5 Common Shipping Mistakes to Avoid
Mastering the nuts and bolts of shipping is a crucial skill for businesses that specialize in transporting their products from one place to another. While shipping is simply defined as placing goods or people on a carrier to be brought to its intended destination, it could be a pretty lengthy and complicated process for those with limited knowledge about logistics, as well as customs requirements.
Shipping also plays a vital role in the capability of an enterprise to provide the highest degree of customer experience to their clients. One way to do this is of course, avoiding mistakes in every shipping transaction as much as possible. Though such a task is easier said than done, the first step a business owner must do is identify the potential shipping errors ahead of time.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled some of the most common shipping mistakes as well as efficient methods of avoiding them:
Improper Packaging
An easy way to increase the chance of shipment damage is by incorrect packaging. Products may vary in shapes and sizes, and some might be even so fragile that a well-secured packaging is required in order for it to be safely moved from point A to point B.
When shipping a set of products, have a thorough assessment of the most appropriate type of box, and invest in high-quality protective cushioning if needed. Having a professional in the shipping industry is another surefire way of preventing damages in shipment brought by improper packaging.
Wrong Shipping Address
Once shippers failed to pay more attention to what is written on the Bill of Lading (BoL) miscommunications with the carrier company might arise. For example, a wrong shipping address could result in freight transporting the products in the wrong destination.
Checking the shipping address multiple times is one and the only solution to prevent this mistake. Make sure that every detail is correct, including the ZIP codes of the intended place.
Letting a Single Carrier handle all Shipments
Availing the service of a single carrier can help foster positive relationships between business the carrier company. However, relying on a single carrier could prove to be a risky option. In the event that a well-trusted carrier company experienced a strike or downscaling of its facilities, its clients could end up having large piles of shipment with no one to move it around.
Creating more connections with multiple carrier companies is one way of avoiding such hassle, not to mention access to opportunities in terms of having competitive rates and operations.
Inaccurate Shipment Weight
Carrier companies tend to be prudent and specific when it comes to weighing the shipments of their clients. They always have certified scales placed at their terminals to make sure that every shipment’s weight is worth the fee they require. Some businesses neglect to weigh their products and as a result, they are forced to pay an additional fee on their bills.
Purchasing a high-quality weighing scale and using it on products beforehand prevents any unnecessary expenditures in shipping.
Not Keeping Delivery Receipts
Delivery receipts serve as evidence that a shipment is free from any damage before the delivering process. Presenting these receipts on situations such as shipment damage provides validity that can save a business from bearing all the costs brought by the damages during the shipment process.
Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics conducts free orientation for those who are willing to learn. It is our advocacy to share our knowledge & experience worth more than a decade in the business. Visit our website today at www.excelsior.ph to learn more about our service.
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