From Berth to Delivery: Important Timings in Shipping that Might Affect Schedules

Why timings might affect schedule reliability in shipping 

Schedule reliability in shipping is heavily influenced by timing, as delays at any stage of the logistics chain can create a domino effect. Departure times, port schedules, and transit durations are interconnected, and even minor deviations can significantly disrupt reliability.  

For instance, early arrivals might lead to congestion at ports, while late departures can cause missed transshipment connections. Additionally, timing challenges such as seasonal demand peaks, weather-related delays, or inadequate buffer times in schedules can exacerbate disruptions.   

Berth time and loading time: The port turnaround challenge 

Berth time is the duration a vessel spends docked at a port, while loading time refers to the period taken to load cargo onto the ship. Together, these timings form the port turnaround time. 

Influencing Factors on berth and loading time:

• Port congestion: Major ports often experience traffic surges due to high cargo volume or peak shipping seasons, delaying berth allocation. Efficient scheduling and the use of alternative ports can mitigate this. 
• Port infrastructure: Ports equipped with modern cranes, advanced cargo management systems, and automated processes significantly reduce berthing and loading times. Ports without these capabilities face frequent bottlenecks due to more manual efforts. 
• Cargo complexity: Loading oversized, hazardous, or temperature-sensitive cargo often requires special equipment and additional safety measures, extending the loading process. 
• Labor availability: A shortage of dockworkers, often due to labor strikes or public holidays such as Chinese New Year, can slow down both berthing and loading operations. 

Transit time: The journey between ports 

Transit time is the duration taken to transport cargo from the port of origin to the destination port – so basically the entire cargo journey on the ocean leg. 

Factors influencing the transit time:

• Route selection: Direct shipping lanes reduce transit times, but geopolitical tensions, piracy zones, or environmental restrictions like draughts may lead to longer detours. 
• Seasonal weather patterns: Hurricanes, monsoons, or rough winter seas can force vessels to slow down or even alter their routes, adding days to transit times. 
• Fuel optimization strategies: Some eco-friendly vessels may travel at lower speeds (slow steaming) to conserve fuel, which lengthens transit durations. 
• Vessel maintenance and breakdowns: Delays caused by unplanned maintenance during transit can significantly impact the overall schedule. 

Dwell time: Waiting at the terminal 

Dwell time measures how long cargo sits at a terminal before being picked up for the next leg of the journey. 

Factors affeting dwell time: 

• Customs clearance: Inefficient or outdated customs procedures, particularly in ports with low digitalization, can lead to long waiting times for documentation approval.  
• Carrier coordination issues: Misaligned schedules between ocean carriers, trucking companies, or rail operators often lead to delays in cargo handovers. 
• Terminal capacity: Overcrowded terminals with limited storage space or inadequate equipment struggle to manage cargo efficiently, leading to longer dwell times. 
• Shipper readiness: Cargo can remain at the terminal if the consignee fails to arrange timely pickup due to lack of resources, wrong timings or – in some cases – poor communication. 

By the way - with our real-time visibility tool Live Position you can always check the current location of your cargo - regardless of the mode of transport.

Anchorage waiting time: Delays before berthing 

This is the time spent waiting at anchor before a berth becomes available. 

Influencing Factors: 

• Port demand vs. capacity: Ports operating near or over capacity may keep vessels waiting for days during peak seasons. Strategic scheduling and spreading cargo across multiple ports can alleviate this. 
• Weather disruptions: Similarly to influencing transit times, weather such as heavy fog, strong winds, or storms can also prevent vessels from safely docking, increasing waiting times at anchorages. 
• Regulatory restrictions: Ports and countries with strict environmental or safety regulations may impose additional checks before berthing, prolonging the process.  

Bunkering time: Refueling for the voyage 

Bunkering time refers to the time required for a vessel to refuel. 

What affets the bunkering time:

• Fuel availability: Delays can arise if refueling ports face supply shortages or disruptions in their supply chains. 
• Bunkering infrastructure: Ports with fewer bunkering stations or slower pumping systems lead to prolonged refueling times. 
• Regulatory compliance: Vessels switching to low-sulfur fuel or other compliant alternatives as per IMO regulations often face longer preparation and refueling times. 
• Coordination challenges: Scheduling conflicts between bunkering suppliers and vessel operators can lead to idle waiting times. 

Intermodal Transfer Time: Moving Beyond the Port 

Intermodal transfer time refers to the period required to shift cargo between transportation modes, such as from ship to rail or truck. 

Influencing factors: 

• Infrastructure readiness: Ports with integrated rail links or nearby logistics hubs enable faster cargo transfers, while those relying on offsite connections face delays. 
• Equipment shortages: Insufficient cranes, trucks, or railcars at the port can create bottlenecks during intermodal transfers. 
• Coordination between stakeholders: Smooth communication among shipping lines, trucking companies, and rail operators is critical for minimizing delays. 
• Weather and road conditions: Again, poor weather or infrastructure issues (e.g., damaged roads or rail lines) can increase transfer times. 

Optimizing schedules with advanced tools 

Timings at every stage of the shipping process have a direct impact on schedule reliability and cost efficiency. Delays at ports, during transit, or in intermodal transfers can disrupt supply chains. However, with advanced tools like Live Position, real-time tracking ensures visibility for intermodal and last-mile transport, enabling businesses to proactively manage potential delays. Additionally, our Schedule tool, with its enhanced filter functions, allows for precise planning by optimizing transit time selection. And with the Customs Clearance online solution, customs can be cleared quickly, easily, and directly with Hapag-Lloyd. These resources enable businesses can navigate the complexities of global shipping more efficiently and reliably.