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The shipment has not arrived, what now?
how to react, step by step

A delivery that misses the agreed date is one of the most difficult situations in road transport. What matters at that point is a fast reaction, access to information and clear communication.

The shipment has not arrived, what can it mean?

A missing delivery does not always mean the worst case scenario. The most common causes are:

delays on the route
scheduling problems at unloading
incorrect transport status information
unforeseen events (for example road conditions)

That is why the first step is to establish what exactly happened.

What to do, step by step

01

Contact the carrier or freight forwarder

Check the current transport status and the last known vehicle location.

02

Verify the documents

The CMR consignment note and other documents help establish which stage the transport has reached.

03

Review the delivery arrangements

Unloading time, warehouse availability, goods acceptance conditions, these are a frequent source of problems.

04

Gather all the information

Dates, times, contact details, the course of events, all of it will be needed for any further action.

05

Take the next steps

Depending on the situation: agreeing a new delivery date, filing a claim, or further formal action.

When is the situation serious?

Pay particular attention when:

no contact with the carrier
no information on the location of the cargo
a significant delay with no explanation

In cases like these, acting quickly is essential.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if the transport is running late?

First check the status and the reason for the delay. In many cases the problem comes down to operational factors.

Can I file a transport claim?

Yes, a claim can be filed in the event of a delay or other problems with the carriage.

Which documents are needed to file a claim?

Usually the CMR consignment note, written confirmation of the arrangements and the transport documentation.

When should a transport be treated as problematic?

When there is no information, no contact with the carrier, or a significant delay with no explanation.

Can such situations be avoided?

Not always, but well organised transport and clear communication significantly reduce the risk.

Having a problem with a transport?

We will look into the situation and help you find a solution.

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