The OTIF Tightrope: Why Produce Shippers Can’t Afford a Misstep
OTIF (On Time, In Full) isn’t just a performance metric…it’s a cornerstone in any relationship between shippers and their biggest customers. Major retailers like Walmart, Publix, and Costco have tightened compliance windows, and for produce shippers and perishable products, the stakes are even higher. Miss the delivery window and you’re not just risking a fine, you’re risking the relationship.
Anatomy of a missed delivery
A missed OTIF delivery is usually the result of a chain reaction, and in produce, one small slip can turn a profitable load into a loss in minutes. Here are some of the typical reasons:
- Multi-stop TL complexity – One delay at an earlier stop can ripple across every remaining delivery.
- Carrier no-shows or transition delays – Missed pickups destroy even the best-laid plans.
- Temperature discrepancies – Even if the truck is on time, a few degrees out of range can trigger an instant claim.
- Arrival vs. check-in confusion – Often, a “late” truck was actually at the receiver on time, but dock office delays resulted in a later recorded check-in time and OTIF charges. Without proof, it’s tough to dispute.
What it takes to hit OTIF and compliance regulations
High OTIF scores come from mastering both the art and science of produce delivery. That means:
- Knowing each retailer’s quirks – Every DC has unique receiving policies, dock schedules, and appointment lead times. It’s important to know what those are.
- Tight appointment-setting – Make sure you’re booked early enough to avoid dock bottlenecks.
- Live GPS + temperature alerts – So you can intervene before a delay or spoilage event.
- Trailer prep – Pre-cooling and verifying air chute integrity to keep product within specifications from start to finish.
- Dock dynamics – Some receivers require trailer doors to be opened before backing in, or they operate warm docks. If there’s a delay getting into a door—or if a truck sits in one too long—temperature recorders may spike even if the product is still fine. But even worse, the product may actually warm, reducing shelf life and risking rejection.
When it comes to compliance, the right mix of technology and an account management team helps you catch problems before they hit the retailer’s dock…i.e. like avoiding a $10K fine because our team spotted a temperature variance on a Saturday morning, dispatched a recovery truck, and still managed to deliver on time.
It’s a narrow margin between fines and fresh deliveries. Proactive monitoring and escalation paths will keep you and your customers informed so you can pivot when its needed and stay ahead of shipping headwinds.
Improving OTIF
Visibility is power, and building compliance dashboards that track late loads by cause (not just by carrier) lets you coach carrier partners instead of penalizing them.
By understanding why a load was late, you can address root causes…was it the driver’s route? An issue with scheduling or temperature management?
For produce shippers, OTIF protects retailer relationships, preserving margins, and keeping your freight moving, and the best OTIF strategies combine data, technology, and people who know how to act fast when it matters most. In a market where every delivery is a tightrope walk between compliance and costly disruption, balance is everything.
About Dynamic Logistix
Dynamic Logistix is a third-party provider of produce shipping and freight solutions that combines a world-class technology platform with stellar personal service. By providing superior visibility, transparent processes, and comprehensive real-time reporting through our transportation management software, produce clients save time and money. For more information, please visit our website and check out our LinkedIn page to join our growing team.
