If shipping merchandise is an integral part of what your business does, you can’t afford to regard good shipping practices as an afterthought. Few things are more frustrating than receiving a damaged package, and if your company develops a reputation for subpar shipping, you’re unlikely to attract repeat business. That being the case, if any of your clients have consistently complained about damaged packages, you’d be wise to re-examine your current shipping practices and make changes where appropriate. However, before undertaking this task, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with why packages become damaged while in transit.
Improper Shipping Containers
When selecting the right containers for your cargo, it’s imperative that you take size into account. If a container is too large for the item(s) you’re shipping, the cargo will find itself subjected to a fair amount of rocking and jostling throughout its journey. Just remember that the more unoccupied space a shipping container contains, the more room there is for damage to occur. You can nip this issue in the bud by selecting shipping containers that are roughly the same size of the cargo. However, the item(s) should still have a little bit of breathing room – and that free space should be filled with cushioning.
Unreliable Shipping Services
When packages are damaged while en route to their destinations, the fault often lies with delivery personnel. In some instances, they fail to treat packages with the appropriate level of care when handling them. Other times, they improperly store packages, subjecting them to extreme temperatures and/or perilous travel conditions. To prevent such a fate from befalling your packages, seek out shipping services with a proven track record of reliability. Any shipping company you give your business to should value timeliness, handle delicate cargo with the utmost care and be willing to own up to its mistakes. For best results, limit your options to companies with experience shipping the type of products your business specializes in. Equipping your shipments with state-of-the-art temperature indicators and RFID tags is a great way to confirm that shipping services are being as careful with your packages as they claim.
Insufficient Cushioning
Providing delicate items with sufficient cushioning plays a vital role in ensuring their overall safety. No matter how dependable your preferred shipping company is, they can’t be expected to ensure the wellbeing of fragile cargo that was never properly packaged. The more delicate the items, the more cushioning they’ll require. If you don’t have much experience packaging merchandise, reach out to your favorite shipping service. In addition to providing you with valuable packing tips, many shipping companies will package items for you for a nominal fee.
No one relishes receiving packages that have incurred damage or been rendered outright broken. Fortunately, turning damaged packages into a thing of the past is much easier than many businesses realize. By going over your current shipping practices with a fine-toothed comb and making alterations as needed, you can set the stage for long-term package safety and client satisfaction.
