Waiting for an overseas delivery to reach your customers can feel like an eternity, especially when you’re hit with unexpected shipping delays. International shipping is a vital part of commerce, but it has its share of challenges.
At Chief Carriers, we understand the frustration and headaches that delays can cause. From port congestion and inclement weather to unexpected customs hurdles, we’ll break down the causes of shipping delays and offer insights to help you plan and mitigate potential disruptions.

Causes of Shipping Delays at the Warehouse
Before your goods even leave the warehouse, there may already be problems that will cause delayed shipping. Here are some of the most common reasons for pre-shipment delays:
Inbound Receiving Issues
Supplier issues, transportation problems, or customs delays can impact warehouse receiving. Inaccurate paperwork creates confusion and can lead to misidentification of goods. Understaffing in the receiving department also adds to delays and causes bottlenecks in processing.
Warehouse Operations & Processes
Inefficient warehouse operations can be caused by a poorly designed layout that leads to wasted time and unnecessary movement. Outdated technology, inadequate equipment, and inventory management problems also slow down processes and cause delays. Insufficient staff training and high turnover can also negatively impact productivity and result in errors.
Outbound Shipping Challenges
Order processing errors, such as incorrect item picking or labeling, can cause delays or shipment returns. While carrier delays are outside of a warehouse’s control, issues like missed pickups or transit problems still impact delivery times. Inadequate packaging or incorrect labeling can damage goods, leading to repackaging and further delays.
External Factors
High order volumes during peak seasons and holidays can overwhelm warehouse operations and cause delays. Unpredictable events like severe weather or global disruptions can also significantly impact warehouse operations by affecting transportation and supply chains.
Lack of Visibility and Communication
Poor communication between warehouse departments can lead to confusion, errors, and delays in fulfilling orders. A lack of real-time visibility into inventory and order status makes it difficult to prioritize tasks or identify bottlenecks impacting shipments.
Customs Clearance Complications
Navigating customs regulations can be complicated. Each country has its own set of rules and regulations for inspections. Shipping delays can occur because of security checks, valuation issues, assessing duties and taxes, and other customs procedures.
Problems with Suppliers
Delays can also come from the supplier end, so it’s important to maintain clear communication with your supplier. Manufacturing backlogs, raw material shortages, or even packaging issues can cause delays in getting your goods ready for shipment.

Why Is My Shipment Stuck in Transit?
Once your shipment leaves the warehouse, it faces a new set of challenges in transit. Here are some of the main reasons why your shipment might be stuck along the way:
Port Congestion
Port congestion is a major cause of shipment delays. Increased global trade, labor shortages, and pandemic-related restrictions have led to significant congestion at many major ports. This results in lengthy cargo loading and unloading backlogs, impacting overall shipping times. Port delays can be unpredictable and significantly impact delivery schedules.
Customs Delays
Inaccurate paperwork, prohibited items, and unpaid duties and taxes can cause customs delays. Random inspections and increased shipment volumes can also add to the time shipments spend in customs.
Freight Issues
Capacity limitations in the freight industry create supply chain bottlenecks and can also delay shipments. Freight issues like container shortages, limited vessel availability, and booking difficulties are common challenges.
Inland Transportation Delays
Even after your goods clear customs and arrive at the port, inland transportation issues can occur within the destination country. Infrastructure limitations, traffic congestion, and unexpected events like accidents or road closures can create delays in getting your shipment to its final destination.
Carrier Issues
International shipments depend on efficient and synchronized trucking and rail transport. This means that problems with one create ripple effects in the other. Labor shortages, strikes, rail congestion, or derailments can bog down the movement of goods and disrupt critical truck-freight connections.

Unpredictable Events That Cause Shipping Delays
The global supply chain is a complex network, and any interruption can have a ripple effect, impacting delivery times and business operations. International shipping is vulnerable to a range of unpredictable events that can cause delays. Here are some key factors to consider:
Weather Disruptions
Severe weather events like storms, hurricanes, and typhoons can disrupt shipping routes, cause port closures, and damage cargo. Delays caused by these events are often unavoidable but can be mitigated with proper planning and insurance.
Political Unrest and Trade Disputes
Geopolitical instability and trade disputes between countries can also impact shipping. This can involve shipping lane disruptions, increased customs scrutiny, or even trade embargoes, all of which can cause delays in shipments.
Unexpected Global Events
Unforeseen events like pandemics or natural disasters can cause widespread disturbances to global supply chains and shipping networks. These events can cause port closures, transportation restrictions, and labor shortages, resulting in significant and sudden delays.

How to Avoid International Shipping Delays
The global supply chain consists of many processes with points of failure under certain conditions. While delays can be frustrating for you and your customer, there are steps you can take to minimize their impact of delays on your shipments:
- Partner with reliable suppliers and freight forwarders: Choose experienced professionals with a proven track record of reliability and efficient service.
- Ensure accurate and complete documentation: Double-check all paperwork for accuracy and completeness to avoid customs delays.
- Use cargo insurance: Protect your goods against potential losses or damages during transit.
- Track shipments closely: Utilize tracking systems to monitor your shipment’s progress and stay informed about potential delays.
- Communicate proactively: Maintain open communication with suppliers, freight forwarders, and other involved parties.
- Consider alternative shipping options: Explore alternative routes or shipping methods if possible, especially during peak seasons or when facing potential disruptions.
- Factor in potential delays: When planning your shipments, always build in buffer time to account for potential delays, especially for international shipping.

Understanding the Global Supply Chain
International shipping is a complex process with numerous potential reasons for shipping delays. When it comes to global commerce and all the moving parts involved, there’s no guaranteed way to completely eliminate delays, but there are ways to mitigate them.
Some steps you can take are to partner with reliable shipping professionals, make sure documentation is accurate, and use advanced tracking systems for real-time status updates on your shipments.
Chief Carriers is a leading flatbed trucking company committed to safe, reliable, and on-time delivery. We partner with our sister company, Chief Logistics, for state-of-the-art logistics, including pickup, delivery, tracking, and scheduling.
To learn more about issues impacting the trucking industry, listen to our trucking podcast for tips and stories from truckers on the road.