what is lead time in shipping 
lead time in shipping is the period of time between when an order is first received and when it reaches the customer it includes the processing of the order and then the time spent delivering a package the bottom linelead time describes the amount of time it takes to complete a specific process in business lead time is often used to describe the amount of time it takes to process an order manufacture a product delivery a good or a combination of these processes companies with shorter lead time may have less finished inventory on hand more efficient processes that may cost less and generally happier customers 