15-Minute Morning Checklist: Prevent Shipping Delays Before They Happen

Author:
Charlene Bowman
Date:

November 13, 2023

Every logistics manager dreads the feeling of walking into chaos: delayed shipments, unresponsive carriers, and frustrated customers. In a fast-paced environment, the pressure to ensure smooth operations can be overwhelming. That's why we developed a morning routine that takes just 15 minutes—a small investment of time that leads to significant improvements in your shipping processes.

The Power of Prevention

Through our work with manufacturing clients, we discovered a simple morning assessment routine that consistently prevents costly delays. This routine, taking just 15 minutes, has helped one manager save over $50,000 in potential shipping delays in the past year alone.

Your 15-Minute Morning Checklist

1. Review Shipment Status

  • Check the status of all outgoing shipments
  • Ensure no delays have been reported overnight
  • Use your tracking system to verify current locations

2. Carrier Communication

  • Make a quick call or send an email to carriers handling your shipments
  • Confirm they are on schedule
  • Verify awareness of any special instructions

3. Inventory Check

  • Verify inventory levels for pending shipments
  • Address any discrepancies immediately

Key Indicators That Signal Trouble

1. Unverified Shipment Status

If a shipment's status hasn't been updated within the last 24 hours, it could indicate a problem. Make this your priority check each morning.

2. Carrier Unresponsiveness

When carriers aren't returning calls or emails quickly, it often signals underlying issues that need addressing. Flag these situations for immediate follow-up.

3. Inventory Discrepancies

Any discrepancies in inventory levels should raise red flags about potential shipment delays. Address these before they impact your shipping schedule.

Making It Work For You

By dedicating just 15 minutes each morning to this routine, you can proactively prevent shipping delays that could cost your company thousands. Implement this checklist today, and watch how it transforms your logistics management—no more surprises, and a smoother flow of operations.