Your cargo is precious, it is important to make sure it gets to its destination on time and in one piece! Damaged, lost, or delayed freight can quickly increase your costs and create a plethora of unneeded issues. The good news is that these problems are typically avoidable. By choosing a reputable freight company and following the tips below, you’ll drastically reduce the chances of a snag occurring during the shipment process. 

Use Proper Packaging

Crates, pallets, and boxes are all units you can use to transport your goods. That being said, these are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Crates are usually sufficient for smaller items and pallets should be reserved for heavy, awkward freight. If there are multiple packages, remember to store heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones up top. Simply taking the time to properly package your shipment could save a lot of time and money in potential damages.  

Don’t Forget to Label

Once you’ve got the packaging secure, the next step is to ensure that there is sufficient labelling on your freight. The golden rule is to have one large label on each handling unit in the shipment. Also, include any information about how the shippers need to handle your packages. For example, “this side up” and “fragile” stickers can be incredibly helpful. 

Provide Accurate Dimensions

Dimensions should be calculated after your packages are all wrapped up in their respective crates and pallets. You’ll need to report the exact height, width, and length to your carrier. Failure to do so could incur additional costs and slow down your shipments. 

Fill out the Bill of Lading

The bill of lading, or BOL, is the most important document you’ll need to ship your goods. It provides all of the details for your carrier to efficiently process your shipment. The BOL will need to be attached to the shipment itself to ensure it is always accessible for the carrier and doesn’t get lost along the way. 

Preparing a shipment properly can help reduce shipping times and cut down on costs incurred from extra fees or damaged goods. By following the tips above, you’ll be able to streamline the process and have your freight moved in no time. If you have any other questions about how you can get your goods transported quickly and efficiently, contact the experts at Loadsafe Crossborder today for a quote! 

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