GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 8, 2026
Transit time
Forwarders and shipping lines measure transit time as the duration from cargo collection at the shipper through delivery at the consignee.
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Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/transit-time.asp
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Forwarders and shipping lines measure transit time as the duration from cargo collection at the shipper through delivery at the consignee. It encompasses not only actual transport but also intermediate steps—cargo handling, customs clearance, warehousing, equipment waiting times. Transit time serves as a key performance indicator for supply chains and directly affects customer expectations, inventory costs, and working capital. It differs from pure driving time because it includes all delays and transshipment operations and therefore typically extends longer.
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