Are you new to freight shipping? Are you aware that shipping your product is expensive? To avoid unnecessary costs and delays, it will be to your advantage to get familiar with the processes involved. Having a checklist is one of the more organized ways to avoid making freight shipping mistakes.
1. Are you making these freight shipping mistakes?
Introduction
Are you new to freight shipping? Are you aware that shipping your product is expensive? To avoid
unnecessary costs and delays, it will be to your advantage to get familiar with the processes
involved. Should you miss a step or if you get into the space without knowing what you are
getting into, there is a chance that a mistake could cost you a lot. One of the methods to mitigate
this risk is to do a background study on the processes and speak to different shipping service
providers to make a well-informed decision. Even better, having a checklist is one of the more
organizedways to avoid making freight shipping mistakes that can cost you time and money.
A Checklist to Avoid Freight Shipping Mistakes
Always weigh your package before getting it shipped. Guestimates do not work where you are
charged by the weight of your package. Ensure you weigh your package correctly. Your freight
carrier will also reweigh them prior to shipping and should there be a difference, will charge you
for that differential. A correct weigh helps you budget for your freight shipping.
Once you have weighed your shipment, then you need to classify it under the correct category.
There are over 18 categories with their own definition. So choosing the appropriate category may
prove tricky. This freight classification is the basis on which you will be charged for your goods. So
an incorrect classification may mean unexpected charges, more than what you had accounted for.
2. Packaging is an art by itself. The weight of the package is also determined by how well it is packed.
If there is too much space around the package, the weight may be more. On the other hand, if
the package is tightly packed, then your charges will be just right. When you pack, ensure there
are no items that can extend out of the shipment such as glass panels or door knobs for example.
If you are packing fragile items, use bubble wraps or other materials that offer maximum
cushioning and will prevent damage to your item.
When it finally comes to shipping the item, you must do your homework to ensure the right
people or a professional organisation is on the job. This includes the number of years the carrier
has been in service, the kind of services they offer, the types of goods they ship, customer
reviews, and how they stand in comparison to similar freight shipping service providers.
3. Just like life insurance, your shipping also needs to be insured against any damage during travel.
All less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers carry liability insurance. However, remember to go through
the terms and conditions in detail since they may vary from one provider to the other.
The most important part of the process is ensuring all the paperwork is completed in the right
order. Imagine putting an incorrect address on the bill of ladling! Your goods may end up in
unknown destination and just getting them back to your address will prove expensive, both by
time and money.