How To Avoid Extra Charges Or Damage During Shipping

In shipping cargo, it is common to come across many hurdles, issues, and challenges that may lead to extra charges or damages on cargo along the way, most cannot be predicted but they certainly most often can be prevented or minimised. In this blog we take a look at three areas of concern to minimise disruptions and any additional charges, these are: packaging, documentation, and carrier reliability.

Let’s dig in and discuss each topic:

PACKAGING:

The first step of the shipping process is to review the packaging. This packaging review should come first, even prior to requesting a shipping quote or looking at your shipping options. You must make sure that your shipment is properly packaged. In most cases that means pelletizing or crating your shipment.

How to choose & prepare your pallet for shipping:

First, set your budget. Some pallets are cheaper than others, some can be used for a longer time, and some can be easily recycled.

Second, determine which material suits your transportation needs best. We need to consider the packaging material.

Third, choose the size and type of pallets based on your transport and storage limitations.

How to prepare a pallet for shipping?

Pack your products in individual boxes with care. Make sure to use high-quality cartons, you may need to double carton.

Use bubble wrap and foam peanuts for cushioning. Make sure the boxes are filled because any extra air may lead to damages on the inside.

Then use enough high-quality tape to prevent your boxes from tearing.

Next, stack your boxes so that heavier ones are on the bottom and lighter on top. This way the weight is distributed evenly. Make sure the pallet is not too high, and that boxes are not leaning one way or hanging over the edge of the pallet.

As much as possible use flat empty cardboard every couple of rows and use corner beads around the edges of the pallet.

Shrink wrap the pallet liberally: make sure the shrink wrap adheres to the product and is wrapped around the pallet at least 3 times. Make sure to use quality shrink wrap.

DOCUMENTATION:

Making sure your documents are in order is one of the most important steps to take care of during shipping. The most common documents used by shippers for every single freight shipment are the bill of lading, shipping labels, and after the shipment has been delivered — an invoice.

For information about shipping documents, we recommend taking a look at our A Guide for Common Documents When Importing and Exporting

CARRIER RELIABILITY:

You must bear in mind that not all carriers are the same. Some are more reliable than others whether it be punctuality, damage or loss percentage, service or tracking accuracy, etc. This is incredibly important if you’re looking at price second and making sure your shipment is delivered on time and in one piece first.

You might want to consider looking at the carrier’s ratings, and their website or check their Google reviews to make sure you pick the right one for your shipping needs. At Image International Freight we can assist with advice and booking of your preferred carrier.