Damaged freight can be a nightmare for shippers. It can result in unsatisfied customers, a high rate of product returns, and reduced profits. Although it isn’t always possible to prevent damage to freight, there are a few things that shippers can do to reduce the risk and protect their businesses.
Always use high-quality packing materials.
Some companies view packing materials as a burdensome extra cost, and they try to cut costs by purchasing inferior materials. But actually, packing materials are an invaluable investment that can prevent product loss due to damage in transit. Always use high-quality, undamaged pallets, adhesives, boxes, and retention straps that have been purpose-built for the freight industry.
Select the right type of carton.
You should always check with your packaging vendor to make sure you’re selecting the right carton for your needs. Some cartons are only designed to be stacked one pallet high, for example. If you try to stack more than this, the products will inevitably sustain damage.
Ensure the loading crews follow proper palletizing.
Experienced load crews understand the right way to load a pallet. But sometimes, mistakes are made due to fatigue or tight deadlines. It’s important to follow proper palletizing for every single pallet to reduce the risk of damage to the freight. No pallet should be stacked higher than four feet. The bulkiest or heaviest boxes should be placed in the bottom layer. Ideally, the weight should be evenly distributed across the pallet. In addition, each subsequent layer should be cross-stacked.
Fill the empty spaces.
Empty spaces are a major cause of freight damage. They can occur within individual boxes, which is why fill materials such as air bags are recommended. There can also be gaps around individual boxes within the pallet load. Each pallet should be loaded with the goal of minimizing gaps as much as possible. In addition, pallets should be loaded onto the truck in a way that minimizes gaps between them.
Businesses throughout Southern Arizona rely on Xcel Delivery Services because of our reputation for timely deliveries and undamaged freight. We pride ourselves on implementing logistically innovative solutions to help companies stay ahead of the competition. To request a quote for freight delivery, you can reach our office in Tucson at (520) 355-4897.
