How to Handle International Shipping Delays

Last Updated: July 14th, 2026

TL;DR:

International shipping delays require a three-pronged strategy: (1) manage customs delays through expert brokers and electronic filing, (2) navigate port congestion by identifying alternative routes and using expedited services, and (3) mitigate supply chain disruptions through diversification and forecasting. Proactive communication with partners and customers, combined with real-time tracking technology, keeps operations on schedule even when delays occur.

Shipping goods between countries is a complex process. When there's an issue in one area, such as a hurricane, port strike or war, it can hold up the entire shipment. International shipping delays are frequent occurrences that can affect your company's delivery dates, customer relationships, brand reputation and bottom line.

According to industry research, port congestion and customs delays account for approximately 60-70% of international shipping delays, with supply chain disruptions contributing another 20-30%. If your business depends on international shipments, it's critical to develop strategies to handle common issues with ports, customs and the supply chain. Knowing how to handle a delivery delay makes it easier to respond quickly to minimize the impact and maintain smooth operations.

Strategy 1: Handling Customs Delays

Before an international shipment can enter the destination country, it must clear customs. Officers examine the paperwork, determine if the contents are subject to import duties or taxes and verify whether those fees have been paid. Your shipment may be scanned and visually inspected to ensure the contents match the documentation and comply with the laws of the destination country. If customs officials find a problem at these stages, your shipment can be held until the issue is resolved.

What causes customs delays?

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation (most common)
• Missing certificates of origin or inspection certificates
• Unpaid duties or taxes
• Non-compliance with destination country regulations
• Potentially sensitive items requiring extra scrutiny

How to avoid documentation issues

Incomplete or incorrect documentation is a common cause of customs delays, so it's crucial to ensure your shipping documents are accurate and complete. These documents might include invoices, certificates of origin, packing lists, inspection certificates, customs invoices and bills of lading.

Staying compliant isn't always a straightforward process — documentation requirements can vary considerably based on the contents of your shipment, where your items were manufactured, where they're shipped from and the laws of the destination country. One way to avoid delays at customs is to work with an experienced customs broker. These professionals specialize in customs requirements and can help you navigate the regulatory complexities and comply with applicable laws and rules.

Brokers are particularly useful during times of political upheaval or international conflict. Import and export regulations can change quickly during these periods, and brokers know the latest rules. In some cases, brokers may help you save on taxes, fees and duties. They can assess your shipment and determine if it's eligible for tariff reductions under current laws and trade agreements.

Using electronic filing systems

Electronic filing systems enable you to submit customs documentation digitally. This allows officials to review the forms quickly — sometimes before your shipment arrives — which can speed up the clearance process by 25-40% according to U.S. Customs data. If customs finds an error or missing information, you can discover it sooner and resolve the problem quickly. Compared to submitting forms manually, electronic filing is faster and more efficient.

Strategy 2: Managing Delays at Ports

When looking at what's causing shipping delays in 2026, you may notice port congestion is a common factor. Port congestion accounts for approximately 35-40% of international delays and occurs when a large number of ships are waiting to load or unload. Ports can get backed up when they don't have enough workers to manage demand or the infrastructure to support the volume of ships and goods. Inefficient operations and worker strikes can also create a backlog of ships.

Sometimes, the causes of congestion are out of the port's control. Bad weather and international conflict can impact the number of ships coming and going. Peak shipping season is another contributing factor; the surge in freighters can quickly overwhelm a port.

How can you forecast and prevent port delays?

While you may be unable to control port operations, you can forecast situations that could cause congestion. Understanding peak shipping periods and identifying busy shipping lanes can help you predict which ports might process goods slowly at certain times of the year. It's also important to stay aware of global politics and conflicts, as a war or unrest can impact port operations in the region.

If your research indicates that a port could be congested, create an alternative plan to mitigate potential delays. Choosing a secondary port, a smaller one nearby or one with a better infrastructure can help your cargo get unloaded and processed faster. If that's not an option, you might add extra time to your schedule to accommodate potential delays. This can keep your operation running smoothly and increase the chances of an on-time delivery.

Strategy 3: Mitigating Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain disruptions are a common cause of delays in international shipments. Disruptions can be caused by various factors, including natural disasters, political unrest, labor issues, changing prices and other international logistics problems. A bottleneck in one part of your supply chain can significantly interrupt the flow of goods. Diversifying your supply chain, using forecasting tools, and maintaining strategic inventory are proven methods to reduce disruption-related delays.

Best Practices for Minimizing Future Delays

Build strong partnerships

Take the time to invest in relationships with trusted logistics partners in your supply chain, including shipping carriers, customs brokers and freight forwarders. Positive and productive connections can have far-reaching benefits for your business, ensuring efficient communication during delays and helping you secure priority handling.

Invest in real-time tracking technology

Advances in technology mean it's easier than ever to track your shipments. Implement tools such as GPS trackers, temperature sensors and impact sensors. Paired with real-time shipment monitoring software, these devices can provide remarkable visibility into the location, status and condition of your cargo. This advance notification helps you anticipate delays and resolve problems proactively.

Communicate transparently with customers

One of the biggest concerns surrounding shipping delays is the impact on customers. Prioritize transparent and proactive communication when delays happen. Your honesty can ward off frustration and maintain their trust, even when it isn't possible to meet the expected deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do customs delays typically last?

Typical customs clearance takes 1-3 business days for straightforward shipments. However, shipments with documentation issues, potentially sensitive items, or targeting high-risk ports can experience delays of 5-14 days or longer. Using electronic filing and customs brokers can reduce clearance time by 25-40%.

What is the most common reason for port delays?

Port congestion is the leading cause, accounting for 35-40% of port-related delays. This occurs when the volume of ships exceeds port capacity. Peak shipping seasons (October-December) typically see the worst congestion. Having alternative port options can help mitigate this risk.

How can I reduce customs delays for my shipments?

Work with a customs broker, ensure all documentation is complete and accurate before shipment, use electronic filing systems, stay informed about destination country regulations, and properly classify goods. These steps can reduce delays by 50-70%.

Should I use expedited port services?

Expedited port services cost 15-30% more but can bypass delays for time-sensitive shipments. They're worth considering for high-value cargo, perishable goods, or when tight deadlines are critical to your business.

What's the ROI of diversifying my shipping routes?

Diversifying reduces the impact of any single port or route failure. Companies with diversified routes report 30-40% fewer delays and can redirect cargo to alternative ports when congestion or disruptions occur, protecting revenue and customer relationships.

How does supply chain visibility help prevent delays?

Real-time tracking allows you to identify potential delays 5-10 days in advance, giving time for corrective action. Companies with full supply chain visibility report catching and resolving 60-70% of potential delays before they impact delivery dates.

Related Reading

• Mitigating Risks & Challenges in Freight Forwarding
• Common Issues of International Logistics and How to Solve Them
• The Impact of Rising Fuel Costs in Logistics

Get Expert Support

If your company doesn't have the capacity for strategic shipping delay management, consider partnering with a logistics expert such as Atlas International. We provide expert support, comprehensive solutions and a global network to handle delays effectively and with minimal impact on your operations. Contact us today to learn how we can streamline your shipping process.