Sellers’ Guide: Shipping Problems and Solutions in 2024

As we move into the second half of 2024, sellers like you may still face several challenges, from package delivery to international transport. How can you keep your customers happy while ensuring your deliveries are reliable and efficient?

If you know the key shipping issues and have the best solutions in mind, you'll be ahead of the competition. In this guide, we'll give you some handy tips on how to avoid and deal with shipping problems, as well as the best ways to improve your shipping operations.

We will also discuss some of the problems any business faces while using big shipping companies: USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL, and how to resolve such issues to facilitate easier shipping. Whatever the case, there will always be obstacles in any business. We can help you turn them into opportunities and keep your business running smoothly!

Top 7 common shipping problems and solutions

Here’s a detailed look at the top seven shipping problems and their solutions:

1. Missing packages

Sometimes packages get lost due to wrong addresses or theft, which results in huge losses and dissatisfied customers.

Solutions: Incorporate tracking software such as AfterShip Tracking to track shipments in real-time. Insurance can also act as an assurance in case of losses and acts as a reliability to the clients. You can also use AfterShip Protection, which can protect shipments with global coverage on all carriers.

2. Delivery delays

Improper planning directly affects delivery because of unfavorable weather, issues in the supply chain, or any other factors inhibiting the process.

Solutions: Give expected delivery time in order to avoid unrealistic expectations by providing information on expected delay. It is recommended to use organizational safeguards, including route planning and contingency plans, to avoid or reduce interruptions. Luckily, now you can use AfterShip EDD to easily streamline the processes. Powered by AI technology, AfterShip EDD proactively engages with your customers and provides EDDs with higher than industry-level accuracy.

3. Returns and exchanges

Consumers and companies also face challenges and high costs through product returns and exchanges, which are also attributed to ineffective practices.

Solutions: AfterShip Returns provides return management streamlining and clear policies to optimize your returns process. It also assists in controlling costs since costs that would have been incurred in the production of new products are eliminated, and customer satisfaction is enhanced since the exchange process is seamless.

4. International shipping complexities

Customs in other countries and different rules of the countries can make international shipping to be very challenging, troublesome, and time-consuming due to various setbacks like delays and compliance checks. Additionally, cross-border logistics includes both internal and external segments. Many parcels cannot be tracked after leaving the country.

Solutions: Work with brokers who have prior experience in operating in specific countries and who know local legislation to ease the customs process. To maintain compliance and ensure that deliveries are done in the appropriate time, the organization needs to be updated with the regulations of the international world.

5. Environmental concerns

The concerns about the environment that have been raised especially regarding packaging waste have become a center of concern for environmentally sensitive consumers.

Solutions: Incorporate eco-friendly packaging materials into the shipping process and select the shortest possible distance for transporting the products. Using a greener approach can in fact boost your business’s image and attract consumers who care about the planet.

6. Tracking API integration challenges

Integrating tracking APIs can be complex, leading to technical issues and inefficiencies.

Solutions: Pick an API that works with your current systems and makes sure everything's set up right. AfterShip's API integration makes it easy to connect your systems, so you can automate tracking and updates with ease.

7. Cost management

It's always a challenge for sellers to find a way to get things delivered quickly without breaking the bank.

Solutions: Take a look at the different carriers to see what works best for you in terms of speed and cost. Use data analytics to make the best shipping decisions and look into bulk shipping discounts to cut costs.

If you can solve these common shipping problems with some simple, effective solutions, you can make your business more efficient and keep your customers happy. Using AfterShip's tools makes it easier for you to manage shipments and returns, which gives your customers a smooth experience.

Carrier-Specific shipping problems

USPS delivery issues

1. Delays: Currently, USPS has initiated the modernization plan, concerning some radical alterations, and this led to some fluctuations in the quality of the service. Parliaments are demanding more transparency on these changes as many areas such as Richmond, Atlanta, and Houston have been cited to be receiving unsuitable hold-ups.
2. Lost Packages: Customers may also encounter issues with lost packages. USPS provides a process for locating missing mail, which includes checking the tracking status and submitting a help request form if the package does not arrive within a specified timeframe.

FedEx delivery issues

1. Misdeliveries: It has been brought to our attention that there have been instances of FedEx packages being misdelivered, with items being sent to incorrect addresses. This has also been compounded by operational delays, including issues to do with the recipient details, for instance, the recipient’s address may be missing or incorrect.
2. Damaged Goods: There are numerous complaints by customers about packages arriving damaged. This includes fragile items that were not handled properly during transit, leading to significant customer dissatisfaction.

FedEx has acknowledged that operational delays can arise from various issues, including staffing shortages at major hubs. Reports indicate that many facilities are understaffed, which contributes to the inefficiencies in handling and delivering packages.

UPS delivery issues

1. Delays: UPS may also not deliver your packages on time. Some of their systems have been affected by a global IT outage thus experiencing some operational complications. Amazon Prime Day-type services seem to be in high demand at the moment.
2. High Fees: We've heard from customers who are worried about the rising cost of shipping. UPS has increased its rates in recent years, which can result in higher-than-expected shipping costs for individuals and businesses alike. This has been a real pain point for a lot of users who rely on UPS for their shipping needs.

DHL delivery issues

1. Customs Delays: Shipments can sometimes get held up at customs in the destination country. This can happen for a few different reasons, like if the paperwork is missing or wrong, if there are items that aren't allowed, or if customs need to do a physical inspection.
2. Surcharge Fees: We've had a few complaints about unexpected surcharge fees being added to shipments. These fees may be related to duties, taxes, or other customs charges.

Expert Tips for sellers to minimize shipping problems

As an eCommerce seller, you can take proactive steps to reduce shipping problems. Here are three expert tips to help you navigate the complexities of shipping:

Embrace software for seamless shipping

Leverage useful software to streamline your operations. Modern shipment platforms offer:

• Real-time tracking updates
• Automated label creation
• Carrier comparison tools…

You will reduce manual errors and save time with these technologies. Additionally, you can select a system to integrate with your eCommerce setup for ease of work within the channels. Some of the features include order synchronization and inventory management, which help to avoid cases of overselling and late shipment.

Good software like AfterShip also uses intelligent algorithms to identify some problems that may take place in shipping earlier. They work by using AI algorithms to filter out data on past delays or damages to avoid similar issues in the future. For instance, if AI can identify that a particular carrier has been delivering delayed shipments in a certain period, you can plan your shipping schedule for a different period of the year.

Optimize packaging strategies

It is advised to rethink your packaging approach to protect items and reduce costs:

• To avoid rising dimensional weight charges, it is recommended to use appropriate-sized boxes only.
• And make sure that they get to work with quality, long-lasting, and eco-friendly packs.
• Employ packaging material and design that will protect the product in addition to the aesthetic appearance of the packaging material.

The above activity will assist in determining whether the company is utilizing the most cost-effective and safest packaging for the various products. Consider seeking expert advice from packaging engineers in circumstances where the items being shipped are delicate or have awkward shapes and dimensions.

Ensure the use of multi-box, a method that involves stocking any number of boxes of different sizes that may contain different products. This approach reduces the use of void fill hence greatly reducing the amount of money that is required to be spent on shipping. Additionally, it is recommended to incorporate the use of sustainable packaging in your branding initiatives aimed at reaching out to consumers who are increasingly concerned with the lasting impacts of environmental risks as well as striking a blow toward their reduction.

Enhance customer communication

Clear, proactive communication can prevent many shipping-related issues:

• Set realistic delivery expectations at checkout
• Provide regular updates throughout the shipping process
• Offer self-service options for tracking and problem resolution

Create a general shipping policy that outlines where your business is, when an order will be shipped, which carriers you will be using, and how you will be handling international shipments. This information needs to be posted and forwarded on the website quickly in a manner that will enable the company to satisfy the needs of the customers as soon as possible.

Implement an email or SMS alert that should be sent at some predefined stages of shipping. This should contain information such as tracking details, expected delivery time, and other details on when there can be a delay. It is an aggressive method in customer relations that reduces calls from customers and increases their confidence in the organization.

Provide an easy-to-navigate virtual customer assistance platform where clients can track the status of orders, process a return or exchange, or answer common questions without speaking to a representative. It benefits the customers and reduces the workload of your customer service department.

Mastering shipping with AfterShip

Are you ready to change your shipping process? AfterShip will provide you with effective means to track shipments, manage returns, and improve customer interactions. Millions of eCommerce stores have seen improvements after implementing AfterShips’ solution. Start optimizing your shipping today—AfterShip provides a smooth shipping process and satisfied customers.

Shipping problems FAQs: your top questions answered

What should I do if a package is lost?

1. Contact the Shipping Carrier

• Call the customer service number for the carrier that was delivering the package (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) and provide them with the tracking number.
• Ask them to check the status and location of the package. If it shows delivered but you never received it, ask them to investigate.
• If the package is truly lost, request that they open a claim or missing mail search.

2. File a Claim

• If the package was insured or sent with a money-back guarantee service, you may be able to file a claim for a refund or reimbursement.
• Gather any proof of contents and value to include with the claim.
• File the claim promptly, as there are usually time limits (e.g. 60 days for USPS insurance claims).

3. Verify the Address

• Double-check that you provided the correct mailing address when sending the package.
• Incorrect or incomplete addresses are a common reason packages get lost.

Why is shipping taking so long?

There are several common reasons why shipping is taking longer than usual:

• Port congestion due to increased shipping volumes, especially during peak seasons, can cause significant delays as ships wait to unload.
• Labor shortages at ports and warehouses can slow down the loading and unloading process.
• Bad weather can disrupt operations at ports and airports, leading to backlogs.
• Missing or incorrect documentation, such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, or customs declarations, can hold up shipments at customs.
• Inaccurate product descriptions or declared values can trigger additional inspections and delays.
• Unexpected events like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Suez Canal blockage can disrupt global supply chains and shipping routes.