Freight Glossary
Delivery Window
A delivery window is the scheduled time range within which a freight shipment is expected to arrive at a destination, often specified in hours (e.g., 8 AM to 12 PM) or by a specific appointment time. Windows are set by the receiver and must be met by the carrier. A grocery DC might assign a 6 AM to 8 AM window for perishable deliveries and a broader 10 AM to 2 PM window for dry goods.
Why it matters
Missing a delivery window at a retail DC or store can trigger chargebacks, result in refused freight, or cause a shipment to be rescheduled. All of these outcomes increase cost and reduce the reliability of your supply chain. A refused delivery due to a missed window typically costs $300 to $600 in redelivery fees, storage, and administrative rework.
When to use it
Confirm delivery windows before tendering any retail or grocery shipment. Build transit time backward from the window to ensure your carrier can realistically make the appointment. For stores that accept deliveries only during early morning hours, schedule pickup timing to account for drive time plus a buffer for traffic or weather delays.
How Warp thinks about it
Warp coordinates delivery windows as part of its appointment scheduling process, and Orbit monitors transit progress to flag any shipment at risk of missing its committed window. The Warp driver app confirms appointment times with drivers before dispatch, ensuring alignment between scheduled windows and actual route plans.