GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 13, 2026

Transit time

Transit time is the period between the moment a shipment is handed over to the carrier and the point of final delivery to the consignee.

Last updated: 13 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.logistik-lexikon.com/v/versandlaufzeit

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Transit time is the period between the moment a shipment is handed over to the carrier and the point of final delivery to the consignee. It is shaped by the mode of transport, distance, customs clearance procedures at origin or destination, and any transshipment stops along the route. Air and express services achieve substantially shorter transit times than ocean or rail transport; customs delays at the destination country can add significantly to the total. In freight forwarding, transit time is a primary factor in carrier selection and rate quotation, and must be aligned with the delivery commitments a shipper makes to its customers. It should not be confused with lead time, which also includes internal order processing and pick-and-pack operations before the shipment is handed to the carrier.

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Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen

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Transit time

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