There are many reasons for air freight delays, including customs clearance issues, flight and operational issues, and cargo issues.
In this article, weefreight will provide a detailed analysis, hoping it will be helpful.
Customs Clearance Issues:
Document Issues: Missing or incorrect documents are common causes. Failure to provide key documents such as commercial invoices and packing lists, discrepancies between the cargo name, quantity, and value on the documents, and failure to prepare documents in accordance with the destination country’s customs requirements can lead to customs clearance delays and cargo delays.
Cargo Issues: Cargo failure to comply with the destination country’s regulations can cause delays. For example, if the cargo falls into the destination country’s prohibited or restricted import categories without prior approval, if the cargo labeling or markings are not in compliance, or if the actual cargo does not match the declared information, customs will seize the cargo, causing it to be delayed.
Process and Policy Issues: Customs policies and clearance procedures vary significantly across countries. Failure to understand and adapt in advance can easily lead to cargo delays. For example, some countries require imported goods to be registered with the local customs system in advance; without such registration, customs clearance cannot be completed. Insufficient customs clearance qualifications, such as when the consignee lacks legal customs clearance qualifications in the destination country, can also cause cargo to be stuck at customs.
Flight and Operational Issues: Airline flight adjustments, such as mechanical failures or crew shortages, can prevent cargo from loading as planned. Hub airport traffic control, such as severe weather causing widespread flight delays and subsequent flight backlogs, can also delay cargo transportation and lead to port delays. Furthermore, inefficient ground operations, such as cargo accumulation at airport cargo terminals, manual errors, and delays in palletizing or packing, can also lead to cargo delays.
Cargo Issues: Overweight or non-compliant cargo can complicate loading, extend preparation time, and ultimately lead to port delays. Dangerous goods, which require special packaging, declaration, and transportation requirements, can also lead to port delays if procedures are not followed.
Force Majeure: Extreme weather conditions such as typhoons and heavy snow leading to airport closures, natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and political events such as strikes and flight restrictions can all affect flight operations and cargo clearance and transportation, leading to cargo delays.
There’s no fixed timeframe for cargo pickup upon arrival. Customs clearance procedures can typically begin approximately 2-3 hours after landing, and general cargo can be picked up within 1-3 business days if customs clearance goes smoothly. For general cargo with complete customs clearance documents and accurate declaration information, customs clearance and pickup can be completed relatively quickly. However, if customs clearance issues or problems with the cargo itself arise, pickup can take longer, potentially taking days or even weeks. In serious cases, the cargo may be detained for an extended period or even confiscated by customs. Furthermore, special cargo, such as refrigerated goods and dangerous goods, typically has a shorter free storage period and requires the consignee to clear customs and pick it up promptly, otherwise high fees will be incurred.
If you have any international logistics service needs, please contact us by clicking the floating chat icon in the lower right corner or using the other contact information in the lower right corner of the page!
