Growing Complexities in Global Supply Chain

A globalized economy requires international shipping services, but the growing complexity of global supply chains and increasing eCommerce volumes have resulted in significant delays.

Based on a recent study, international shipping delays have increased by four times as compared to the average cases, mainly due to the following reasons: congestion in ports, geopolitical tensions and labor shortages.

These delays should be addressed beforehand to stay ahead in the race and provide quality customer service. In this blog post, we will discuss strategies to address international shipping delays and ensure smooth operations.

Causes of International Shipping Delays

International shipping is a complex process and there can be dozens of reasons for a delay. From trouble clearing customs to unexpected international events, understanding these common causes must be the first step in implementing effective mitigation measures.

Before the discussion on strategies for delay management, it becomes imperative to understand the common causes:

• Customs Clearance: Complicated customs procedures and documentation requirements can delay cargo.
• Port Congestion: This, especially at significant ports, can create undue delays.
• Bad Weather: Storms and hurricanes can interrupt shipping programs.
• Transportation Problem: The shortage of truck drivers or equipment failure can cause delays.
• Global Events: Pandemics, economic crises, and tensions created in the global environment can deeply affect shipping schedules.

Top Strategies to Manage International Shipping Delays

To overcome the challenges of international shipping services, companies need to use proactive measures that minimize delays and ensure timely deliveries. Combining some or most of these approaches is likely to optimize your supply chain, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Proactive Communication and Tracking

Real-time visibility about your shipments and effective communication are the best ways to stay up to date. Advanced tracking technologies allow you to stay in touch with your carrier and customers, and update you early. This makes you proactive about potential shipment delays.

Use advanced tracking technologies. These help you monitor your shipments in real time, stay informed about potential delays, and communicate proactively with your customers.

Update regularly. Keep your clients updated on their shipments’ statuses.

Diversify Your Supply Chain

A diversified supply chain can help insulate you against disruptions. You lessen your exposure to risks of suppliers and shipping routes when you spread the risk over multiple suppliers. Further, you will be less reliant on a single source.

• Multiple Suppliers: Diversify your supplier base to reduce reliance on one source.
• Alternative Shipping Routes: Go for alternative shipping routes that may cause fewer disruptions.
• Multiple Carriers: Collaborate with multiple carriers from different international shipping companies to increase flexibility and mitigate the risk of delays.

Build Good Relations with Carriers

Good relations with your carriers could be the difference in managing international shipping delays. Promote an open and free-flowing two-way communication relationship with your carriers, negotiate favorable terms of shipping, and prioritize your shipments.

• Open Communication: Maintain open communications to ensure that problems are addressed on time.
• Negotiate SLAs: Define and set clear expectations and hold the carriers accountable.
• Prioritize Your Shipments: Develop a relationship with your carrier to have your shipments given priority.

Optimize Your Shipping Process

Streamlining your shipping process can significantly reduce risks associated with delays. By optimizing packaging, documentation and routing, you can achieve reduced bottlenecks and accelerated shipment delivery time.

• Efficient Packaging: It is bound to protect your products and expedite customs clearance.
• Accurate Documentation: Ensure thorough and accurate documentation to avoid delays in customs clearance.
• Choose the Optimal Shipping Routes: Make sure you choose the most efficient shipping routes to reduce transit times.

Preparing for Disruptions

Nothing takes place without risks. With an effective contingency plan, you can adapt to changing events that characterize human life, helping to minimize disruptions to your business.

Contingency Planning: Develop a contingency plan to address potential disruptions.
Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
Flexible Supply Chain: Build a flexible supply chain that can adapt to changing circumstances.

How to Boost Your International Shipping Game

By knowing the reason behind these shipping delays in the international markets, and by adopting appropriate measures, you can avoid the discomfort of such situations and also send your commodities at the right time.

Proactive communication, diversification, robust carrier relationships, process optimization, and a contingency plan are the most imperative steps to stay ahead in the global market.

Are you prepared to optimize your international shipping? Shipyaari, with its easy-to-use interface, offers a wide range of international shipping solutions, including tracking, customs clearance, and insurance. We will help you streamline your global logistics and ensure punctual deliveries.

Connect with us to get started today!