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Fixed-Date Freight Forwarding – Guaranteed Delivery Dates with Written Commitment

Fixed-date freight forwarding guarantees the promised delivery date in writing – with a fixed price and, on request, a penalty clause for culpable lateness. A non-binding declaration of intent thus becomes a robust planning instrument for exhibition setup, ramp slot, crane or installation appointment.

Aerial view of a logistics centre with loading ramps

Some delivery dates are not negotiable: the exhibition setup, the time window at the central warehouse, the crane that is only on site for one day, the installation team that has already been booked. As a fixed-date freight forwarder, Speed Logistics guarantees the promised delivery date in writing – with a fixed price and, on request, a penalty clause for lateness. This turns a non-binding declaration of intent into a robust planning instrument for your project and production logistics.

You receive the quote within a few hours, and the dispatch team is personally reachable around the clock. We run fixed-date transports in Germany, across Europe and to non-EU countries including customs clearance – as a direct run without reloading, with vehicles from the van to the 40 t articulated truck. This keeps the entire routing in one hand and the deadline under our control.

What a fixed date means at Speed Logistics

A fixed date is more than a desired date: you receive a guaranteed delivery date with a written fixed-price commitment. On request we agree a penalty clause that takes effect in the event of culpable lateness – you thereby measurably shift the schedule risk onto us. Fixed delivery days, specific time windows (such as 8:00–10:00 a.m.) or delivery at a fixed time are possible. The tighter the window, the more buffer we plan in – and the more reliably you can book a crane, staff or ramp slot against it.

How we secure the deadline

  • Buffer planning: the route and departure time are calculated backwards from the delivery date – with a time reserve for traffic, borders and the ramp
  • GPS live tracking with real-time ETA: you and your consignee see at any time when the vehicle arrives
  • Proactive dispatch: in the event of deviations we intervene before the deadline slips – for example through a driver change or alternative routes
  • Two-driver crew on long hauls: for deadlines that can only be held with continuous driving
  • Direct run without reloading: no hub where your shipment could be left standing

Typical use cases for fixed-date transports

Our customers book fixed dates above all for exhibition and event logistics with fixed setup times, for deliveries into the time-window systems of retail and industry, for machine deliveries with a booked crane or installation team, and for supplies where a line stoppage threatens. Even on non-EU lanes with customs clearance – for example to Türkiye – we plan the border crossing with a buffer so that the fixed date holds despite clearance. In short: wherever a delay triggers follow-on costs – demurrage, contractual penalties, lost ramp slots or waiting staff – the guaranteed delivery quickly pays off against the risk.

Costs: guide prices for fixed-date transports

The price depends on the deadline severity (delivery day, time window or time of day), distance and vehicle size. Depending on the lane and lead time, the non-binding guide price is around €399–2,499 per date. In return you receive a fixed price guaranteed in writing – calculable to the euro, with no subsequent surcharges, even if traffic or waiting times arise en route. For recurring fixed dates – such as the weekly delivery to the central warehouse – we agree fixed terms and well-rehearsed processes, so that every run starts without renewed coordination. Give us your date on +49 (0)30 346 467 850: the binding quote is ready within a few hours, and you receive the deadline commitment in writing.

Frequently asked questions: Fixed-Date Transports

What distinguishes a fixed date from a normal delivery date?

A normal delivery date is a planning figure – a fixed date at Speed Logistics is a commitment guaranteed in writing with a fixed price. On request, a penalty clause is agreed that takes effect in the event of culpable lateness. The schedule risk thereby demonstrably lies with the forwarder and no longer with you as the client.

What happens if the fixed date is not met?

For fixed-date transports, a penalty clause can be agreed: if delivery is delayed through the forwarder's fault, the contractually fixed penalty applies. In practice this rarely happens, because Speed Logistics counteracts with time buffers, real-time ETA and proactive dispatch before a deadline can slip at all.

How precise can the delivery time window be with a fixed date?

Depending on the requirement, you agree a fixed delivery day, a specific time window – such as 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. – or a fixed time. The tighter the window, the greater the buffer planned in and the higher the price. Feasibility is checked bindingly by the dispatch team before the quote is issued, and only what is tenable is committed to.

What does a fixed-date transport cost?

Costs depend on the deadline severity, distance and vehicle size. Depending on the lane and lead time, the non-binding guide price is around €399–2,499 per date. You receive a fixed price guaranteed in writing in advance – with no subsequent surcharges, even if traffic or waiting time at the ramp arise en route.

Can I track the arrival time of a fixed-date transport live?

Yes. Every fixed-date transport runs with GPS live tracking and real-time ETA updates: you and your consignee see the current position and the calculated arrival time of the vehicle at any time. In the event of deviations, the dispatch team reports proactively and counteracts – for example via alternative routes or a short-notice driver change.

Are fixed dates also possible for international transports with customs?

Yes. Speed Logistics guarantees fixed dates also on lanes to non-EU countries such as Türkiye. Customs clearance is prepared in advance and the border crossing is planned in with a time buffer, so that the guaranteed delivery date holds despite clearance. Handling takes place completely door to door under Incoterms from EXW to DDP.

What should I bear in mind when choosing the delivery time window?

The tighter the window – fixed delivery day, time window or fixed time – the more buffer the dispatch team plans in and the higher the price. Feasibility is checked bindingly before the quote is issued; Speed Logistics only commits to what is actually tenable instead of confirming an unrealistic date.

Why are guaranteed fixed dates economical for exhibition and crane appointments?

Wherever a delay triggers follow-on costs – demurrage, contractual penalties, lost ramp slots or waiting crane and installation staff – the guaranteed delivery quickly pays off against the risk. With the written commitment and optional penalty, the schedule risk measurably shifts onto the forwarder.

Request fixed-date transports

Contact our dispatch team – fixed-price quote within hours, available 24/7.