Plan your transport
First decide when the goods must be ready for use at destination. Subtract buffers for acceptance, unpacking and any set-up by your team – that gives the delivery window. Then check when packaging and internal release can realistically be completed. If completion and delivery are very close together, still send the request early and add updates as you go. Tell us about fixed delivery slots at trade fairs, hospitals or data centres from the start.
Backward planning in an example
An exhibit must be set up by 9 am on Wednesday. Your team needs two hours to unpack and set up, and goods-in opens at 7 am. This requires delivery by 7 am, or delivery the day before. If the packaging is only ready on Monday evening, collection can only be on Tuesday – which should be settled early.
What extends lead time
More lead time is needed for shipments with new packaging, deliveries requiring advance registration with the recipient, transports outside normal business hours and cross-border routes with accompanying documents. Dates shortly before public holidays or trade fairs also fill up faster. Tell us about such points so that we can plan realistically.
What matters
- Plan backwards from the date needed at destination
- Allow buffers for acceptance, unpacking and set-up
- Clarify internal approvals before the collection date