11 Steps to Avoid Lost Freight When Shipping Goods

1. Choose the Right Carrier
2. Look at Costs and Benefits Carefully
3. Package Goods Correctly
4. Label Goods Accurately
5. Include the shipper's name and address
6. Write down the destination information in full
7. Stick your designated tracking number on the parcel
8. Make Sure Goods Are Sealed
9. Use Pallets for Stability
10. Implement Staging
11. Keep All Documentation Safe
12. Don't Skip the Inspection
13. When in Doubt, Trust the Technology
14. Report Losses Immediately
15. Conclusion

Are you aware of the risks involved in shipping goods?

Shipping is expensive, time-consuming, and risky. The average cost per shipment is $1,200, and the average delivery time is around 15 days. In addition, the risk of lost or damaged shipments is high.

However, if you are shipping on your own, there are several steps you can take to decrease your risk of a damaged or lost shipment. Here are 11 steps you can take to reduce the risk when shipping goods.

1. Choose the Right Carrier

With the right carrier, you can rest assured that they will do everything necessary to ensure your items are not lost or damaged.

If you are shipping goods internationally, then you should choose a carrier that has experience with international shipments.

This means choosing one who can provide customs clearance documentation, insurance coverage, and other services that may be required by your country's import regulations.

2. Look at Costs and Benefits Carefully

Before you pick the first carrier advertised on Google, you need to examine all the costs and benefits very carefully.

Otherwise, you may find yourself paying more than expected or being disappointed when something doesn't meet your expectations. Not all freight shippers hold the same standards.

The most important thing to consider is whether the company has a lot of negative reviews and ratings with complaints of lost or damaged shipments.

If they do, this could mean they don't care enough about reconciling problems with angry customers, or that their service is simply not up to par.

3. Package Goods Correctly

When you ship goods, it's important to make sure that the package is sturdy enough to survive the journey.

Many factors contribute to how well a package travels; some include weight, size, shape, material, and even temperature.

For example, a small package traveling over long distances could be damaged by extreme temperatures. A large package could be crushed by the weight of another larger item. And a fragile product like glassware could break with rough handling.

The most common types of packaging used for international shipments are:

• Boxes – These containers are usually made out of wood, metal, or plastic. They provide protection for the contents but don't offer much support for the product itself.
• Bubble wrap – This material is often used to cushion delicate objects like electronics and jewelry. However, it isn't very durable and won't hold up under rough handling.
• Styrofoam – This material is commonly used for packing food and drink because it keeps liquids cold or hot. But it doesn't do a great job protecting heavier items.

Generally, a good combination of the right packaging materials will make for a solid, safely packaged parcel.

4. Label Goods Accurately

Labeling boxes correctly is one of the most important things you can do to avoid losing your package.

Here are the three most important details to make sure your shipping label information is correct.

Include the shipper's name and address

The shipper's name and physical address must always be included on the label. This includes both the street number and the city/town where the package originated.

You'll want to write down the full return address so that if the package doesn't find its way to its destination, it can still be returned to you or the freight company you used.

Write down the destination information in full

Next, you want to include the full address and contact information of the receiving party. This includes the same information you included for your return address, but for the receiver of the package.

Stick your designated tracking number on the parcel

Every package you ship should be designated a unique tracking number that you can use to receive updates on your shipment's whereabouts. You can ask your chosen carrier to help you with this.

The more specific you are with these three pieces of information, the easier it will be for freight companies and delivery services to get your package to its destination safely.

5. Make Sure Goods Are Sealed

If you're sending a package via mail, it needs to be properly sealed. If you don't seal your package correctly, there's a good chance it could end up damaged during transit, especially for long-distance packages.

Tape, or stretch wrap, is one of the most common ways to seal packages. When you wrap your box with packing tape, you're creating a barrier against moisture and dirt. This helps prevent damage to your item while it travels through the air, over the ocean, or on the road.

However, too much tape can cause problems. For example, if you add too much tape to your box, it can block access to certain parts of your package, like labels.

To avoid this problem, make sure you apply enough tape to cover every inch of your box without blocking off the label.

6. Use Pallets for Stability

Pallets are used to transport items across long distances. They provide stability during shipping and help prevent damage to fragile items.

There are different types of pallets, including wooden, plastic, metal, and composite. You must choose the right one based on what you plan to ship. Ask your shipping company to recommend the ideal pallet for your goods.

Depending on the type of pallet you choose, you may pay less or more for shipping. Wooden pallets are typically cheaper because they are lighter and easier to handle. Composite pallets are usually more expensive because they weigh more and require special handling.

7. Implement Staging

If you have a lot of products or are shipping heavy items, then you should consider staging them first.

This way, you can easily move them around without any damage and ensure that they are ready for shipping in advance. It also helps avoid damaged freight during moving and loading.

If you use a quality freight company, you won't have to worry about this too much, as any good shipping company will already have a staging process in place.

8. Keep All Documentation Safe

Shipping documents include the bill of lading, packing lists, and insurance certificates. They must be kept secure during transit and while in storage.

If you lose any of these items, it could affect your claims if something goes wrong. These documents are your verification.

The bill of lading is the contract between the shipper and carrier. It describes where the goods are being shipped, what type of cargo is contained, and how much it costs.

The packing list contains information about the contents of each package. And insurance certificates show proof of coverage for damage or loss.

These documents are required by law to be included in shipments moving across state lines or national borders.

As a general rule of thumb, keep all paperwork in a folder until your package arrives safely at its destination and is declared in perfect condition.

9. Don't Skip the Inspection

Inspections are important because they help you avoid problems later down the road.

You don't want to load something onto a truck or ship without checking it first. If there are any issues, you might end up having to pay extra money to fix the problem. But if you do find problems during the inspection process, you will still have time to correct them.

The good news is that most carriers will inspect the goods once they arrive at the warehouse. However, some companies require you to perform the inspection yourself. They usually provide a list of things that need to be inspected.

So make sure that you know whether your chosen carrier offers this service before deciding to go with them.

10. When in Doubt, Trust the Technology

Cargo losses happen all too often. But modern technologies can help prevent them. Data logging helps determine if cargo has experienced extreme temperatures during transport.

For example, sensors allow for real-time monitoring of cargo conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and pressure. This data is stored in an online database so that it can be accessed anytime from anywhere.

This allows you to see exactly what happened to your shipment and who was responsible for it. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that you aren't liable for anything that happens to your cargo.

11. Report Losses Immediately

If you see something wrong, report it immediately. If there are problems with your shipment, notify the carrier immediately. This will help prevent further damage and loss.

The sooner you begin tracking down a lost shipment, the higher chance you have of retrieving it or making a claim.

Conclusion

Your shipment doesn't have to be one of the thousands that are lost or damaged annually. Choose a reliable freight company like A-1 Auto Transport and put your mind at ease knowing that your goods are in capable hands.

Get in touch today and ask a representative what we do differently to keep your goods safe during transit.