According to recent research released by Drive Research and Flock Freight, 96% of LTL shippers reported one to four-day freight shipping delays on shipments. And more than 50% of truckloads are moving at less than maximum capacity.
Yet, none of this should come as a surprise as the global pandemic and global supply chain shortages wreak havoc. While certain freight shipping delays are completely out of everyone’s control, other freight shipping delays can be potentially curtailed.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top freight shipping delays and steps you may be able to take to mitigate the comprehensive shipping costs when you can.
Weather Can Cause Freight Shipment Delays
It goes without saying that no one can control the weather. In fact, you usually can’t even get a consensus on the next day’s forecast from experienced meteorologists.
From flash flooding that can make shipping lanes unpassable to tornadoes, all of these factors can cause freight delays. Because of the seasonality of weather, it’s important to pay special attention to certain catastrophic events.
For example, winter snowstorms are likely to cause shipping delays and disruptions to the supply chain. During the summer and beginning of fall months, hurricanes are likely to cause freight shipping delays.
Consider Alternate Modes When Shipping Freight to Mitigate Shipping Delays
It’s important to consider the implications of the weather. When you do, you may be able to bypass freight shipment delays by selecting an intermodal option or another mode of transportation.
For instance, if certain roads are closed, ocean freight or rail may prove to be a better alternative. This alternate mode could be less susceptible to weather delays.
In either case, it’s always a prudent decision to plan for extra time to mitigate the impact of freight shipping delays caused by sporadic weather.
Driver Shortages Can Cause Freight Shipping Delays
The ability of any carrier to ensure timely delivery or any delivery at all hinges on their ability to have drivers. And currently, there are driver shortages and labor shortages, which lead to product shortages.
While the driver shortages are wide- and far-reaching, you can potentially hedge the impact by not putting all of your eggs in a single basket. You can strengthen your supply chain and reduce the impact of shipping delays by having relationships with multiple carriers.
Confirm Shipping Address to a Minimize Supply Chain Disruption
While this may seem like a simple no-brainer, many supply chain disruptions and delayed shipments are caused by the wrong address. If the address is not accurate, truck drivers will be unable to perform the contracted services, which leads to late deliveries.
However, potential delays are only the beginning. Major delays caused by the wrong address can greatly drive up freight costs and freight prices. You can avoid these unfavorable scenarios by making it a best practice to verify the accuracy of the shipping address before labels are printed.
Failed Delivery Attempts Can Increase Shipping Costs & Cause Freight Delays
Another common cause of freight delays is when there are several repeated delivery attempts by the driver. As the shipper, you can minimize freight delays and delayed shipment by carefully monitoring the status of your shipment throughout the journey.
Practicing good communication and partnership with your carrier can reduce the likelihood of delayed shipments and help mitigate supply chain challenges. Best of all, you have higher levels of control over this common freight shipment delay.
Delivery & Pickup Challenges Can Cause Delays in Freight Shipping
Far too often, carriers arrive at the delivery address only to learn the delivery isn’t possible. Whether it’s inadequate dock equipment, inaccessible entrances, or unattended docks, these issues can cause delays with freight shipping.
At the same time, these issues can lead to additional fees. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to prevent pickup and delivery challenges from disrupting supply chains.
To get started, make sure you let your driver and carrier know of any challenges before the pickup of the freight. You can also ensure all consignees and dock hands are prepared and ready to receive shipment.
Bill of Lading & Document Errors Can Cause Delays in Transit Times
If there are mistakes on your bill of lading or in documentation, it can lead to expensive reweighs as well as delays. The delays can be directly related to the additional time required to reweigh and/or verify documentation.
To prevent errors in documentation, use the old adage, “measure twice, cut once.” This means you should double-check each piece of information and documentation before shipping goods. Make sure you verify everything for completeness and accuracy.
Leaving anything to chance and using guesswork in the documentation are logistics industry “no-nos,” may be against transportation regulations, and can open the Pandora’s Box of freight shipping delays.
General Tips to Overcome Delayed Shipments
Anytime you ship freight or cargo, it’s imperative to understand freight shipping estimates are just that — estimates. Even the best freight shipping carriers will encounter challenges that are well beyond everyone’s control.
However, we’ve listed a few of the top tips you can use to optimize supply chains and mitigate the impact.
Consider Opting for Expedited Shipping
If you’re shipping cargo or freight during inclement weather season or peak holiday season, you can greatly increase the likelihood of on-time delivery by opting for expedited shipping.
If you ship time-sensitive cargo, choosing an expedited shipping option may be the best way to meet the needs of the recipient. This is due to the fact that expedited cargo will have priority over other types of cargo.
Keep Close Watch on the Weather
As we previously mentioned, weather delays impact all carriers and every industry. While the weather may be pristine today where you are, your cargo could be traveling through hurricanes, torrential rainstorms, and more.
Because of this, it’s important to check the area where the cargo will travel. By working closely with carriers, you can update your customer about the potential delay, especially if it’s traveling through severely impacted areas.
Plan for the Unexpected
Anytime you ship cargo with carriers, you relinquish a bit of control. The best way to maintain as much control as possible is to plan.
Consider creating a disaster recovery plan and business continuity plan to ensure the business stays on track after a supply chain disruption. One key consideration should be how you will manage shipping delays based on industry standards.
Contact On Track Freight Systems
Whether you’re shipping full truckload or partial truckload, your trucking and logistics partner plays an extremely important role in preventing late deliveries and delays. While there may be a number of factors out of your and the carrier’s control, there are several steps you can take to help prevent delays.
And one of the key steps is to partner with a reliable LTL and FTL carrier who has proven the ability to meet the needs of small businesses. Since we opened our doors back in 1991, On Track Freight Systems has consistently delivered on-time LTL and full truckload freight shipments for many businesses throughout New Jersey, New York, and beyond.
As one of the leading carriers, we partner with businesses across every industry to deliver competitive freight rates and ensure your freight moves in a timely fashion.
Contact On Track Freight Systems today.
