge about things like weather forecasts, geopolitical events, and local port conditions enables you to be proactive in the face of potential disruptions and save valuable time.
Managing A Delay
Let’s face it. Delays happen, and they’re incredibly frustrating – but they don’t have to turn into disasters. Here’s how to take charge when your shipment hits a snag:
1. Assess The Situation
What’s causing the delay? How long is it expected to last? What are the potential consequences? Be realistic; working out the details of the delay will help you to source solutions.
2. Transparent Communication
Providing regular updates for all parties, including suppliers and customers, keeps everyone informed about the situation, demonstrates your commitment to accountability and maintains trust levels.
3. Explore Alternatives
Utilise your freight forwarder’s expertise by asking for their assistance in looking for alternative solutions. They will be able to guide you through alternate options such as expedited shipping, fallback routes and different modes of transport.
4. Mitigate The Impact
Minimise the financial and operational consequences of the delay by exploring production schedule adjustments and temporary storage for delayed shipments.
5. Document Every Detail
Record every element of the delay. From noting its cause to keeping a log of communication, and from jotting down alternative solutions to incurred additional costs, this information will be crucial for potential insurance claims and dispute resolution.
Turning Delays Into Detours
Shipping delays are an inevitable part of international trade, but they don’t have to derail your business. By being proactive, communicating effectively, and partnering with a reliable freight forwarder like Millennium Cargo, you can navigate these challenges and keep your supply chain on track.
Ready to keep your supply chain moving? Be prepared for unexpected shipping challenges with Millennium Cargo. Contact us today to ensure your shipments stay on track.