/it/lp/blog/logistics/2023/transit-time
Transit Time Reveals the True State of Reliability
22/12/2023
Updated: 16/09/2025
Key Takeaways:
- Transit time directly impacts supply chain reliability as it affects how businesses plan production, storage, and delivery.
- Multiple factors including distance, type of vessel, weather, and customs, all impact transit time.
- Having a variety of flexible solutions and contingency plans are just as important as fast delivery.
Transit time, or the amount of time taken for goods to get from one destination to another is hugely significant in a company’s overall supply chain management process. In some instances, depending on the type of commodity being transported, the length of transit time can also impact the overall wellbeing of the cargo itself.
Measuring Transit Time
Measured in hours or days, transit time is the length of time cargo takes to get from point A to point B. The mode of transport varies depending on the goods and can include multiple delivery methods, including a ship, plane, train, and truck.
Transit time can be broken down into transit days, which include the time taken to move cargo from the supplier’s warehouse to the port of origin, any storage days used, sailing time, and the time taken to discharge the cargo at the destination port, ready for customs clearance. The number of days needed for the customs clearance of goods and their delivery to the customer’s premises are counted as clearance and delivery days (CDD).
Measuring Transit Time
Measured in hours or days, transit time is the length of time cargo takes to get from point A to point B. The mode of transport varies depending on the goods and can include multiple delivery methods, including a ship, plane, train, and truck.
Transit time can be broken down into transit days, which include the time taken to move cargo from the supplier’s warehouse to the port of origin, any storage days used, sailing time, and the time taken to discharge the cargo at the destination port, ready for customs clearance. The number of days needed for the customs clearance of goods and their delivery to the customer’s premises are counted as clearance and delivery days (CDD).
Transit time is an important component of lead time, which is the total time taken to realise a purchase order placed with a supplier. While shorter lead times are desirable, it can be challenging to get these from suppliers. However, longer lead times can limit supply chain responses to changing demand, variability, and uncertainties.
Having predictable transit times also contribute to cost management within shipping operations by reducing unnecessary expenses like inventory holding costs and optimising logistics processes.
Reliable transit times are also crucial for maintaining an efficient supply chain, by enabling companies to plan and coordinate their inventory, production, and distribution processes more effectively.
Much like with airplanes, ships will try to respect the schedules and keep to predicted transit times as much as possible. However, there are important factors that impact transit time, including:
- Inadequate handling equipment or equipment breakdown at ports
- Labour problems including strikes, COVID, and national holidays
- Discrepancies or errors in customs documents
- Failure to arrange necessary transport or labour
- Poor weather conditions
- Blank sailing of cargo vessels
- Vessel rotation
Shipping companies may also adjust transit times in instances of sustainability. In some cases, carriers have reduced the speed of the vessel to protect an endangered species. Although the ship will take longer to reach the destination, the benefits for the environment are significant.
Transit Time vs Flexibility
While transit time is undeniably important, there are cases where flexibility and forecast take priority. For example, if a clerical error occurs that means a container isn’t loaded onto the vessel, customers often appreciate the flexibility of moving the container to the next port by truck if possible.
Forecasting and preparing for possible delays is also very good practice. When shipping companies like MSC expect delays, they can add extra calls or extra vessels to a service in order to accommodate more volume. While there are some cases when it is unsafe to ship, such as during monsoon season, having flexibility within the shipping schedule enables as many challenges to be overcome as quickly and successfully as possible.
Transit Time vs Flexibility
While transit time is undeniably important, there are cases where flexibility and forecast take priority. For example, if a clerical error occurs that means a container isn’t loaded onto the vessel, customers often appreciate the flexibility of moving the container to the next port by truck if possible.
Forecasting and preparing for possible delays is also very good practice. When shipping companies like MSC expect delays, they can add extra calls or extra vessels to a service in order to accommodate more volume. While there are some cases when it is unsafe to ship, such as during monsoon season, having flexibility within the shipping schedule enables as many challenges to be overcome as quickly and successfully as possible.
Ask MSC
At MSC, our team of experts are passionate about providing fast, and reliable transit times for our customers. We understand the importance of having reliable, flexible transit times for shippers and are committed to offering this. We offer additional services, such as end-to-end transport services designed to improve your overall supply chain management and ensure your cargo reaches its final destination as quickly and safely as possible.
Contact us today to explore how MSC’s full range of shipping and transportation solutions could be beneficial for your business.
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Learn MoreFAQs
What is transit time in shipping?
Transit time in shipping is the total time it takes for your cargo to move from its point of origin to its final destination after departure.
Why is transit time important for supply chain management?
Reliable transit times are important in supply chain management as they help businesses manage inventory, reduce storage costs, and maintain production schedules which enable them to meet customer expectations effectively.
What’s the difference between transit time, shipping time and lead time?
These three terms refer to different stages of the order and delivery process:
- Lead Time is the time it takes to process your order before it ships. This includes picking, packing, and preparing the item for dispatch.
- Transit Time is the time your package spends in the hands of the carrier, moving from the shipping origin to the destination.
- Shipping Time is the total time from when you place your order to when it’s delivered. It includes both lead time and transit time.
What factors can delay transit time?
Some factors which can impact transit time include:
- Equipment issues in port
- Labor strikes or holidays
- Customs clearance issues
- Severe weather conditions
- Required route changes
- Environmental regulations which may impact vessel speed
How to calculate transit time in shipping?
To calculate transit time in shipping, consider the following:
- Distance between origin and destination (including potential intermodal segments)
- Mode of transport (e.g., sea, rail, road)
- Buffer time for possible delays such as transshipment, customs clearance, port congestion, or weather disruptions
If you’re looking for schedule on msc.com, the results display an estimated transit time for each route. This is based on the planned vessel schedule but may be affected by operational or external factors.