4 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Freight Shipping

Transporting items, whether big or small, is always a delicate process that requires keen attention. You’ll have to make sure that it makes the journey smoothly and safely and that it arrives in perfect condition, regardless of the circumstances it encounters in transit. Unfortunately, anything can happen on the road, and your item may come in several pieces because of oversight. Not only will that throw a wrench in your operations, but if you’re an online retail store, you’ll end up with hordes of unhappy customers demanding their money back.

Fortunately, being aware of the common mistakes made in freight shipping will help you stay hyper-aware and vigilant, ensuring that you take all precautions necessary to transport your precious cargo safely. Here are four mistakes to avoid in freight shipping:

Depending on One Carrier

Although maintaining business partnerships is always great, using only one logistics carrier for your freight shipping needs holds many risks. As your company grows, your shipping needs will eventually change, and the logistics service provider may not be able to handle your request. Instead, use a third-party logistics company like RJS Logistics, which has a network of over 17,000 carriers. That way, you’ll always make sure they’ll meet your needs without commanding an exorbitant price.

Listing the Wrong Details

Logistics is a precise field that requires keen attention to detail. Something as simple as listing the wrong address will create an endless string of problems for both you and the recipient, and you may end up losing the package. If the shipment had a deadline, then you’ll have made a lousy impression and lost valuable time. 

Be sure to triple-check your Bill of Lading to make sure everything is accurate. From the address to the right weight and freight class, it’s crucial to get everything down to the letter to avoid any expensive mistakes. While it may be tempting to use a lower freight class to save on costs, the reclassification fee that you’ll receive when you’re caught will make you spend even more money than expected. It will also help to have another pair of eyes review the details before sending the shipment off, which can also catch any accidents or misspellings that could derail the entire delivery.

Using Inadequate Packaging

While you shouldn’t be overzealous with your packaging to reduce your waste, it is still essential to pack your shipments properly. If the shipment was damaged and can be attributed to improper packaging, you can’t make a damage claim, and you’ll end up with an unusable product.

As such, coordinate with Monroe freight carriers to ensure they’re using the right packaging materials and methods to keep your shipments safe. Although it may be more time-consuming, it will ultimately be worth it, especially if it means your cargo will make the journey completely unscathed.

Signing the Delivery Receipt Without Confirming the Shipment

Receiving shipment is always exciting, so you’re likely to speed through all the administrative parts—like signing the delivery receipt—just to process the freight. However, suppose you don’t inspect the shipment before signing the receipt. In that case, the carriers will believe that the shipment arrived in perfect condition upon delivery and that the damage happened after opening it. 

Instead, inspect the shipment for any damage before signing the receipt. If you spot any scuffs or marks that would indicate improper handling during transit, you can make a claim. Still, if it ends up being the carrier’s fault, be sure to address the issue respectfully. Humans make mistakes, and blowing up at them can damage your relationship.

Conclusion

Staying aware of the most common mistakes made during freight shipping will make you more aware of the costly scenarios you can avoid. Luckily, by partnering with the best logistic companies, everything should be smooth sailing throughout your interactions with them. In the event of a hiccup, they won’t hesitate to provide you with a solution that puts you first.

RJS Logistics is a logistics service provider that transports a variety of commodities for customers. Ranging from fresh produce to metals and machinery, we can fulfill all your logistics needs. Contact us today to start enjoying world-class logistics service!