Logan Voss
One of the greatest advancements in human history has been our ability to quickly transport goods over vast stretches of land and sea. Even today, people are working on ways to further streamline the shipping process to allow for shorter delivery times. But taking advantage of this speed requires that your products arrive in one piece. Here are five easy methods for how to prepare your freight for shipping.
Prepare Your Packages
The first step in getting your products out the door is to properly package them for the trip. Make sure that your products are packed snuggly with enough padding to keep things from shifting around during transit. Confirm that boxes are in good repair and that the packing tape is fresh.
Pack the Pallet
There are several tricks that will make it easier to pack a pallet for shipment. The first is to stack things sensibly with heavy items on the bottom and nothing extending past the edges of the pallet. Next, try to keep identical or similar products bundled together to make locating them easier upon arrival. Use slip sheets to make weight distribution easier and finish securing the pallet by wrapping it tightly with shrink wrap.
Label Your Shipment
The saying goes that “It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” This is doubly true with anything related to freight shipping, especially labels. Slapping labels on as many surfaces as possible may take a small bit of extra time, but it’s worth it if any issues arise during shipment.
Prepare the Paperwork
Having all the necessary paperwork is another important lesson in how to prepare your freight for shipping. This will allow your shipment to clear through any delays much easier since the information will be readily available. This is especially true when shipping across international borders where customs officials can hold up freight for days, weeks, and months at a time to ensure the safety of their citizens.
Shipping Methods
The last tip is to be selective of the methods that you use for shipping. There are three big factors to consider when deciding what mode of transportation to use. The first thing to think about is if your products will require temperature control during the shipping process. Next, consider how long it will take for your products to reach their destination and if time is a factor. Finally, it’s always wise to be conscious of the additional costs and benefits of shipping by air, rail, ground, and maritime.
