Shipment exceptions: How to manage unexpected events proactively

Visibility is the key to a resilient supply chain. While the goal is always a smooth journey from origin to destination, unexpected events, otherwise known as Exceptions, can occur.

Our Exceptions feature is designed to ensure that you are the first to know about a change. Instead of waiting for a carrier update, our system proactively detects these shifts and alerts you, allowing you to manage warehouse schedules or inform your customers ahead of time.

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1. What is a shipment exception?

A shipment exception is any event that deviates from the original transport plan. Whether it is a vessel skipping a port or a container being "rolled" (not loaded onto the ship), these events can shift your Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).

💡Why it’s important to track these exceptions: 

Recently, a group of containers heading to Antwerp was "rolled" at a transshipment port, which would have resulted in a 2-week delay.

Because of an instant Exception notification, our operations team was able to negotiate with the carrier immediately. They successfully diverted the containers to a different vessel heading to Rotterdam. By being proactive, they reduced a 14-day delay to just 7 days.

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2.. Common exception types

As a European importer, understanding these specific exceptions can help you mitigate risks like demurrage or stockouts:

Delays & rollovers

• Rolling at origin/transshipment: This occurs when a container is not loaded onto its scheduled vessel. You will see details for both the original vessel and the new vessel to track the delay.
• Unusual transit time: If a shipment exceeds the standard Shypple benchmark for that specific trade lane, it is flagged so you can investigate potential bottlenecks.

Route & schedule changes

• Port of discharge change: If the unloading port changes (e.g., from Antwerp to Rotterdam), this may impact your inland haulage and customs filings.
• Transshipment port added: An extra stop has been added to the route, which typically extends the transit time.

Customs & inspections

• Customs inspection: Your container has been flagged for inspection. Early notification allows you to prepare for potential release delays.
• Phyto inspection rescheduled: Crucial for importers of fresh produce; this alert triggers if the timing for phytosanitary inspections changes

3.. Navigating the exceptions overview

The Exceptions overview page is your command center for monitoring disruptions across your entire shipment portfolio.

Go to the main navigation bar and select "Exceptions" (found under the More menu or in the ‘Overview’).

Centralized view: See all active exceptions in one place, filtered by type, date, or shipment reference.

1. Customize your overview based on your process. Move around or pin the columns that are the most relevant to you. Add exceptions at the top that apply to your workflow.
2. or pin the ones that you would like to keep an eye on. 
3. ETA delay indicators: Look for the colored chips in the "Estimated Arrival" column for a quick status check:
   • 🟢 Green: On track or early.
   • 🟠 Orange: Minor delay.
   • 🔴 Red: Significant delay requiring immediate attention.

 

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4. Stay updated via email notifications

You don’t have to be logged into the platform to stay informed. You can customize how you receive Exception alerts:

• Immediate alerts: Receive an email the moment a critical event (like a Rolling or Port Change) is detected.
• Daily summaries: Get a consolidated report every morning of all ETA and ETD changes from the last 24 hours.

1. Go to your notifications overview.
2. Scroll down to ‘Email notifications’ and ‘Exceptions’
3. Check or uncheck the notifications you would like to receive. 

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Need more help? If you have questions about a specific exception shown on your dashboard, please reach out to your dedicated Account manager.