Despite the uplifting of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, international courier services continue to encounter the same and some new challenges to date. Here, we will see the common challenges international couriers and their service providers face in 2022.
International courier or shipping has a complicated working process. A variety of causes like transportation costs, region-wise taxes, duties, etc., affect a smooth international courier delivery and shipping. These reasons are a massive hurdle for small and medium businesses that require international courier services to expand their business. If these challenges are not tackled, such companies will only have to restrict their business operations to the domestic market.
As much as an international courier service is advantageous for the receiver of the shipment, it is also beneficial for the business and the logistics provider. If the logistics provider faces issues when performing international shipping, it also affects the related parties. So, let us now see the various vital challenges of international courier services in 2022.
Challenge 1: No fixed transit time
International courier services commonly face the issue when prescribing a transit time for delivery of goods. There is no guarantee on how long it would take in transit with international shipping. Sometimes it may take a long time, and sometimes it may reach its destination earlier.
Transit time is the period that goes from the pick up of the goods to their transportation to their delivery to the right destination. With international couriers, the transit time is bound to be affected due to many factors, including the location. If the goods have to change from one carrier to another during the transit, fulfilling the delivery on time is a big challenge.
Some common reasons why setting a fixed transit time is a challenge for international couriers are:
- Changing weather conditions
- Carrier malfunctions
- Port delays
- Human errors
- Customs delay
- Airways traffic jam
- Technology issues
Since the logistics service providers cannot predict such issues, they should at least make backup plans to face the worst scenario possible in transit. Minimizing such disruptions in the supply chain can undeniably improve the transit time needed by international couriers. Suppose Custom clearance is causing a delay in the transit time. In that case, the logistics company should implement remedial measures to avoid such issues.
Challenge 2: Shorter Cut-off times
Cut-off times are very significant for effective international couriers. But, early cut-off times are still a considerable challenge for operating international shipping the right way. Manufacturers often choose international couriers to deliver sample products to their retailers as soon as possible.
But, due to the businesses’ regional timings and early cut-off times. The shipment cannot be picked up if the shipper reaches the location after the cut-off times. This would further delay the shipping of the goods, hampering the effectiveness of the international courier service.
Early cut-off times reduce the manufacturer’s work flexibility and the logistics service provider. Overnight deliveries are not possible due to this challenge.
Overnight international courier deliveries ensure the following advantages:
- Provides smooth business operations and an effective supply chain.
- Enhances the business efficiency of the related parties.
- Reduce the issue of goods overloading in the godowns before shipment.
Challenge 3: Air cargo logistic issue
International courier service is the fastest via air transportation. But, the air cargo industry poses a significant challenge in 2022 due to uprising fuel prices and security issues. There is no doubt that air carriers are the most effective and advanced way to efficient international courier deliveries. They also take lesser time on customs.
However, with changes in the safety and security regulations, the impact is great on the overall air cargo operations. That leads to an increase in air cargo prices. Since international couriers often hold valuable and confidential goods, cargo insurance is essential. Cargo insurance protects the goods in transit against any inevitable risks.
With increased online shopping and eCommerce businesses, respective authorities must handle air cargo logistics challenges soon.
Challenge 4: Varied guidelines and policies of different shipping carriers.
Another significant international couriers challenge is the different global policies and guidelines about other shipping carriers. While the size and weight of the goods matter, different carriers have different guidelines regarding prohibited item lists and goods labeling formats.
Depending on the country and their trade agreements, taxes and duties also vary. Such factors affect the costs of international courier services, resulting in complications in the delivery and transit process.
Challenge 5: Customs delays
Delay in customs clearance is one of the most undeniable challenges to international courier services. While online resources can make up for quick customs, having the goods stuck is still an issue.
To avoid delays in customs, business owners and logistics service providers should take immediate and effective measures. Becoming familiar with the guidelines and custom policies of the destination country is a good solution.
However, cross-border courier deliveries face some issues even if necessary measures are implemented.