Avoid Shipping Delays: Your Guide to On-Time Deliveries This Season
If you ship products in December, your top priority is figuring out how to avoid shipping delays because even one missed scan can turn into angry emails, refund requests, or negative reviews. However most delays are preventable with the right packaging and planning.
Quick answer: To avoid holiday shipping delays, ship earlier than carrier cutoffs, schedule pickups (don’t rely on drop offs, carrier can turn customers away when they hit package capacity), package items correctly, and monitor carrier capacity and weather alerts daily.
Why It’s So Important to Avoid Shipping Delays
Shipping networks operate at more than double capacity during peak season. That means:
-
Sorting hubs overflow
-
Delivery windows tighten
-
Weather disruptions compound
-
Carriers prioritize express shipments
-
Weekends create bottlenecks
When customers expect their orders before Christmas, you can’t afford surprises.
How Smart Sellers Stay Ahead and Avoid Shipping Delays
Step 1: Ship Before the Crowd
Planning ahead is everything.
Most Ground shipments should go out by December 17–19, and Air shipments by December 22–23.
Check your complete deadline guide here
Step 2: Package Correctly to Prevent Reprocessing Delays
Carriers will sometimes pull packages for repackaging, which causes major slowdowns.
Packaging Rules That Prevent Delays:
- Use new corrugated boxes, not reused ones.
- Cushion the item so it cannot move at all.
- Reinforce seams with the H-taping method.
- Keep labels flat, scannable, and protected.
- Add an interior packing slip with order info.
Your full packaging guide is here.
Step 3: Schedule UPS Pickups Instead of Rushing to Drop-Offs
Drop off locations get overwhelmed during the holidays. A scheduled pickup ensures your packages enter the network quickly. Learn how to do this here.
Step 4: Use UPS Access Points When Your Workflow Falls Behind
If you miss your pickup window or need flexible hours, Access Points are a lifesaver. They offer faster drop-offs and more predictable scanning times. See the guide here.
Step 5: Build Buffer Days Into Your Holiday Policy
Great businesses never promise “last-second” holiday arrival.
Communicate early and often so customers know what to expect.
What to Add to Your Holiday Shipping Policy:
-
Order by deadlines
-
Processing and fulfillment time expectations
-
Carrier cutoff dates
-
Weather related disclaimers
-
Clear instructions for address changes
-
Gift shipping suggestions
This builds trust and protects your business reputation.
Step 6: Monitor Weather + Transit Hubs
A single storm in Chicago, Louisville, or Dallas can slow down the entire national network.
Check weather alerts daily in:
-
UPS Worldport (Louisville)
-
FedEx Memphis hub
-
USPS Chicago International
If you see a hub delay alert, shift to Air services, Access Points, or earlier shipping times.
Mrs. Shippie Pro Tip: Claims Are Not a Delay Fix But We Make Them Easy
If a delay causes damage or the package goes missing, remember: Mrs. Shippie handles UPS claims for free for all our customers. You’ll never deal with claim forms or the carrier follow up burden again.
Why This Matters
The businesses that avoid shipping delays holidays are the ones that plan, package, and communicate early. When you build your workflow around seasonal carrier realities, you end up with fewer complaints and more happy repeat customers.
FAQs
1. Do carriers slow down Ground shipping during holidays?
Yes. Ground often slows significantly due to volume and wonky winter weather.
2. Is express shipping always on time during holidays?
Not always, but it’s more reliable than Ground after mid and late December.
3. Should I stop shipping perishables after certain dates?
Usually yes, perishables should not move late in the week or near weekends. This is just a good practice, regardless of when you’re shipping.
If you’re on Shippo, you can activate $100 in free shipping using code MRSSHIPPIE, perfect for testing faster service levels during peak season.