When you’re delivering your goods through the freight shipment process, you always need to deliver the products within the promised time. Delivering the goods on time is extremely important to keep the customers and clients happy. Your customers and clients rely on you. Therefore, they expect that the products will arrive on time. However, if they experience a major delay in the delivery date, they won’t be happy.
No matter how many precautions you take or how reputed freight forwarding companies you choose, delays can happen due to some unavoidable factors. Delay in shipping is undoubtedly a great challenge for small and medium businesses. But do you know why cargo gets delayed? What steps you can take to prevent your shipping from potential delays? Here are the top 4 reasons why cargo might get delayed in 2021.
The Pandemic and Behavioral Change in Custom Habits
The impact of COVID-19 on the shipments was undoubtedly massive. Amongst all the industries, the coronavirus pandemic has affected the freight and shipping industry the most. As per the We forum, COVID-19 has also affected international trade. Even though the freight industry is healing from the damages of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s not 100% recovered. As the behaviors of the customers are changing, they are purchasing goods instead of services. Keeping that in mind, many freight carrier companies are busy shipping goods all over the world. Especially the trade lanes from Asia to North America and Asia to Europe are severely impacted. This is not only resulting in space limitations on many vessels but also a lack of equipment.
Traffic Challenges and Schedule Changes
Your cargo shipment might be delayed due to traffic and schedule changes. This is true especially if you use cheaper and low-quality freight transportation services. Even though traffic challenges are common during peak seasons such as Christmas, New Year, or other holidays, reputed freight forwarding companies such as alliance cargo tracking will do their best in delivering your goods within the promised time. You might also have to face traffic challenges after the holiday due to the subsequent backlogs and demand.
Therefore, make sure you include the extra days in your shipment schedule, especially during the peak seasons when the traffic will become challenging.
Custom Clearance Issues
This is one of the most common factors that delay cargo shipment. When you’re shipping your goods internationally, you need to provide all the vital shipping documents. You might forget to provide any specific document fill out any portion wrongly. This will result in a further inspection of your cargo. Additionally, you also have to know the changes in the Custom Declarations. This is because the new rules in the customs clearance might interrupt your shipping process. This will ultimately cause more delays to your shipment. Therefore, don’t forget to cross-check the essential documents while shipping goods internationally.
Inadequate Technology
Sometimes, the inadequate technology of your logistics provider is the only cause of your shipment delays. This happens because freight forwarding companies use outdated technology or software.
When you’re shipping with a reputed and professional freight forwarding company, your shipment will be handled by the latest technology that will ensure the quick transportation of your cargo. Additionally, many freight forwarders provide their clients’ real-time tracking options.
Conclusion
These are the top 4 reasons why your cargo might be delayed in 2021. Make sure you apply insurance for your cargo so that you can protect it from possible damages. Do you have any questions? Comment below to let us know.