Common Freight Shipping Issues and How To Avoid Them

There are many times during the shipping process where a simple mistake can mean the difference between a 5-star review and a virtual tongue-lashing from your customers. There are steps that you can take before the items ever leave your production center that can resolve some of the issues that plague the shipping business.

Here are some of the common freight shipping issues and how to avoid them:

Lack of Documents

Documentation is the most important part of any shipment aside from the product itself. It can be used to easily identify where the shipment is coming from, where it’s going, and an inventory of what should be included. These documents are also often used to pass ownership of the shipment between shipping companies along the route. Being sure to review and include all of the necessary documents prevents unnecessary shipping delays while waiting for information.

Damaged Cargo

Another common issue that comes from freight shipping is damaged products. To avoid unnecessary damage, be sure to follow the basics of packing. One trick is to keep all of the heavy, bulkier items at the bottom to avoid crushing lighter items. Using the right size boxes and packaging materials can help to avoid damaging your customer’s order. Be sure to pick up insurance if it is offered to avoid being left with the bill for products that are lost or damaged during the trip.

Overweight and Oversize

Using the right size packaging doesn’t just prevent damage—it can also help lower your shipping costs. Many companies have started charging based on the dimensions of the box and what the estimated weight should be. Because of this, it is important to use as small of a box as possible to avoid any unnecessary charges.

Border Issues

The last item on our list of common freight shipping issues and how to avoid them is problems at the border. One issue that many first-time international shippers run into is that they are unaware of the additional taxes and fees that must be paid. The length of time that an item is stuck in customs can add to your customers’ frustrations, so be sure to communicate any border delays as quickly as possible. Finally, be sure to investigate the additional time and money that it will take for your product to be delivered overseas, and be sure to roll that into the price. This will help avoid the shock that many buyers can experience when seeing the cost of shipping.

For all of your shipping needs, including third-party logistics (3PL), truckload (TL), and less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipping, contact the professionals at Diversified Transportation Services.