4 Freight Shipping Mistakes to Avoid to Save Money

Freight shipping can be a complex and costly endeavor, particularly if you’re new to the process. To avoid mistakes that could cost you time and money, here are four common freight shipping mistakes to avoid.

Unloading

Unloading shipment is often the most time-consuming and expensive part of the shipping process. This is because most shippers don’t have the proper equipment or trained personnel to unload freight shipments. 

This often means consequences like damaged merchandise and higher costs. 

To avoid this mistake, be sure to invest in the proper equipment and train your staff on how to properly unload freight shipments. Better yet, hire a professional unloading service. This will help you save time and money in the long run.

Packing

How you pack your shipment is just as important as what you’re shipping. If you’re not using the proper packing materials or methods, your shipment is at risk of being damaged or delayed.

Here are some packing tips:

• Use the right material. The right packing material will depend on what you’re shipping. For example, if you’re shipping delicate items, you’ll want to use bubble wrap or foam padding. 

• Use the right size box. Make sure your box is big enough to fit everything without having to cram it in. If the box is too small, your items could get damaged in transit. 

• Label your boxes. This will help ensure that your shipment gets to its destination safely and on time. Be sure to include all relevant information like your name, address, and phone number.

Shipping Insurance

Many shippers think that their merchandise is automatically covered by their shipping insurance. However, this is not always the case. 

To avoid this mistake, be sure to read your policy carefully and understand what is and isn’t covered, especially if it is expensive or heavy machinery shipping. This way, you can make the necessary arrangements to insure your shipment.

Here’s what to look out for when reading:

• Exclusions: Most policies will exclude certain items from coverage, such as food, alcohol, and vehicles. 

• Deductibles: Many policies have a deductible, which is the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket if you need to make a claim. 

• Limits: Some policies have limits on how much they’ll payout for a claim. This is usually a percentage of the value of your shipment. 

Invoicing

Another common mistake is not correctly invoicing your shipment. This can lead to delays in payment, as well as discrepancies between what you were billed and what you actually owe.

Here are some invoicing tips:

• Include all relevant information. Be sure to include your name, address, and phone number on the invoice. 

• Itemize your charges. Including the price of the item, shipping costs, and any other fees. 

• Include a detailed description of the item being shipped, as well as its weight and dimensions. 

Freight shipping can be a complex and costly process. However, by avoiding these mistakes, you can save time and money on your next shipment.

Make sure you aren’t slowing down your e-commerce shipping by following the tips in this article and the resource below.