5 Tips for Dealing With Late Shipments

It’s no secret that late shipments can be very frustrating. Whenever anyone makes a purchase, they eagerly await for that package to arrive and do their best to remain calm when things don’t go as planned. But having no control over exact arrival times can make you want to pull your hair out! In this post, we’ll share a few tips to help you make the best of a bad situation and make any unexpected delays much more tolerable. 

Tip #1 – Pay Attention to Current Events

With the global pandemic continuing to affect countries on every continent, late shipments have become more common as companies struggle to keep up with demand. In addition, inflation and higher fuel prices are driving shipping costs up, which causes a ripple effect on delivery times. Many carriers now have sizable backlogs of packages, and it may take weeks or even months for orders to be delivered.

Your ecommerce orders can become delayed due to logistics-related processes like capacity issues or transportation problems. Difficulties can arise at any point in the supply chain, and shipping companies may be affected by a lack of employees combined with increased demand. Peak periods where orders increase exponentially, such as holidays, can result in delayed deliveries without warning, so be aware. 

Tip #2 – Organize Your Tracking Information

One way to stay organized is to gather all relevant tracking information from the carrier. Some vendors, like Gorilla Shipper, email customers a shipment notification which has a link to up-to-date tracking information. If you didn’t get a shipment notification from the vendor, you can find your order’s tracking number on the shipping label or your receipt. With the tracking number, you can go to the carrier’s website and find detailed information about your shipment.

Another way to organize information during shipping is by creating a file or spreadsheet. Be sure to include the shipping company’s contact information, your order number, and any other relevant information. The United States Postal Service has a handy tool called Track and Confirm that shows the shipping status of your package. You can also visit the USPS website for more information about late shipments. 

If you’re expecting a package from a shipping company like UPS or FedEx, you can track your package’s progress on their websites. Just enter your tracking number, and you’ll be able to see up-to-date information on the whereabouts of your package. 

Tip #3 – Be Patient and Stay Calm 

We all know a delayed delivery can be very frustrating, so the last thing you want to do is lose your temper. Do your best to remain calm and patient throughout the shipping process. Unexpected delays are sometimes beyond the shipping company’s control, and becoming angry will not help the situation.

Check with your carrier if you’re having trouble tracking your package or don’t know where it is. They may be able to provide details about your package’s specific location in real-time. When dealing with late shipments, remember to be understanding and patient with both the shipping company and the individual, or company that sent the package. After all, delays can happen for several reasons.

If your package doesn’t arrive on time, the first step is to check the shipping company’s website or contact them to find out the underlying issue. Sometimes late shipments are simply due to weather or traffic conditions, and there isn’t anything you can do about it. However, if there is a problem with your package, the shipping company will usually let you know immediately. 

Tip #4 – Explore Alternative Solutions

Delayed delivery can occur due to unforeseen events, and there are a few things you can do to try and resolve the issue. First, you can try contacting the seller or manufacturer of the product to see if they can help. If you have not received your order within a reasonable time frame, you may be eligible for a refund. Most stores have a policy that allows customers to receive a refund if delivery is impossible due to an unforeseen late shipment. 

The specifics of this policy may vary from store to store, so check the terms and conditions before placing an order. In addition, some stores offer shipping guarantees that promise delivery by a specific date or provide a refund if the order is undeliverable. Be sure to research these guarantees before placing your order.

If you’ve been waiting for an order that never arrived, contact your credit card company to dispute the charges. Many credit card companies have a policy of protecting their customers from fraudulent charges and will refund your money if you can prove that the order was never delivered.

It can be hard to prove that an order was not delivered without the proper paperwork. So keep any documentation related to your purchase (such as shipping confirmation emails or tracking information). If your credit card company refuses to help and you can’t seem to get any results, contact the shipping company and file a claim about your late shipment. This process can be tedious and time-consuming, but it may be worth it if you can’t find a resolution any other way. 

Tip #5 – File a Claim With the Shipping Carrier

If a package doesn’t arrive or remains in transit, you have the option to escalate. The best way to get your money back for the items you never received is to file a claim with the carrier. Get in touch with the shipping company as soon as possible – the sooner you start working with them, the sooner they can investigate what went wrong. Don’t wait too long to take action on your late shipment, as most shipping companies have time limits on how long you have to file a claim. 

Shipping companies require proof that you shipped the item and that a delayed delivery occurred. So have your tracking information, shipping labels, and other relevant documentation when you file the claim. In most situations, you won’t need to go through a lengthy claims procedure to find a resolution. 

However, if the shipping carrier denies your claim, you still have another option. Contact an attorney with experience in shipping cases to help get your money back, and keep track of all of your correspondence with the shipping company to make it easier if you need to pursue further action. 

When late shipments happen, it’s wise to remain patient and organized. Pay attention to current events and any updates from the shipping carrier. Explore alternative solutions if needed, and be sure to file a claim with the carrier if there is no other option. By following the tips we’ve just covered, you’ll be able to minimize the stress caused by an uncontrollable delayed delivery and attain your desired results. Contact us or call 866-447-4737 if you have any questions or need more information.