Businesses that regularly ship computer parts, machine components and other delicate cargo would be wise to do their homework when it comes to shipping. In the absence of the proper precautions, fragile items are liable to arrive at their destinations damaged or broken. Unsurprisingly, damaged shipments tend to reflect poorly on their respective senders, regardless of whether they’re directly to blame. If your enterprise develops a reputation for poorly-prepared shipments, many clients are liable to think twice before doing business with you. To help ensure that your shipments arrive at their destinations unscathed, make a point of avoiding the following blunders.
1. Using Oversized Shipping Containers
When searching for the right shipping containers, going big isn’t necessarily a good thing. The more unoccupied space a container has, the greater the likelihood of cargo being shaken and jostled. Businesses can nip this in the bud by carefully measuring cargo and selecting shipping containers that are tailored to those measurements. There’s nothing wrong with most shipments having a little bit of breathing room, but an abundance of unused space often increases the odds of damage occurring during transit. Additionally, if the cargo you’re shipping is particularly sensitive to rocking, shaking or jostling, consider investing in reliable shock watch monitoring. As the name suggests, these handy devices measure and record any shocks a shipment experiences while en route to its destination.
2. Failing to Provide Sufficient Cushioning
A lack of proper cushioning is among the foremost causes of damaged shipments. While being transported to its destination, a shipment is practically guaranteed to encounter its fair share of shocks and shakiness. Provided this isn’t excessive, many items are likely to complete their journey unharmed. However, additional precautions are often needed for items that are delicate in nature. Such precautions include temperature control and shock-absorbent cushioning. If you’re unclear on whether your shipments require such measures, reach out to an experienced freighting company. After reviewing the type of cargo you regularly ship, as well as the sizes of your shipments, they should be able to provide a list of informed recommendations.
3. Using Unreliable Shipping Companies
Many transit-related mishaps can be traced back to shipping companies failing to handle cargo with care. As such, it pays to do a little research before giving your business to a new company. For starters, any company you do business with should have experience working with the type of cargo you wish to ship. Secondly, your preferred shipping company should have a proven track record of customer satisfaction. Even the most accommodating enterprise is liable to garner a few unfavorable reviews, but if reviews from previous clients are overwhelmingly negative, it may be in your best interest to go with a different company.
Any enterprise that regularly ships high-end items should take measures to ensure the safety of its cargo. While some clients may forgive the occasional mishap, most are unlikely to overlook habitually damaged shipments. Fortunately, keeping your shipments in prime condition doesn’t have to be an uphill battle—provided you steer clear of the previously discussed blunders.
