What Are Logistics Delays on AliExpress?

AliExpress shipments typically take between 15 and 45 working days to arrive, depending on the final delivery location. However, shipments that are delayed and delivered later than scheduled are classified as “Logistics Delays”.

Logistics delays on Aliexpress may occur due to several reasons such as having provided incorrect shipping details, logistics provider issues, weather conditions, and hold-ups at import or export customs.

It’s important to understand what logistics delays on AliExpress are and why they occur so that you’ll be able to resolve them. We explore all this and more, in this guide.

What Causes Your Order to Show a Logistics Delay on AliExpress?

As mentioned above, your order status on AliExpress may display a “Logistics Delay” message for various reasons, and the shipping company or delivery agent will usually notify AliExpress when such a delay issue has occurred. Let’s explore the most common delays in more detail.

Incorrect Shipping Details

Providing an incorrect or incomplete shipping address may cause your order on AliExpress to show a delay. If the shipping company or delivery agent identifies any discrepancies with your shipping information (usually the name and delivery address), they will reach out to you to rectify the details for successful delivery.

As the responsible party, it is important to ensure that the shipping details you provide are accurate.

Logistics Provider Issues

Logistics delays can also occur if the shipping company or delivery agent is experiencing delays of their own. Such delays could be due to operation bottlenecks, equipment issues, or delivery vehicle problems.

Besides that, the logistics provider’s sorting center or consolidation warehouse where items are sorted and shipped from may also be experiencing a higher-than-usual volume of shipments.

In turn, this can affect the overall supply chain from line-haul transportation capacity to shipment arrangements. All these factors could delay your shipment until they are resolved by the logistics provider.

Weather Conditions

Certain weather conditions, such as extreme snow, rain, or flooding, may cause the logistics provider to temporarily halt their delivery. In order to avoid safety hazards from operating during extreme weather conditions, the provider would only resume their deliveries once the weather improves.

Import or Export Customs Clearance

Some items may also be held up at customs. This usually occurs if the shipper hasn’t declared the item they are shipping or if the exporting agent has failed to include the appropriate documentation.

When this occurs, the shipment status may be displayed as “Logistics Delay” until it clears customs. On other occasions, the status may also show “Held by Customs”. The logistics provider usually resolves this issue and assists you or the shipper in carrying out the item’s import and export clearance.

Best Practices to Manage Logistics Delays on AliExpress

Some of the factors that cause your AliExpress order to experience a delay will be out of your control. However, you can follow some useful practices to reduce delays caused by factors within your control.

Below, we have explained some of the best practices to prevent and manage AliExpress logistics delays.

Ensure That Your Shipping Details Are Correct

You should always review and verify your shipping address on AliExpress before finalizing your purchase. Additionally, it is advisable to maintain current shipping address information in your account.

If you change your address while one of your orders is active, you should notify the seller and tell them your new address as soon as possible. Depending on whether the item has already been dispatched and shipped out or not, you may be able to prevent any potential delays hassle-free.

Selecting A Reliable Logistics Provider

The logistics provider plays a crucial role in helping AliExpress get items from the seller to you in a timely manner. For this reason, you should ensure you choose a reliable one.

Consider looking up reviews for the logistics provider you plan to use. It is also worth learning if they have contingencies to deal with high order volumes during peak seasons. You should also ensure the shipping method you choose includes shipment tracking.

Here is a list of your typical shipping options (take note that not all may be available for the items you’re ordering):

• AliExpress Shipping
• Cainiao
• EMS
• China Post
• DHL Express
• FedEx
• UPS

Escalate to AliExpress Customer Support

If you are experiencing a logistics delay with your AliExpress order and are not able to have it resolved, you should contact AliExpress’s customer support. They will be able to communicate and coordinate with the relevant parties to resolve all types of logistics delays.

Use the Shipment Tracking Feature

If you are facing a logistics delay on your AliExpress order, you may be able to learn the reason behind it through the shipment tracking feature. For example, the shipment tracker may inform you if there are unpaid import duties on the order.

Keeping track of the logistics delay also allows you to learn who is responsible for the delivery at its current stage. You can then contact and follow up with the responsible party.

Communicate With the Seller For Updates

Communicating with the seller is a great way to get updates on your order. The seller likely has the latest activity updates and can contact the shipping company to learn about your order’s delay and the reasons behind it. Using this information, you may then begin to take action to resolve any issues that are within your means.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have received many questions regarding logistics delays when buying items on AliExpress and have compiled some of the most frequently asked ones along with our answers below.

How Long Do Logistics Delays Last For on AliExpress?

It is difficult to state precisely how long logistics delays last on AliExpress. This is because the delay’s length will depend on the nature of the issue as well as the party responsible for resolving it.

Most AliExpress shipment delays last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. Certain problems that are more complex in nature can take 4 to 6 weeks to resolve.

There are also rare cases in which your AliExpress logistics delay may never be resolved. This can occur if your package is lost. In such cases, the seller would typically resend your order or offer you a full refund.

Do I Need to Take Any Action When I See This Status Update?

For the most part, you are not required to take action if you see the “Logistics Delay” status update but you may take steps to help resolve and expedite the shipment as detailed in our best practices above. We also recommend you continue monitoring this status. 

Commonly, the delivery agent will resolve the issue and deliver your order as planned. However, if you don’t see the “Logistics Delay” status change after 1 or 2 weeks, you should contact the seller and ask them for an update. 

If you can’t get in touch with the seller or if they are uncooperative, you should contact AliExpress’s Customer Support directly.

Can I Request For A Refund If the Logistics Delay Doesn’t Resolve Timely?

You can request a refund if the logistics delay isn’t resolved quickly. You are entitled to exercise this option under AliExpress’s Buyer Protection policy. According to this policy, your AliExpress items will be subject to a 90-day protection period, starting from when they initially shipped out.

AliExpress also offers an extended 15 days of protection starting from when your order was first confirmed. You may initiate a dispute with the seller and request a refund or return during this 15-day period.