No business wants to lose money. And yet, many lose thousands or more each year during the transit of their Cargo products. Shipping is an integral aspect of any business that sells physical products. Getting Cargo products to their destination safely, securely, on time, and without damage is a key element of customer satisfaction and return customers.
Unfortunately, many things can interfere with Cargo – the weather, how it’s loaded, road conditions, and more. You can’t control things like the weather, but there are many things you can do to increase the chances of success.
Start With the Setup and Cargo Packaging:
Your products’ journey starts long before they leave your company, so it’s vital that you focus on their first location. First and foremost, your employees should have clear aisles to work and move through to make the process as simple as possible. It can be wise to consult with someone who specializes in warehouse layouts to ensure you have the most efficient setup.
Your employees also need the proper tools for the job – and those tools need to be functioning properly. This includes everything from pallet jacks and lift trucks to conveyor belts and forklifts. Investing in these and maintaining them can save your company time and money.
Pay Attention to Packaging, Labeling and Packing:
Packaging materials can make or break the success of a shipment. You need materials that provide protection from water, dents, tears, and other issues that are common. Working with a company like EPGNA can help ensure you get the best materials for your company’s needs.
Once packaged, labeling and palletizing play key roles. Labels need to be clear and provide accurate information, including weight tolerance. This can help ensure nothing too heavy is packed on top of something that has a low tolerance. Set up a standard for labeling and ensure that all involved employees are trained properly.
There should also be clear and concise processes for placing goods on a pallet. Some key elements to cover include grouping items that are similar in size and shape together, keeping the heaviest items on the bottom, stacking in a block shape as opposed to a pyramid shape, wrapping the pallet, tagging and labeling the pallet, and proper movement of the pallet.
Don’t Overlook Handling On-Site:
Moving products and pallets around too much can weaken their packaging, increasing the risk of damage during shipment. Keep handling to a minimum by having a clear process for moving and handling, keeping your warehouse organized, and ensuring that all employees involved in moving the pallets are properly trained on the equipment and processes.
Choose Shippers Carefully:
Which company you choose to move your Cargo products can significantly impact the journey’s success. Newer or less well-known companies might offer a lower cost, but that can come at a steep price. This is especially true if they do not have a great amount of experience or if there are no reviews to check.
It’s best to stick with companies like UPS and FedEx which have a lot of experience and success in the shipping arena.
