More than 80% of companies face supply chain disruptions regularly, and freight delays cost organizations an average of $184 million per year. The good news? Most delays are preventable if you understand the causes and take action.
Common Causes of Freight Delays
Weather: The Uncontrollable Factor
Weather is the ultimate wildcard. A snowstorm in Atlanta (where they barely own three snowplows) can shut down freight networks for days. Hurricane season in the Gulf? Forget it. Even light snow in unprepared areas can create massive delays.
Still, seasonal weather patterns are predictable. Winter hits the Northeast every year, and hurricane season regularly affects the South. Smart companies plan around weather like they would any other business variable.
Aging Infrastructure and Limited Capacity
America’s roads, bridges, and ports are under pressure. Trying to move freight on I-95 during rush hour? Good luck. Major highway construction is constant. Port congestion in LA and Long Beach? Practically routine.
With 71% of U.S. freight moving by truck and a national driver shortage, every bottleneck is intensified. But the good news is: construction schedules and port maintenance windows are usually available months in advance if you know where to look.
Documentation Errors
One incorrect digit in an address. A missing customs form. Incorrect dimensions on a label. Small mistakes that can create massive disruption—and are totally avoidable.
A simple shipping checklist helps you catch errors before they snowball into weeks of delay and extra fees.
Peak Season Overload
During peak shipping seasons (like Q4), carriers start prioritizing. If you’re not a regular customer or you’re booking last-minute, your shipment might get pushed back. Capacity gets tight, prices increase, and this trend is expected to continue in 2025. That’s why understanding the shipping seasons is key to staying ahead.
Lack of Visibility
Has your shipment ever just vanished? No updates, no ETA, no contact. Without real-time shipment tracking, you’re basically flying blind until your freight decides to show up—if it does.
How to Stop Playing Freight Roulette
Plan Ahead (and Plan for the Weather)
Avoid last-minute decisions, especially during peak times. Booking early gives you more options, better rates, and fewer surprises.
If you know snow is coming to the Northeast, ship critical freight before it hits. Same thing with hurricane season in Florida or wildfire threats in California. You can’t control the weather, but you can plan around it.
Double-Check Everything
A five-minute review of all shipping details can save you weeks of trouble. Check addresses, weights, dimensions, and paperwork. This documentation guide can help you prevent errors that lead to costly delays.
Track Your Freight with Confidence
Stop guessing. Use tools that provide live shipment updates so you always know where your freight is. GoShip lets you compare carriers, book instantly, and track everything in one place.
Stay Proactive
Set alerts for weather, traffic, and port activity. If you see disruption coming, reroute or reschedule your shipments before they’re impacted.
Protect What Matters Most
When delays could hurt your bottom line, freight insurance and premium services can be the difference between a minor hiccup and a major loss.
And If Things Still Go Wrong
Even with perfect planning, things can go sideways. What sets great companies apart is how they respond:
- They always know where their shipments are
- They proactively communicate with customers
- They’ve got backup plans and expedited shipping in place
- They maintain buffer stock for critical inventory
Freight delays are part of the game but they don’t have to wreck your operation. The difference between companies that thrive and those that struggle often comes down to logistics.
You can’t stop every delay, but you can prevent most of them. And when the unavoidable happens, you’ll be ready.Want more control over your shipping? Start here and build a smarter freight strategy.