Navigating Shipping Delays

Even the most carefully planned shipment can hit unexpected roadblocks. International hardwood flooring moves through a complex network of ports, carriers, and regulations — and sometimes, events outside anyone’s control disrupt the schedule.
Common Causes of Delays
While we work with established logistics partners, global shipping is subject to sudden changes, such as:
- Port Congestion – Ships waiting days or weeks for unloading.
- Labor Shortages & Strikes – Reduced dock or customs staffing slowing container movement.
- Policy Shifts – New regulations or inspections that change handling times.
- Extreme Weather – Storms impacting sea lanes or port access.
Our Approach
We take a proactive, layered approach to delay management:
- Daily Monitoring – Our team tracks port status reports, vessel locations, and carrier alerts every day.
- Buffering Lead Times – We build extra time into delivery estimates to account for likely disruptions.
- Early Advisories – If a risk appears on the horizon, we notify you before it becomes a delay.
When Delays Do Occur
If a shipment is stalled, we immediately:
- Contact our freight forwarders and mill partners for a clear status update.
- Identify whether alternative routing is possible.
- Provide you with accurate, realistic timelines — no vague estimates.
Clear Communication Is Key
Our role is to make sure you’re never left guessing. You’ll hear from us quickly, with full transparency about:
- The cause of the delay.
- What steps are being taken to resolve it.
- The revised delivery projection.
Planning Ahead Together
Because some factors are beyond our control, we encourage early ordering in your project timeline. This approach gives you more flexibility if an unexpected disruption occurs and helps ensure your flooring arrives when you need it.
The Bottom Line
Delays can’t always be prevented, but their impact can be minimized. By staying informed, building in buffers, and communicating openly, we keep your project moving forward – even when global logistics throws us a curveball. Learn more about Haute Plank Shipping and Logistics.
For more information on Haute Plank European Hardwood Flooring, please contact us at info@hauteplank.com or call 480-847-3545.