International Shipping Tracking: Factors Affecting Delivery Time

While we cannot prevent unforeseen issues while preparing orders and transit, the stress is understandable when a parcel is delayed. You may feel anxious when customers start contacting you because of the orders they have not yet received. You can deal with explaining the issue, but it is challenging to repeat the same answers again and again. Some customers can understand it, but there will be these difficult customers who would not give you the benefit of the doubt.

Fortunately, there are some techniques you can pull off to avoid this messy situation and get the package right to your customer's doorstep on time. Leaf through this article to know how international shipping tracking benefits your business. 

Transportation Problems

International shipping and delivery services are fundamental to continuing world trade and businesses. Additionally, since the number of eCommerce platforms has continuously increased, many people are ordering overseas. However, just like any procedures, issues can take place unexpectedly. 

Theft, loss, or damage are some of the problems that are more likely to happen to an international package due to the lengthy travel distance. While transportation problems rarely happen during transit, they can still occur. It can happen on roads, sea, or air, drastically affecting delivery times.

As the seller, you cannot avoid problems like this because you have no control over the situation. So, choosing a company with a reputation for completing an international shipment should be on your list.

Nonetheless, tracking international shipping to know the package's situation and inform the customers of the possible effects of these problems can help you alleviate the situation. Telling them beforehand will lessen the negative impact of the circumstances, and you can also provide options they can take, whatever the result is.

Labor Shortages

Workforce shortages have a significant impact on logistics. If there is a lack of staffing, we can expect slow system progress, leading to shipment delays. These circumstances were more noticeable during the pandemic, as many companies issued alternating schedules to their employees to lessen the number of people in the facility. 

However, as more people opt to purchase online than visit stores to avoid the crowd and lessen physical contact, the pandemic also became the busiest time of the shipping and delivery industry. Due to this issue, many shipping companies cannot quickly meet the eCommerce demands because of labor shortages. 

Although companies are regularly operating and in full swing, we can still expect some labor shortages from time to time. This problem is also out of the hands of the shipper, but proper shipping calendar planning and an international shipping tracker can help you alleviate this problem.

Natural Disasters

Another problem that cannot be controlled or prevented by shippers is natural disasters. Hurricanes, blizzards, earthquakes, and flooding are some natural phenomena most shippers should watch out for. They do not only negatively affect the shipping process alone but the supply chain in general. 

Natural disasters also affect the shipping rates and load capacity of the international shipment. For example, the carrier must find an alternative route to deliver the parcel if the road is impassable. These routes can be longer and less efficient, so more fuel usage is highly possible. Thus, increasing rates are also expected. 

Furthermore, since the routes can be longer than usual, many companies require lower load capacity to ensure they can still deliver their products safely and efficiently. It is also likely to avoid additional transport issues with the alternative lanes. 

Additionally, this factor applies to the shipper's location and the receiver's situation. It is better to be transparent and constantly provide updates regarding the circumstances to avoid miscommunication and distrust.

Human Errors

Errors can happen to both parties, so communication plays a vital role in avoiding crucial mistakes. The common flaws you can prevent are inputting the wrong shipping address, wrong shipping service, or miscommunication with the shipping process. 

To avoid errors, constant communication with the international and local carriers ensures everything goes smoothly. Double check the details you input, especially the delivery address.

International tracking can help monitor the parcel's delivery status and determine if something is wrong with the shipment. As much as possible, provide your customer with the parcel number and tracking information so both of you can track it. 

Peak Seasons or Holidays

Although you do not have the power to change the peak seasons or holidays, your decision when shipping around this time can affect the delivery time. 

Since this can be one of the busiest times of the year for a courier company, as most people purchase items to give to their family, relatives, friends, and loved ones. Thus, on occasions like this, maximizing shipping calendars can help you carefully plan out your shipping schedules and avoid competing with other large-volume shipments. 

Note that peak seasons and holidays may vary depending on the destination country, so you might want to research prior to delivery to prevent delays. Also, it would be helpful to coordinate with your chosen carrier to have confidence that the parcel will arrive on time. 

Shipping Company

Shipping companies play a crucial role in bringing the orders to the customers, so you must assess the carrier's capacity to accomplish the task. You can verify this by checking customer reviews or asking people you know who have already tried. 

You can also call the company's customer support to get some answers to your inquiries. It is best to communicate with them properly to avoid issues along the way. Furthermore, always check the company's reliability and commitment to its services.

Do not forget to ask if they have shipped products like yours outside the country and were there any issues regarding it. You can also ask about their winning moments in this industry or how do they track international shipping. After all, they will also carry your brand, and you want to leave a good impression on your international audience. 

Shipping Option

The customers commonly choose shipping options; you can also provide suggestions based on how urgent they need the items. Offering suggestions can also improve customer service and support, developing an international brand reputation.

Each courier offers different shipping services with varying delivery times and rates. Consider how fast the package should arrive at its receiver to identify which option you need to pick. You can choose express services, like priority mail express international, for faster transit time. However, this option can be more expensive. 

On the other hand, standard and economy shipping is the best option for items that are not time-bounded. It has a reasonable shipping time and is more affordable. 

Get In Touch with Stallion 

Shipping with Stallion provides numerous benefits to minimize delays and any shipping issues. To start, Stallion will process customs clearance on your behalf, so you do not have to take time to go to the post office or complete customs requirements.

With Stallion's courier company partners, APC Postal Logistics and PostNL, you can expect an outstanding international shipping service that you will not regret choosing. Both companies have successfully shipped millions of parcels and packages worldwide for over a decade. You can have the confidence to send with Stallion with these experiences.

Additionally, taking advantage of Stallion is quick and hassle-free! The first step is to create your Stallion account. You do not have to worry if you are not tech-savvy, as the platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate. You can also contact us via email or call our toll-free hotline at +1877-863-7447.

Using the same account, you can also streamline all your eCommerce shops to manage them efficiently. After automating your shops, choose the postage option fitting your shipping needs. Then, print shipping labels and pay for shipment.

Next, you can drop off the order at any Ontario location or schedule a pickup for a larger volume of orders. Stallion offers a complimentary service within a specific route. Still, if the site is inconvenient to your location, you can set a different pickup with UPS for an additional charge.

Once received, Stallion will take care of the remaining process like border clearance and delivery to the partner courier company. Shipments get transferred to the post office or local carrier of the destination country to complete the final delivery and reach your customer.

For more information, do not hesitate to call us; our customer service will gladly assist you.