Main reasons for delays in your merchandise

There is nothing more annoying and frustrating than delaying your merchandise. b > On paper, the estimated transit time is as accurate as possible, precisely so that those involved know exactly when the delivery will be made, so that they can organize the collection based on this.

However, inconveniences may occur that affect the supply chain and consequently delay your merchandise.

For example, a customer becomes responsible for the delay if he presses the delivery deadline. In many cases, merchandise becomes damaged, defective or lost.

In this post we have compiled the most common reasons that can cause delay in the delivery of your merchandise.

Time and traffic problems

This is one of the most common reasons and, in fact, the solution is beyond our control. Delays of goods due to traffic can occur in all cities around the world due to situations such as road accidents, detours, construction sites, protests, etc.

The possible solution, a route optimization program. This is software that package drivers use to alleviate the problem.

Basically this program helps you find a quick route so that you can reach the destination on time. Route optimization software updates in real time so drivers can avoid those common interruptions that cause delays.

Another factor that can cause delays in deliveries are peak periods. For example, delays on Christmas Eve or during the summer are common. If shipments in both periods are maximized, delays are very likely to occur.

In countries with a high incidence of strikes, delivery times are always affected. France is one of these countries. In this specific case, logistics are having problems due to strikes, which triggers a service alert due to delays.

So far, the pandemic effect affects the delivery times of goods, especially in companies with poor equipment and staff capacity.

Goods delays due to customs issues

International carriers face customs. They have to be prepared, with all their documents in order and the precautions that are generally required at these stops. If everything is correct, delays in goods due to customs issues are more likely to be avoided.

Now, there could also be difficulties if the authorities decide to review the cargo. In this case, a backup plan is recommended. For example, traders can create an alliance with a reliable transit service that has secure and accurate documents.

A poorly written document can cause delays in your merchandise

This is a simple problem, but it is very common and can cause delays in your merchandise. We are talking about a lack of clarity in writing or an unclear document.

If it is a paper manuscript, it is more common for it to contain errors, tears or not be readable, which can cause serious setbacks.

Another element that causes delivery delays is shipping labels. Merchandise can even be lost if shipping labels are poor quality or inaccurate.

To minimize these types of problems, companies have chosen to use logistics management software. Remember that the human factor will always cause problems in logistics, so it’s a good idea to focus your efforts on the technical part.

On the other hand, if your company’s address has recently changed and you have not received any products at the new address, be sure to notify suppliers and freight forwarders.

Obsolete technology

If a logistics company deals with obsolete technology, i.e. old and outdated software and hardware, delays in your merchandise are more likely.

What happens is that outdated software imposes limits on companies that want to include new technologies for more efficient management of their services.

Additionally, outdated technology limits access to resources needed to reduce delivery delays.

To optimize shipment tracking, logistics companies need to invest in the latest software and hardware; It’s a good idea to purchase cloud-based systems.

This technology allows the supply chain to take a more holistic approach. This allows parcel, logistics and transport companies to always be connected and review useful information in real time.

The main objective of this investment is to reduce the possibility of shipping delays.

Not having the right equipment

Lack of adequate equipment is another problem that transporters cannot ignore.

It is not easy to transfer cargo from the warehouse, in fact, it is a big challenge. Above all, if the company needs intermodal transport, that is, both road and rail.

This may cause goods delaysif shipping containers are not available. Low availability of inputs or shortages in some regions of the locality in particular.

Delays caused by external agents

The most common delays are caused by external elements, outside of your or the carrier’s control; they are agents that simply cannot be predicted.

These may be causes of delay of your merchandise of natural order, due to mechanical aspects, human errors or due to some political issue.

For example, these are the most common:

• Climate conditions
• Accidents on land roads

• Damaged means of transport, trucks or ships
• Congested traffic
• War situations
• Terrorist attacks that affect roads or entrances to an area
• Natural events such as earthquakes, tsunamis or floods

• Fires
• Events scheduled by important dates or seasons, for example, the Thanksgiving Day parade

In short, delays in goods are common, but they can also be avoided with better planning or the help of technological tools. Remember that the objective will always be to meet deadlines and delivery times to satisfy the customer.