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Damaged freight is never a desirable outcome for any shipper. Taking steps to reduce the potential for loss and damage is always in your best interests as the implications have a significant impact on shipping costs and the cost of doing business in general.
While you might not have control over everything that could happen, there are steps you can take to minimize the potential for damage and ensure the best possible outcome.
Why It’s Important
True, some freight damage is beyond your ability to control. So while you might not be able to eliminate freight damage, it is well within your power to reduce.
If you need some inspiration to get you started, consider the impact:
- The expense of having to replace damaged goods
- Unhappy customers might take their business elsewhere
- Service disruptions hurt your reputation
Protecting your freight, implementing shipping best practices, packing and labeling your cargo correctly, and palletizing your freight are excellent ways to avoid damage, loss, and higher shipping costs.
Pack Your Freight Properly
If you are experiencing high levels of freight damage, the first thing you should look at is how you are packing and packaging your shipments. No matter what shipping method or type of carrier you use, inadequately packed items are much more likely to be damaged in transit.
How To Avoid Price Adjustments And Extra Freight Charges
Use quality packaging options that are suitable or recommended for the goods being shipped. You should also consider the shipping method and how the goods will be handled. A little forethought in these areas will save you a lot of time and aggravation in the long run.
Packaging Materials are Critical
Cargo is only as safe as what it’s packed in. While packaging materials are part of your daily costs, it’s not something that should be skimped on. Using substandard materials will often produce a poor result and end up costing you more – despite your efforts to reduce costs.
Instead of seeing the cost of packing materials as an expense, consider them an investment into your company’s success. Do not reuse packing materials, as although you might see this as a cost-saving initiative, it weakens the package’s integrity and increases the likelihood that the packaging will fail.
Partner With a Licensed Freight Forwarder
If you are having trouble achieving cost reduction because of damaged freight, you might want to partner with a licensed freight forwarder like DTS World Cargo. DTS has the experience and expertise you need to reduce costs to damaged freight and preserve your bottom line.
Our team is well-versed in packaging best practices that effectively reduce the frequency of damage, meaning that your freight will arrive at its destination intact, on time, and as expected. Over time, we can help you improve service delivery, boost your reputation, and delight your customers, building loyalty and long-term goodwill to help your company grow.
If you are experiencing higher than usual freight damage, we can help. Reach out today to request a quote or speak to one of our associates about getting started.
