The eCommerce market has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets in India. Owing to the sudden rise in online shopping, easy access to smartphones and the internet, and increasing trend of getting the product delivered to the doorstep, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak, the market has a massive growth potential in the future.

A CII Shiprocket report states that the Indian eCommerce market is projected to grow from $70 billion in FY 2022 to $214 billion by the end of 2027. 

However, amid the enormous growth of the eCommerce market, one sector faces massive disruption in investments and technology implementation. The sector is B2B logistics. Multiple service providers are developing innovative solutions to attract business resulting in massive competition amongst the players.

One such idea redefining the B2B logistics sector from the core is “scheduled delivery”. So what is it, and what should be done in such a scenario? Before looking into the topic, let’s first understand the phrase ‘scheduled delivery pending,’ its meaning and what to do about it.

What Is Scheduled Delivery?

Scheduled delivery is a logistics service where a specific date and time are set for a package to arrive at its destination. This system ensures the sender and recipient know when to expect the shipment, allowing them to plan accordingly.  The delivery service will enable businesses to ensure that their clients can unload the delivery vehicle at the destination, resulting in optimal vehicle utilisation and workforce utilisation.

This service helps businesses optimise their operations by allowing delivery vehicles to unload immediately at the destination, improving vehicle and workforce utilisation. Logistics providers plan scheduled deliveries by considering factors like transportation routes, traffic, and distance, which helps them meet customer expectations while using resources efficiently.

Customers appreciate scheduled deliveries for the convenience and control they offer. Businesses benefit from increased efficiency, and satisfied customers can boost word-of-mouth marketing, helping attract new buyers and retain existing ones.

How Does Scheduled Delivery Work?

To schedule a delivery, the businesses assign the orders to delivery routes and map the sequence for each shipment. To achieve this, companies must have clear order and inventory visibility. This allows businesses to know the stock levels and plan delivery accordingly.

Then, the companies calculate the distances for each shipment to find the best route. This process aims to minimize the travelled distance between each delivery destination.

Finally, shipments are arranged so the goods can be unloaded in a single trip at the correct delivery location. This eliminates multiple trips to a single destination for unloading.

Scheduled delivery is a coordinated process between the sender, carrier, and recipient, ensuring that a product is delivered conveniently to the customer. During checkout, customers can choose a delivery slot from various options. This flexibility enhances the customer experience by allowing them to select a time that suits them best.

The logistics provider plans the delivery accordingly once the customer selects their preferred delivery time. Routes are optimised based on the scheduled time, ensuring timely and efficient delivery. While it may seem simple from the customer’s point of view, there’s a complex system in the background to ensure smooth functioning. 

Let’s take an example from the online grocery sector to see how scheduled delivery works:

Imagine a customer places an order for groceries on Sunday and selects a delivery slot for Monday between 5 and 7 p.m. The vendor receives the order and starts preparing it while the logistics team plans the delivery route. They ensure all vehicles and resources are ready to cover the scheduled deliveries in that time frame. On Monday, the delivery truck, loaded with orders for that route, heads out, and the groceries are delivered to the customer’s doorstep between 5 and 7 p.m.

After delivery, the customer gets a notification confirming their completed order.

ALSO READ: Top B2B Shipping Companies in 2025

What Does Scheduled Delivery Pending Mean

In eCommerce, ensuring timely delivery of shipments to the correct location involves careful planning and coordination. Most of the time, deliveries are completed without issues, and millions of orders reach their destinations seamlessly daily. However, unexpected delays occur sometimes.

If the tracking system of a third-party logistics (3PL) provider shows the status “Scheduled Delivery Pending,” it means the carrier is unable to deliver the package within the expected initial timeframe due to factors beyond their control. This status indicates that while the delivery is delayed, the carrier has not yet determined a new delivery date.

These delays can happen during busy periods, such as peak shopping seasons, when the carrier’s capacity is stretched due to the high volume of shipments. Factors like extreme weather or natural disasters can also disrupt the carrier’s ability to deliver on time. The key takeaway is that your package is still in the carrier’s possession and will be offered, but the exact date is yet to be confirmed.

What to Do if a Scheduled Delivery Is Pending?

Delayed delivery can irate the client and can hamper the business-client relationship. Therefore it is imperative to help the client overcome this scenario. To help the client, a company can:

Notify the Client

Notify your client immediately if there’s a delay. Clear communication sets expectations and shows that you value their time. Keep them updated on the delivery status by sharing new estimated delivery times and explaining the reasons for the delay, if possible. It’s essential to proactively communicate about the scheduled delivery pending status before the client needs to inquire.

Allow the client to communicate with the account manager

If a pending scheduled delivery occurs, the account manager should connect with the client, as they have a deep understanding of the client and a strong rapport. This ensures the client has a dedicated single point of contact (SPOC) for such situations.

Check Tracking Information and Provide a New Estimated Delivery Date

Check the tracking system to stay informed about the latest updates on the shipment’s status. This allows you to gather accurate details that can be shared with your client. When a delay occurs, it’s essential to not only understand the cause but also to figure out how to overcome the issue. Once you have a clear idea, provide the client with a new estimated delivery date. Doing this reassures the client that their shipment is on the way and keeps them informed, maintaining trust and reducing concerns they may have about the delay.

Try to Deliver Before the New Estimated Delivery Date

Since the business has mentioned a new estimated delivery date, the shipment must be delivered at the destination before the said date to mend the trust between the two entities.

ALSO READ: A Comprehensive Guide to B2B Deliveries in Business

Explore Alternatives

When delays are significant, it’s important to consider alternative solutions to reduce the impact on your client. One option could be expediting the shipment through a faster or more reliable carrier to ensure quicker delivery. If the delay has caused enough inconvenience, offering partial refunds or discounts can help maintain goodwill. These actions address the current issue and show your commitment to customer satisfaction. 

ALSO READ: Top B2B Shipping Companies in 2025

Apologise for the Inconvenience

A heartfelt apology goes a long way in maintaining a strong client relationship. Even if the delay wasn’t your fault, acknowledging the inconvenience demonstrates that you care about their experience. Be sure to show empathy, offering a sincere apology and reassuring them that you’re doing everything possible to resolve the issue. This transparency fosters trust, and clients are more likely to stay patient if they feel their concerns are being heard and addressed promptly.

Improve Internal Processes

Once the immediate issue is resolved, take the opportunity to review your logistics and scheduling processes to prevent future delays. Were there communication gaps, system inefficiencies, or partner reliability issues? Identifying these weaknesses allows you to make necessary adjustments, whether upgrading your technology, refining your workflow, or partnering with more dependable carriers. Regular process improvement ensures your business can handle challenges more effectively and reduces the likelihood of repeat issues, ultimately improving overall operational efficiency.

Learn and Adapt

Delays and logistical challenges provide valuable learning opportunities. Take time to assess the root cause of the issue and how it was handled. Understanding these factors helps you adapt by refining your strategies for future situations. Whether improving your contingency plans, enhancing client communication, or adjusting partnerships, learning from each experience strengthens your ability to respond more effectively.

Unlock Efficient Shipping Solutions with Shiprocket Cargo for Your Business

Take your business to the next level with Shiprocket Cargo, a B2B shipping platform designed to handle heavy and bulk shipments. With Shiprocket Cargo, you can streamline your entire shipping process while we handle the logistics. Whether you need to ship Full Truck Loads (FTL), Partial Truck Loads (PTL), or Air Cargo, our platform offers you access to over 24,000 pin codes across India and reduce the shipping costs by up to 40%. You’ll also benefit from real-time tracking and AI-powered carrier recommendations to choose the best partner for each shipment. With rates starting as low as ₹6/kg and seamless ERP integrations like SAP and Navision, scaling your business has never been easier.

We’ve simplified shipping with value-added services like time-bound deliveries, appointment scheduling, and automated email/SMS updates to keep your customers informed. You can choose from 14 carriers and enjoy 24/7 customer support, so you’ll always have help when needed. 

ALSO READ: Shiprocket Cargo vs Other Courier Companies

Conclusion

A scheduled delivery is one of the best ways to improve ROIs and reduce shipping costs. However, there may be times when unforeseen circumstances cause delays, leading to the tracking system indicating a pending delivery. Such situations can frustrate clients and negatively impact the business. To mitigate potential losses, it’s essential to take proactive measures. Keeping clients informed about delays and ensuring timely delivery of shipments can help maintain trust and satisfaction. By prioritising communication and responsiveness, sellers can navigate challenges effectively and uphold positive customer relationships.