How to Handle International Shipping Delays During the Festive Rush

This time of year is for giving, celebration and connection. Yet for both businesses and individuals engaged in international shipping, it can also be the most stressful time of the year. As Christmas and New Year approach, the ports, airports and courier networks will be bustling with parcels going everywhere - and if you are an Australian retailer, e-commerce brand or exporter, these delays may lead to customer frustration and lost sales if not managed properly.

The good news? With adequate planning and communication, you will be able to navigate the busy season successfully and ensure your international deliveries continue to arrive on time.

Why International Shipping Slows Down During the Holidays

Global freight systems are operating with tremendous pressure from about mid-November until January. Increased shipment volumes, limited carrier capacity, and customs delays cannot be avoided during this time. In addition to this, disruptions due to weather events in the northern hemisphere - such as snow, storms, and freezing temperatures - can threaten flight schedules and shipping destinations.

Density matters for Australian senders - a significant amount of international shipping

involves long-haul transport via multiple port or transfer hubs, which means even a small delay can add days to delivery time.

Plan Early and Know the Cut-Off Dates

Regarding international shipping, timing is very important. The major carriers and freight companies usually publish their holiday cut-off dates well in advance. These are the last recommended dates to send a package and have it arrive before Christmas.

Businesses should communicate the cutoff dates to customers through newsletters, product pages, and during checkout. Encouraging their customers to buy early helps the logistics process, and helps to set customer expectations.

Any exporter or wholesaler should plan early to secure their space with freight forwarders before the rush in December. The earlier you book shipments, the greater the chance of avoiding peak season surcharges and space shortages.

Offer Multiple Shipping Options

Some customers do not want to wait. Being flexible with delivery options will also help you set expectations and deliver on various budgets.

• Express air freight certainly gets the item to you the fastest but costs more — it is ideal for last-minute or high-cost orders.

• International standard delivery is cheaper, but it may take longer, especially in December.

• Sea freight is the least expensive option for bulk volume or non-time sensitive shipments, but it will take a lead time.

Having the ability to give customers these options will allow them the control to decide how fast they want their parcel, which eliminates complaints as well as misunderstandings.

Keep Customers Informed

When it comes to international shipping delays, communication is everything. If you consistently keep your customer informed, they are far more likely to work with you on a delay. You can automate tracking updates, and provide regular updates on the shipping status.

If you know there's going to be a delay, don't wait for the customer to reach out to you, reach out first. A quick message explaining that there is a delay due to customs delays or port delays demonstrates professionalism and empathy.

A number of businesses in Australia have started to make use of real-time tracking tools in their e-commerce operationsto allow customers to visually observe shipping progress at any time. This capability decreases the number of inquiries while building trust.

Streamline Customs and Documentation

One of the major reasons for holiday shipping delays is incomplete or inaccurate paperwork. To avoid any problems with customs, make sure that your shipment is accompanied by accurate documentation, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and accurate descriptions of products.

Labelling should clearly indicate both the sender and receiver information, along with any codes that may need to be present for concentrated goods. Remember, even a small error could lead to a package being stopped for inspection or a returned shipment.

If you are shipping internationally on a regular basis, you may want to work with a customs broker or freight forwarder who can handle the process for you, as well as ensure compliance with destination country's regulations.

Build Relationships with Reliable Carriers

Enlisting a logistics partner you can depend upon makes all the difference during the holiday hustle! You will also receive better tracking, quicker support, and priority processing when working with a freight provider you trust.

For example, Australian logistics firms like Couriers & Freight coordinate international shipping for businesses of any size. They can find you the best rates, help coordinate customs clearance, and prepare and adapt to any complications, which allows you to focus and run your business.

When you have a great relationship with your carriers, you are likely to receive updates quickly and set up alternative shipping routes if needed.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Any plan, no matter how well thought out, can go sideways. That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan. Be sure you have a locate backup Courier or shipping route that you could send orders out on, especially if your normal supplier has a delay.

If you are an e-commerce shop, I recommend putting a banner or notification on your website about delays due to the holiday to set customer expectations. In this instance, it may be beneficial to offer some digital gift card or "pre order" type of options which can maintain sales that would normally go to physical delivery.

Final Thoughts

Though the holiday season can be a difficult time for international delivery, it doesn't need to be a frenzied nightmare. With early planning, transparency, and the right logistics providers, you can limit delays and get your shipment — and happy customers — anywhere in the world.

If you stay proactive and flexible, Australia based organizations can turn the holiday hustle and bustle into an opportunity to show reliability and service excellence, even while global shipping lanes are at their highest capacity.

Stephanie is a passionate writer specializing in logistics, lifestyle topics.