# safety stock

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Logistics planners and warehouse managers set safety stock levels to maintain order fulfillment even when actual demand or supplier lead times deviate from plan.

Logistics planners and warehouse managers set safety stock levels to maintain order fulfillment even when actual demand or supplier lead times deviate from plan. Safety stock – also called buffer stock – is the quantity held above the calculated average requirement, sized according to the variability of both consumption and replenishment time: the less predictable either variable, the larger the buffer needed. Too little safety stock results in stockouts and production stoppages; too much ties up working capital and consumes warehouse space. Unlike the reorder point, which triggers a replenishment order at a defined threshold, safety stock is the statistical reserve drawn down only when conditions turn less favourable than expected.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_stock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_stock)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | safety stock |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 111 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_stock |

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/safety-stock-2](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/safety-stock-2)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/safety-stock-2](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/safety-stock-2)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/safety-stock-2/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/safety-stock-2/llm-summary?lang=en)*