No one likes to wait – whether it’s in traffic or for a product to arrive. For businesses, delays can mean lost sales and disappointed customers, especially as most now expect delivery within just 2–3 days.
In this article, we’ll explore common causes of shipping delays, their impact, and how to reduce them.
Why is shipping taking so long right now? – causes of delays in shipping
Shipping delays are frustrating, but there are several common reasons why they happen across different modes of transport, whether it's by air, road, rail, or sea.
1. Global events
Major events, such as pandemics, wars, or new trade regulations, can slow down shipping. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have caused major problems in the supply chain.
New import rules – like the recent U.S. tariffs on the EU and China – don’t directly slow trade, but they often trigger business responses, such as pre-loading cargo ahead of implementation, which can create congestion and delays.
2. Problems in the supply chain
Sometimes there aren’t enough goods, trucks, or workers. Ports can get congested, and ships or planes may be delayed. To avoid this, businesses try to keep backup suppliers and spread out their inventory.
3. Bad weather
Storms, floods, or other natural disasters can stop deliveries. For example, hurricanes have caused big port delays in the past.
4. Holidays
During holidays, shipping companies may close for a day or two. At the same time, people order more, which can lead to backlogs and slower deliveries.
5. Worker shortages and strikes
If there aren’t enough workers, or if there’s a strike going on, packages may not be picked, packed, or delivered on time. During the pandemic, this happened often in warehouses and ports.
You can read about the US port strike here.
6. Shipping container delays
Sometimes there aren’t enough containers in the right place. Shipping container delays can happen due to port delays, political issues, or uneven trade flows. It slows things down and increases shipping costs.
Read more about shipping container shortage here
7. Wrong shipping information
Even small errors, such as a wrong phone number or late submission of shipping data, can lead to roll-overs, delays, or returns.
Read more about what´s driving the increase in shipping costs.
What does “package delayed in transit” mean?
If you see the message “Package Delayed in Transit,” don’t worry – your package isn’t lost. It just means it’s taking longer than expected to move to the next step in its journey.
“In transit” means the package is still on the way, usually between shipping centers or transport hubs. When there’s a delay, it might be stuck or moving slower than planned. Couriers often use this message when something unexpected happens, but they don’t have more details yet. It’s a sign to keep an eye on the tracking info while the delivery gets back on track.
Shipping issues affect everyone
Shipping delays don’t just slow down packages – they create problems for customers, retailers, and the whole supply chain.
Why customers get frustrated
Most people expect fast shipping – in fact, 67% want their orders within two days. So when packages are delayed, customers get disappointed. If they don’t get clear updates, that disappointment can turn into frustration.
Even though many shoppers now understand that delays happen, they still expect honest and timely communication. But even when retailers are transparent, long shipping times can cause customers to cancel orders. In 2022, 32% of shoppers abandoned their carts due to slow delivery, and over half said they’d try a new store if their usual one had delays.
How retailers are affected
Delayed orders don’t just upset customers – they hurt business. When customers walk away, that means lost sales. And when unhappy shoppers leave bad reviews, it can scare off future buyers, too. Shipping delays also mess with inventory planning. If stock doesn’t arrive on time, stores might run out of popular items or overstock the wrong ones – both of which can cost time and money.
Also read: What is the primary benefit of shipping goods by air? Top 10 advantages of air transport
Prepare for shipping delays in advance
Shipping delays can’t always be avoided, but you can plan and reduce their impact. Here are some simple ways to stay ready and keep your customers happy:
1. Plan ahead
Try to predict when delays might happen, like during holidays, bad weather, or global events, and have a plan in place. It’s smart to create backup options, like extra suppliers or extra inventory, just in case.
2. Keep everyone in the loop
Talk regularly with your suppliers to stay updated on possible delays. This gives you time to fix the problem before it affects your customers.
Also, be open and clear with your customers. If their order is delayed, send updates by email or text, and be available to answer questions. Clear communication builds trust.
3. Track your orders
Give your customers a tracking number so they can follow their order. Even if it’s delayed, being able to see where it is helps reduce worry and shows that their package is still on its way.
4. Watch your supply chain closely
Check in often on every part of your supply chain – from raw materials to shipping. If you spot a problem early, you’ll have more time to react.
For example, if you hear about a storm or a new regulation that might slow things down, you can reorder supplies or switch suppliers before it causes delays.
How to tell customers about shipping delays?
If an order is delayed, a well-written email can make a big difference. Here are some easy tips to help you communicate clearly and keep your customers happy.
- Be honest: Explain what caused the delay – whether it’s weather, supply chain problems, or something else. Customers appreciate honesty.
- Give a new delivery estimate: Let them know when they can expect their order now. A clear timeline helps manage expectations and reduce frustration.
- Offer a solution: If possible, offer something helpful, like faster shipping later, a discount, or a small freebie. It shows you care about their experience.
- Make it personal: Use the customer’s name and mention their order details. It feels more thoughtful and less like a copy-paste message.
- Follow up: Once the order ships, send another update to thank them for their patience and let them know it’s on the way.
Mitigate shipping delays with Bertling
At Bertling, we know how disruptive shipping delays can be – that’s why we’re constantly working to make supply chains more reliable and transparent.
To help our clients stay ahead, we’ve launched a new deviation tool in our BLU4U tracking-system. This feature provides early visibility into shipment issues, allowing you to act faster and reduce risks. You can read more about it here: New deviation tool for BLU4U
Want to understand more about what’s happening in the market?
Stay informed with our regularly updated Market Reports, designed to give you valuable insights into global logistics trends.
With Bertling you’re better equipped to navigate shipping challenges – before they become problems.