Why has my logistics delivery time been delayed?

Transit time from China to Destination country is affected by many factors, such as human factors, natural factors, force majeure and political factors. Shipment delay is one of the most typical issues for importers and here are some common causes.

*Customs Clearance Delays 清关延误

Customs clearance delays may cause by wrong documents, incomplete documents, under-declared cargo values, and inspections. Importers need to compare all the shipping documents well and confirm all the information on documents are correct and consistent.

*Port Congestion港口拥堵

During the peak time and holidays, port congestion can occur when cargo volume exceeds the handling capacity of ports. And port facilities and labor efficiency both affect port handling efficiency. Congestion can lead to longer vessel waiting time, slower cargo handling, and delivery delays. Choosing a stable route and avoiding peak time can reduce the port congestion.

*Weather Conditions天气状况

Severe weather can affect both sea freight and air freight operations, such as typhoons, flooding, tornado, earthquake, and tsunami. These conditions may cause flight cancellation, vessel schedule changes, or temporary port cessation. Importers can only allow extra buffer time and plan your supply chain more cautiously.

*Carrier Schedule Changes 承运人班期变更

Shipping lines and airlines sometimes will adjust schedules due to operational requirements. This can affect transit times even when cargo has already been booked. Schedule changes can not be controlled by freight forwarders and importers. Importers can only keep close communication with their freight forwarders.

*Incomplete Cargo Preparation 货物准备不充分

Before shipment, professional freight forwarder normally will check all the required documents and cargo compliance. Incomplete cargo preparation can lead to failed customs clearance, warehouse inbound and market access. Importers should coordinate closely with freight forwarders and suppliers to ensure smooth shipments