{"id":3438,"date":"2025-02-24T17:37:55","date_gmt":"2025-02-24T17:37:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/blog\/lead-time\/"},"modified":"2025-10-14T19:58:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T19:58:06","slug":"lead-time","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/blog\/lead-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Delivery Lead Times: Definition + Strategies to Avoid Long Lead Times in Shipping\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-toc single-toc\" data-controller=\"blog-toc-controller\" data-action=\"scroll@window-&gt;blog-toc-controller#scrollChanged:passive\" id=\"toc-component\"><div class=\"single-toc-overview\"><p>Table of Contents<\/p><div class=\"single-toc-read-time\"><p>** Minutes<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"#definition\">What is lead time?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#6-components\">6 components that dictate lead time<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#long-lead-time\">What is considered a long lead time?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#causes\">What causes longer lead times?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#strategies\">Strategies to combat and prevent long lead times<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#CTA\">Take the stress out of inventory management and order fulfilment with ShipBob<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#FAQ\">Lead time FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Life involves a lot of waiting: waiting in line, waiting for food to come out, waiting on someone who is running late.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But most people don\u2019t like waiting \u2013 especially for their ecommerce orders to arrive. That\u2019s why ecommerce businesses strive to maintain short lead times throughout their processes, so customer orders are delivered as quickly as possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"definition\">However, many businesses still struggle with managing long lead times (and not just during the last-mile phase, but even starting at the point of manufacturing), which can negatively impact the customer experience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article provides a closer look at how to manage lead times, the root causes of long lead times, and how you can avoid them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-lead-time\">What is lead time?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-blog-arrow-card blog-arrow-card\">\n<p>Lead time refers to the amount of time it takes to complete a process, from beginning to end.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In logistics, when you hear \u2018lead times,\u2019 it most often refers to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The amount of time it takes to get inventory to your warehouse,<\/strong> from the point of ordering it from a manufacturer to when it&#8217;s ready to be fulfilled in customer orders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The amount of time it takes an order to be delivered,<\/strong> from the time a consumer purchases it online to when it arrives at its destination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding and calculating lead times helps you understand how to avoid delays, though many businesses build in slight buffer times as they know things can go awry throughout the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-types-of-lead-times\">What are the types of lead times?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLead time\u201d can mean different things depending on what stage of the supply chain you\u2019re dealing with. Here is a breakdown of the different types of lead times that ecommerce business owners may keep track of to measure supply chain effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"278\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/478fabfde8366b72c272d6cc0d264244.png?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/478fabfde8366b72c272d6cc0d264244.png?w=1400 1400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/478fabfde8366b72c272d6cc0d264244.png?w=160 160w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/478fabfde8366b72c272d6cc0d264244.png?w=400 400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/478fabfde8366b72c272d6cc0d264244.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/478fabfde8366b72c272d6cc0d264244.png?w=700 700w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/478fabfde8366b72c272d6cc0d264244.png?w=1280 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/478fabfde8366b72c272d6cc0d264244.png?w=240 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-time-to-market\"><em>Time to market<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Time to market&#8221; refers to the total time it takes for a product to be available in the market from the time of its conception. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Time to market is most often used for reviewing performance when developing or introducing new products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-product-development\"><em>Product development<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Product development&#8221; refers to the total time it takes for a business to develop a product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It typically includes the entire process of designing, developing, and manufacturing the product before it&#8217;s available for purchase in the market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-material-procurement\"><em>Material procurement<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as &#8220;material lead time,&#8221; &#8220;material procurement&#8221; refers to the total time that passes for a business to procure the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/raw-materials-inventory\/\">raw materials<\/a> needed for production. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accurate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/material-requirements-planning\/\">material requirement planning<\/a> and efficient <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/procurement-and-logistics\/\">procurement logistics<\/a> can help reduce this lead time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-recruitment\"><em>Recruitment<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cRecruitment\u201d refers to the total time that passes between a business requiring additional workforce and hiring new employees to fill those open positions. Employing advanced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ismartrecruit.com\/blog-talent-acquisition-software-guide-for-recruiters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">talent acquisition software<\/a> can significantly expedite and refine this process, streamlining candidate sourcing, applicant tracking, and overall hiring efficiency&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recruitment is important to understand when hiring warehouse and fulfilment staff, especially if you&#8217;re planning for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/peak-season-fulfillment\/\">holiday peak season<\/a> when there is additional seasonal demand. For example, a <a href=\"https:\/\/peoplemanagingpeople.com\/topics\/new-hire-checklist-template\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">new hire checklist <\/a>can be a tool to speed up the lead time in recruiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sales-order-processing\"><em>Sales order processing<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Sales order processing&#8221; is the total time that passes between a customer placing an order and a business processing it and shipping it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/automated-order-processing\/\">automated order processing<\/a> tool can help to reduce this lead time, which can be done using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-management\/warehouse-management-system-wms\/\">warehouse management system (WMS)<\/a> or a logistic provider&#8217;s fulfilment platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-decision-making\"><em>Decision-making<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically involving the administration and management aspects of the supply chain, &#8220;decision-making&#8221; refers to the time it takes for businesses to finalize <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/supply-chain-decisions\/\">supply chain decisions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may use this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/ecommerce-kpis\/\">ecommerce KPI<\/a> to measure the time it takes to finalize suppliers and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/3pl\/\">third-party logistics<\/a> partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to give adequate time to certain business decisions, like sourcing vendors and partners, because the wrong decision could cost you in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-project-approval\"><em>Project approval<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"6-components\">&#8220;Project approval&#8221; refers to the total time it takes to get approval for a project from the time it\u2019s requested. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The project approval lead time will also factor in the entire time taken to complete the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-components-that-dictate-lead-time\">6 components that dictate lead time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are six key components that contribute to average lead times. Here is a high-level breakdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-pre-processing-time\">1. Pre-processing time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPre-processing time\u201d or planning is the time taken to receive the request and then create a purchase order accordingly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, a brand may take a day to check their inventory levels, determine that they need to order more of their best-selling candle, and place a purchase order for that SKU with their manufacturer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-waiting-time\">2. Waiting time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Waiting time&#8221; involves the time taken to procure all the raw materials and items necessary for the production process to begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the example above, it might take the brand\u2019s manufacturer a week to obtain the raw materials that they need in order to actually start making the candles.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-processing-time\">3. Processing time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Processing time&#8221; refers to the amount of time it takes for a business to procure or produce the order, often according to the request received previously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following our previous example, once the manufacturer has the raw materials they need, it might take then another 3 days to actually make the candles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-storage-time\">4. Storage time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Storage time&#8221; is the total time taken for items to remain in the warehouse until they\u2019re ready to be shipped out or delivered.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continuing our example, the finished product may be stored in the manufacturer\u2019s warehouse for a few days while the manufacturer coordinates shipping the goods to the merchant. Once the candles arrive at the merchant\u2019s warehouse, the candles are placed in storage again while awaiting fulfilment. Both of these storage periods would be referred to as \u201cstorage time.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-transportation-time\">5. Transportation time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Transportation time&#8221; is the time it takes for the item to be transported to the end customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In our example, say an online shopper places an order for a candle. Any lapsed time between the moment that order is confirmed and the moment the package is placed on the end customer\u2019s doorstep is considered transportation time. Transportation time often encompasses the time it takes to process a customer\u2019s order, pick items, pack them, and hand them off to a last-mile carrier, among other activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-inspection-time\">6. Inspection time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Inspection time&#8221; involves the time taken to check the products for any issues or damages before they\u2019re delivered to the customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lead-time-vs-cycle-time-vs-takt-time\">Lead time vs. cycle time vs. takt time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lead time, cycle time, and takt time are all important measures of productivity and performance throughout the supply chain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a breakdown of the different measurements in ecommerce:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lead time<\/strong> refers to the total time taken for a business to deliver an order after receiving it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cycle time<\/strong> refers to the total time it takes to finish producing one product.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"long-lead-time\"><strong>Takt time<\/strong> is the time between starting one process and starting the next. For instance, if it takes a machine 5 seconds to make a product unit and 3 seconds to reset before starting to make the next one, the takt time would be 8 seconds.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These three metrics are interconnected: a short cycle time will result in a shorter takt time, which will also contribute to shorter lead times.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-considered-a-long-lead-time\">What is considered a long lead time?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This will vary greatly by the type of lead time in question. By definition, a long lead time is when a process takes a relatively long time to be completed, compared to a business&#8217;s average lead time(s) or industry benchmarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The actual time may vary depending on the business, industry, processes, and locations (point of origin and final destination). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is considered a long lead time varies, so it&#8217;s wise to partner with a supply chain expert or take the time to fully understand the processes that take place throughout your operations, so you can identify long lead times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example of long DTC shipping lead time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A long lead time for a ground shipment in the contiguous US to be delivered is over 1 week (including fulfilment and shipping transit times), especially as consumers are used to 2-day shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s walk through this in more detail:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If an order is placed by noon local time (of the fulfilment centre fulfilling the order) on a business day, it should be picked, packed, and shipped out the same day. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once in the carrier&#8217;s hands, if the package is shipping from one side of the country to the other, it can take up to 7 business days via ground transport. If it&#8217;s a local delivery (e.g., fulfilled and delivered to within the same metro area), it can be delivered easily in 1-2 days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re not distributing inventory across multiple fulfilment centres (e.g., with a 3PL), then you should expect longer lead times. If you cover your bases and store inventory in different regions where your customers reside, you can achieve shorter transit times on average by always shipping from the fulfilment centre closest to the end customer.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example of long manufacturing to receiving lead time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A long lead time for ordering inventory from your manufacturer (let\u2019s say from China) to be received and stowed away in your warehouse in the US is over 80 days (including manufacturing the product, transporting it via ocean freight and then via truck from the port, and having completed the receiving and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-management\/warehouse-putaway\/\">putaway process in a warehouse<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two months may seem like a really long time to wait, but the average lead time to submit a purchase order (PO) from your manufacturer in China to when it&#8217;s stowed in your warehouse in the US this scenario is 50-75 days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For additional context:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A PO manufacturer run can take 1-4 weeks (it can take more if you need to see a sample product, for example).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ocean freight can take another 45 days (sometimes faster, if you use a service like <a href=\"https:\/\/product.shipbob.com\/freightbob\">FreightBob<\/a>, but sometimes slower).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Port to dock takes another 2-3 days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receiving can take 1-3 business days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, it&#8217;s critical to set up reorder point notifications that take this entire lead time into effect, so you begin the replenishment process early enough to avoid stockouts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-it-important-to-avoid-long-lead-times\">Why is it important to avoid long lead times?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Longer lead times can result in higher costs and lower profits. When your business takes a long time to complete different processes, it means you\u2019ll be paying your workers more while producing less. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-costs-and-production-lead-times\/\">Cutting production lead times<\/a> is crucial if you want to cut costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shorter lead times will ensure that you\u2019re putting all your resources and capital to good use and that your cash isn\u2019t tied up in unused raw materials.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, longer lead times might mean that your customers will have to wait longer to receive their orders. Shorter lead times can help you prevent customer turnover and encourage more repeat orders.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-causes-longer-lead-times\">What causes longer lead times?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a number of factors that can result in longer lead times, some of which are within your control. Here are the common causes of longer lead times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"280\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/10\/raw-materials-inventory.jpg?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-26210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/10\/raw-materials-inventory.jpg?w=1400 1400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/10\/raw-materials-inventory.jpg?w=160 160w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/10\/raw-materials-inventory.jpg?w=400 400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/10\/raw-materials-inventory.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/10\/raw-materials-inventory.jpg?w=700 700w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/10\/raw-materials-inventory.jpg?w=1280 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2025\/10\/raw-materials-inventory.jpg?w=240 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-raw-material-and-skilled-labor-shortages\">Raw material and skilled labour shortages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses can experience long lead times when they run out of stock for supplies or raw materials. This can be particularly problematic when there\u2019s a shortage throughout the supply chain, and they\u2019re unable to replenish their stock on time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, ecommerce businesses require skilled labour at every stage of the supply chain, from the manufacturing process to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/warehousing\/\">warehousing<\/a> and fulfilment. When they don\u2019t have enough of the right people to do their work efficiently, it usually takes longer to complete even the simplest of tasks, but implementing an <a href=\"https:\/\/connecteam.com\/best-employee-time-tracking-apps-smb\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">employee time tracking app<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vendr.com\/categories\/workforce-management-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">workforce management software<\/a> solution can streamline workforce management and enhance efficiency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses can help mitigate these risks by carefully planning their material and labour requirements. Timely reordering (among all manufacturers and products) is also crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/07\/supply-chain-planning-1.jpg?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-936\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-supplier-and-shipping-disruptions\">Supplier and shipping disruptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unexpected disruptions from the supplier\u2019s end can also cause delays and bottlenecks that result in longer lead times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This may be due to inefficiencies in the supplier\u2019s processes or cash flow issues that prevent them from delivering supplies. If this is a recurring issue, it\u2019s a good idea to partner with more reliable suppliers or find backups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses may also face shipping disruptions due to weather-related challenges and other unforeseen circumstances (e.g., COVID outbreaks and factory closures). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While some situations are unavoidable, you can avoid some shipping disruptions by ensuring that you have all the necessary documents in place and choose the speediest shipping option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"467\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/623373ea0e22a62cbc76a4ffa8fa47b2.jpg?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/623373ea0e22a62cbc76a4ffa8fa47b2.jpg?w=5369 5369w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/623373ea0e22a62cbc76a4ffa8fa47b2.jpg?w=160 160w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/623373ea0e22a62cbc76a4ffa8fa47b2.jpg?w=400 400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/623373ea0e22a62cbc76a4ffa8fa47b2.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/623373ea0e22a62cbc76a4ffa8fa47b2.jpg?w=700 700w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/623373ea0e22a62cbc76a4ffa8fa47b2.jpg?w=1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/623373ea0e22a62cbc76a4ffa8fa47b2.jpg?w=2048 2048w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/623373ea0e22a62cbc76a4ffa8fa47b2.jpg?w=1280 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/623373ea0e22a62cbc76a4ffa8fa47b2.jpg?w=240 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-natural-disasters\">Natural disasters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the least avoidable of all the factors that result in longer lead times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Natural disasters such as floods, landslides, hurricanes, and other weather-related challenges can cause shipping and manufacturing delays that affect your lead times. That&#8217;s where backup plans and diversification of manufacturers, couriers, and fulfilment centre regions come into play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you store inventory in multiple locations, you could have an order shipped from a different location to its destination to avoid bad weather conditions in certain regions that lead to couriers not being able to pick up orders from warehouses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might take longer or cost a little more (due to a longer route), but it\u2019s a safe alternative to ensure that your shipments aren\u2019t damaged.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/07\/peak-shipping-season.jpg?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-599\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-holidays\">Holidays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to understand (and plan accordingly) for any planned dates when your manufacturer is closed. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/chinese-new-year-shutdown\/\">Chinese New Year shutdowns<\/a> are the most common and disruptive if you manufacture in certain parts of Asia, as many factories will be closed for at least two weeks at a time from the end of January to mid-February (the dates change slightly each year). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s also worth knowing when 3PLs and couriers are closed in each country to observe federal holidays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/07\/automated-shipping.jpg?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-174\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-demand-spikes-not-enough-supply\">Demand spikes (not enough supply)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Businesses may also experience longer lead times when they get a sudden spike in demand and not have enough inventory on hand (supply) to meet it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s crucial to have a reliable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/demand-forecasting\/\">demand forecasting<\/a> tool or model that will help you anticipate demand spikes and plan accordingly. Many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-management\/real-time\/\">real-time inventory management<\/a> systems and fulfilment platforms provide historical order data, so you have insights into SKU performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"strategies\">Having access to inventory data can help improve <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/demand-planning\/\">demand planning<\/a>, so you can run sales and introduce new products while also optimising <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inventory-levels\/\">inventory levels<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having safety stock available is a good idea as well, so that you have enough inventory to meet demand during manufacturing lead times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strategies-to-combat-and-prevent-long-lead-times\">Strategies to combat and prevent long lead times<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While not all lead times are within your control, there are ways to better manage lead times throughout your supply chain. Here are some tips to manage your lead times more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"280\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/06\/32d853fd4ce011bb15b8d9c4e209fb24.jpg?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8804\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/06\/32d853fd4ce011bb15b8d9c4e209fb24.jpg?w=1400 1400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/06\/32d853fd4ce011bb15b8d9c4e209fb24.jpg?w=160 160w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/06\/32d853fd4ce011bb15b8d9c4e209fb24.jpg?w=400 400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/06\/32d853fd4ce011bb15b8d9c4e209fb24.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/06\/32d853fd4ce011bb15b8d9c4e209fb24.jpg?w=700 700w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/06\/32d853fd4ce011bb15b8d9c4e209fb24.jpg?w=1280 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/06\/32d853fd4ce011bb15b8d9c4e209fb24.jpg?w=240 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-plan-for-material-and-labor-needs-early\">Plan for material and labour needs early<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider the typical procurement and supplier lead times, and plan for your material and labour needs early on (and factor in seasonality that&#8217;s specific to your company). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use an inventory management tool that will automatically notify you when stock dips below a certain level (taking your entire lead time into effect).&nbsp;This way, you can plan for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inventory-replenishment\/\">inventory replenishment<\/a> accordingly to meet future demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"181\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/11\/584c753168c7b92757ac6703b2f45b4a.avif?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/11\/584c753168c7b92757ac6703b2f45b4a.avif?w=1350 1350w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/11\/584c753168c7b92757ac6703b2f45b4a.avif?w=160 160w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/11\/584c753168c7b92757ac6703b2f45b4a.avif?w=400 400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/11\/584c753168c7b92757ac6703b2f45b4a.avif?w=768 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/11\/584c753168c7b92757ac6703b2f45b4a.avif?w=700 700w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/11\/584c753168c7b92757ac6703b2f45b4a.avif?w=1280 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/11\/584c753168c7b92757ac6703b2f45b4a.avif?w=240 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-consider-air-freight-instead-of-ocean-freight\">Consider air freight instead of ocean freight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While air freight is extremely expensive (especially compared to ocean freight), you always have this option if you&#8217;re in a bind (e.g., leading up to Black Friday\/Cyber Monday sales).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This will only make sense if the potential profits justify the higher freight shipment cost, but air freight is incredibly fast compared to ocean freight and can definitely speed up lead times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"280\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/09\/supplier-and-manufacturer.jpg?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/09\/supplier-and-manufacturer.jpg?w=1400 1400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/09\/supplier-and-manufacturer.jpg?w=160 160w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/09\/supplier-and-manufacturer.jpg?w=400 400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/09\/supplier-and-manufacturer.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/09\/supplier-and-manufacturer.jpg?w=700 700w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/09\/supplier-and-manufacturer.jpg?w=1280 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/09\/supplier-and-manufacturer.jpg?w=240 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-switch-suppliers-and-distributors\">Switch suppliers and distributors <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re constantly experiencing longer times due to inconsistencies and delays on the supplier\u2019s end, it\u2019s high time you look for alternatives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take the time to source for reliable suppliers and distributors who can meet your needs on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"284\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/supplier-relationship-management.jpg?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/supplier-relationship-management.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/supplier-relationship-management.jpg?w=160 160w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/supplier-relationship-management.jpg?w=400 400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/supplier-relationship-management.jpg?w=768 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/supplier-relationship-management.jpg?w=700 700w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/supplier-relationship-management.jpg?w=1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/supplier-relationship-management.jpg?w=1280 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/supplier-relationship-management.jpg?w=240 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-have-backup-suppliers-nbsp\">Have backup suppliers&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if your suppliers are consistent and reliable, there\u2019s still a risk of experiencing emergencies that affect your lead time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you have backup suppliers on the books in case of emergency stockouts and other supplier-related disruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"394\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/3d5fbdb0a041dc1e1ad66db5c784817e-scaled.jpg?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11710\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-adopt-an-inventory-management-and-order-fulfillment-platform-nbsp\">Adopt an inventory management and order fulfilment platform&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A significant portion of your lead time is affected by how you manage inventory and fulfil orders. It\u2019s important to ensure that these processes are carried out as effectively and accurately as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though it&#8217;s possible to manage operations in-house, sometimes it\u2019s best to leave it to the experts. A third-party fulfilment provider can help you manage your inventory, fulfilment, and shipping needs for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, ShipBob lets you fully outsource fulfilment but also offers an in-house fulfilment solution, ShipBob WMS, which lets you power your own warehouse using ShipBob\u2019s full-stack fulfilment and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-management\/\">warehouse management<\/a> system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ShipBob also has an end-to-end managed freight program from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/freight-shipping-china\/\">shipping freight from China to the US<\/a> called <a href=\"https:\/\/product.shipbob.com\/freightbob\">FreightBob<\/a> that offers weekly sailings at cheaper costs and faster transit times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-blog is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p id=\"CTA\"><em>\u201cShipBob\u2019s WMS has more than doubled, if not tripled, our productivity in terms of labour hours. Our average days to ship is now only 0.8 days, so most packages are shipping same-day or next-day, with rare exceptions. We\u2019ve cut 4 days of lead time because orders are getting processed, fulfilled, and shipped more efficiently. When we first started with ShipBob, we were doing about 15K orders per month, and now we\u2019re processing 30K \u2014 double what we were doing just six months ago.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ben Tietje, Co-Founder and CEO of Earthley&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-take-the-stress-out-of-inventory-management-and-order-fulfillment-with-shipbob\">Take the stress out of inventory management and order fulfilment with ShipBob<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reducing lead times involves a lot of moving parts, which makes it challenging to manage and identify long lead times throughout the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you focus on customer satisfaction, product development, and overall business growth, ShipBob partners with you to provide access to a global <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/product\/omnichannel-fulfillment\/\">omnichannel fulfilment<\/a> network, including 2-day shipping with 100% coverage in the contiguous US, even from just one fulfilment centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also offer tools like our Ideal Inventory Distribution calculator to help you determine how to split inventory across our network to minimise lead times, and will even distribute inventory regionally for you through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/product\/inventory-placement\/\">Inventory Placement Program<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/08\/image-1-2.png?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15072\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you partner with ShipBob, you can easily reduce lead times by allowing the experts to take care of the inventory management, fulfilment, and shipping process for you (in addition to other value-added services like <a href=\"https:\/\/product.shipbob.com\/freightbob\">FreightBob<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ShipBob&#8217;s fulfilment platform offers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-management\/real-time\/\">real-time inventory<\/a> tracking, so you know exactly how much inventory you have at all times and where your inventory is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"601\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/b78956c954d5ea065cbfb4fc6d9a712f.jpg?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15002\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also set <a href=\"https:\/\/support.shipbob.com\/s\/article\/Reorder-Notification-Points-in-the-Product-Catalog\/\">reorder point notifications<\/a>, which means you\u2019ll always replenish your inventory on time and prevent stockouts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"211\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/10\/3b9ae7d700d4badd7480917c69ba05b2.png?w=1140\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/10\/3b9ae7d700d4badd7480917c69ba05b2.png?w=1140 1140w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/10\/3b9ae7d700d4badd7480917c69ba05b2.png?w=160 160w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/10\/3b9ae7d700d4badd7480917c69ba05b2.png?w=400 400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/10\/3b9ae7d700d4badd7480917c69ba05b2.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/10\/3b9ae7d700d4badd7480917c69ba05b2.png?w=700 700w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2023\/10\/3b9ae7d700d4badd7480917c69ba05b2.png?w=240 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From inventory distribution to warehouse receiving, to shipping and fulfilment, ShipBob takes care of it all, so you can focus on growing your business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-blog is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>&#8220;For us, changing from a 3 week lead time to 3 days through ShipBob is what drove our sales. Even now, one of the primary reviews we get on Etsy is, \u2018My order arrived really quickly!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Having the stock locally in the US means that lead times and shipping times are minimal, and that you\u2019ll get higher conversion rates because you\u2019re offering better lead times.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>John Greenhalgh, Co-Founder of A Year of Dates<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"FAQ\">To learn more about ShipBob\u2019s fulfilment capabilities, click the button below to receive more information.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/quote\/\">Request Fulfilment Pricing<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lead time FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are answers to the most common questions about lead times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">What is a long lead time in the supply chain?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>In ecommerce, lead times can refer to different phases throughout the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/ecommerce-supply-chain\/\">ecommerce supply chain<\/a>, from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-costs-and-production-lead-times\/\">procurement lead times<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-management\/warehouse-receiving\/\">warehouse receiving<\/a>, to fulfilment and shipping.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">Why are shorter lead times better?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>Shorter lead times help you cut down labour costs, improve customer satisfaction, and optimise inventory levels. It&#8217;s ultimately about speed to delivery so people don&#8217;t have to wait as long. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">What is the maximum lead time?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>The maximum lead time varies depending on the business, industry, locations involved, and action being completed. It would be ideal to look at lead times across the industry and business to assess the maximum lead time.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">What simple options do I have to reduce lead time?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>Planning your inventory and labour needs ahead of time and working with reliable suppliers are some key steps to reduce lead time. Partnering with an expert logistics provider like ShipBob can also help you reduce lead times by handing off operations to the experts.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">How do you calculate delivery lead time?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>To calculate delivery lead time, track the time between order placement and when that order arrives on the customer\u2019s doorstep. Be sure to include the time it takes to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Confirm the order&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Pick the items for the order&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Pack the order\u2019s items in a box or polymailer&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Hand off the package to the last-mile carrier&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Transport the order from the merchant warehouse to the end customer&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">Is lead time the same as delivery time?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>While \u201cdelivery time\u201d often refers exclusively to the time it takes a last-mile carrier to get an order to the end customer\u2019s doorstep, the term \u201clead time\u201d refers to a broader period of time \u2013 the total time between the moment an order is placed to when it is delivered.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Lead time is also used in other supply chain stages to refer to other measurements of time, such as time-to-market, product development, material procurement, recruitment, sales and order processing, decision-making, and project approval.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding lead times is crucial for running an efficient supply chain. 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