Successful shipping starts with good timing
Freight planning usually revolves around major factors like what you’re shipping and how much it will cost. But sometimes the thing you need to be paying attention to is time. Specifically, how much of it you give a carrier before the freight needs to move. This is called lead time, and it helps determine how flexible and efficient your shipping process can be.
Benefits of proper lead time
While there’s nothing wrong with urgency when it’s truly needed, not every shipment needs to be rushed. When you start treating lead time like a lever you can control, you can unlock better pricing, more carrier availability and higher service quality.
Pricing
With more time to plan, carriers can optimize routes and consolidate loads, often resulting in more competitive rates. Short-notice shipments typically cost more due to limited capacity and urgency.
Carrier availability
When lead times are short, you may be limited to whichever carriers have equipment nearby. These are not always the ones best suited for your freight. Providing more time helps ensure your desired carriers are available.
Service quality
Advance notice helps reduce delays, prevent missed pickups and allow room for contingencies like traffic or weather. Longer lead times also improve communication and coordination across your supply chain.
How much extra notice should you give?
While these lead time benefits apply across the board, the amount of notice needed can vary depending on the shipping mode and the specific needs of your freight. Factors like location, equipment type, weather conditions and special handling requirements can also affect scheduling.
Start by determining when you need your freight to arrive, then work backwards — first accounting for transit time and then adding additional lead time to ensure the carrier has enough notice to schedule the pickup. This helps avoid delays, especially during busy seasons or for more complex shipments.
Here are some basic lead time guidelines by mode:
Less-than-truckload: 2 business days + transit time
Most LTL carriers can accommodate pickups with a day or two of notice, but planning ahead improves scheduling and helps avoid delays during peak seasons. Even a small buffer can make a big difference in securing your preferred pickup window.
Truckload: 2-5 business days + transit time
Truckload shipments often require more planning to match your freight with the right equipment and route. More lead time usually means better pricing and availability. Giving carriers time to plan routes and allocate equipment helps with on-time performance.
Expedite: same-day or next-day possible
These shipments are designed for urgent needs but usually have a higher price tag. Lead times are minimal, but careful coordination is key. It’s best to use expedite services strategically when timing is critical.
International ocean: 7-14 days + transit time
International ocean shipments require customs documents, port schedules and longer transit times. Planning weeks ahead is essential, especially during peak seasons. Remember that LCL may require extra lead time due to consolidation and deconsolidation.
Learn more about how ArcBest can help speed up your LCL freight.
ArcBest helps you plan with confidence
ArcBest helps customers reduce pressure by offering tools, technology and expertise that make planning easier. Here’s how:
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Flexible shipping options. Our wide variety of transportation solutions allows us to help you choose the best mode based on your timeline.
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Predictive analytics and real-time visibility. This helps you spot potential issues early on and avoid late deliveries.
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Experienced logistics professionals. Having a transportation expert helps you anticipate needs and create tailored solutions for your loads.
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Routing and capacity planning. ArcBest takes a proactive approach to routing by designing routes that fit your specific needs.
Get a head start with ArcBest
Understanding lead times isn’t just about managing schedules — it’s about creating better performance across your supply chain. The more time you build into your logistics strategy, the more options, flexibility and savings you’ll see. Partner with ArcBest today to plan and ship smarter.
