Read Time: 4 min.
Improperly prepared freight is the root cause of freight damage, resulting in delayed deliveries and various unanticipated expenses.
To ensure your shipment arrives at its destination on time and as expected, it is critical to pack and prepare it safely, securely, and according to best practices.
Why It Is A Good Idea To Palletize Your LTL Shipments
Palletizing your freight is an excellent way to optimize costs and maximize your margins. Pallets are more manageable for your carriers, and it allows you to combine LTL shipments into one truck, saving you money.
Another advantage of palletizing is that it makes life easier for the carrier when it’s done correctly. Faster, easier, less risk – those are the ultimate goals.
Finally, palletizing reduces freight claims as it minimizes damage and loss. Think about all the other things you could be accomplishing when you don’t have to deal with insurance claims.
Best Practices for Packing Palletized Freight
When you pack your pallets properly, you will reap all the advantages of shipping by this method. Especially when you are shipping LTL, it’s critical to follow certain standards as you need to reduce risk to maintain profitability.
Here are a few top tips to help ensure a reliable outcome.
Label Everything Clearly
It’s easy to get into a situation where you’ve already packed a pallet, but the box labels face inwards, rendering them invisible. Labels, barcodes (if used), and warning labels for hazardous goods should be facing outwards and clearly noticeable so carriers can accurately determine proper handling.
Include handling instructions, an inventory of the shipment, and your direct contact information, just in case.
Considerations When Choosing A Storage Warehouse Location
Choose the Right Sized Pallet
There are many different pallet sizes, but depending on what you’re shipping, your shipping mode, and the truck size, you should choose accordingly. Product should not hang over the pallet’s edges, and the access points should be clear and accessible by forklifts or pallet jacks.
Ensure Even Weight Distribution
Place your heaviest items on the bottom, but try to ensure each layer is distributed evenly. If a pallet is too heavy on one side, it might tip in transit, which will undoubtedly cost you money.
Choose the Right Freight Class
Choosing the right freight class can save you a lot of money. If your measurements and weights are accurate and that your freight is labeled with the proper handling instructions, you will avoid additional costs, breakage, and delivery delays.
Preparing Your Freight
- Package similar products together. This will make it easier to load and unload, minimizing damage, and optimizing space in the container.
- Be consistent with your stacking. Stack your items in columns, squares, and rectangles. These shapes provide stability and won’t lean or fall during transit.
- Use slip sheets on the bottom and between every layer to ensure even weight distribution.
- Use shrink wrap to secure everything to the pallet itself. Appropriately wrapped, your boxes shouldn’t move once they are secured.
If all of this sounds like a lot of extra work, consider partnering with a licensed freight forwarder like DTS World Cargo. We are packaging and shipping professionals, trusted by companies worldwide to maximize profits and customer satisfaction. Reach out today to learn more or to request a quote.
