Freight Labeling Guide: Best Practices for Shippers

There is nothing worse than receiving a phone call from an upset customer – because their delivery was delayed because of faulty labeling. While many shippers rush to blame the carriers for damaging their packaging and labeling issues, the truth is, label damage is something that is 100% controllable. Missed deliveries or delays in delivery cost shippers across the globe millions of dollars in surcharges every year. Working with a reliable transportation management partner can help reduce these costly errors. While mistakes and accidents can happen, most label problems can be avoided by following a few, proven freight labeling best practices.

In this blog post, we'll cover three freight labeling best practices that will help you avoid costly delivery delays and surcharges.

Noted below are three items to consider anytime you are preparing a shipment for a customer, that will reduce the potential of label problems occurring while in route:

Always use the right packaging for the mode of transportation
Use professional shipping labels
Apply labels in multiple locations on the packaging

Always Use the Right Packaging for the Mode of Transportation

Not all modes of transportation have the same level of package handling. In fact, different carriers often have different procedures for moving freight through its network. It's due to this fact that using the right type and quality packaging is the first packaging best practice on our list. To give your labeling the best chance to maintain integrity during movement through the supply chain, follow these two packaging rules of thumb.

NEVER USE A DAMAGED PALLET(s) or PACKAGING

For those shipping FTL or LTL shipments, the first item you should always consider is the condition of the skid your freight is used. When a pallet is broken, even if it's just a single bottom board, it can cause difficulty for freight movers. In most cases, as soon as they jack the pallet, it will break. This can cause damage to your product, but also causes the carrier to revise or in some cases, repackage your freight – without that valuable label. This also applies to shipping with cardboard or wooden boxes. If you send smaller items via parcel shipments, always make sure to use new cardboard or wooden boxes that are in good condition.

ALWAYS USE HIGH-QUALITY ADHESIVES

This applies to all types of packing. Shirk wrap, packaging tape, or wet-wrapped tape is typically used on shipments to secure freight to skids, to close boxes, and to keep the interior valuables safe from exposure. However, one other item that tends to be secured with adhesives are labels. You should always use high-quality adhesive products that are rated for the weight of your package and made to stick to the materials your using.

Use Professional Shipping Labels

When packaging is as strong as possible – your label will have the best opportunity to stay adhered. However, if you use inferior quality shipping labels or labels not designed for industrial use, the potential for damage increases. Professional shippers understand that a few extra dollars on high-quality labels can save them thousands of dollars on missed or delayed deliveries and unnecessary accessorial charges. Plus, professional labels simply look more professional – which improves the image of your company with your valuable customers.

For those who ship with major parcel carriers, here is an insider's tip – ask them for packaging supplies. Most parcel shippers are more than happy to supply you with high-quality boxes and even label protectors. These high-quality pouches are great for protecting your label – so if they offer them, stock up and use them as often as possible.

Apply Labels in Multiple Locations on the Packaging

More is best when it comes to applying your shipping labels. While many carriers have rules about using labels, where they can be applied, there are often no rules on how many shipping labels you can use. Smart shippers understand the benefit of duplication and redundancy in their operations. If you're going to ship a product, make sure to apply the destination or customer information on multiple locations on the package.

This is a best practice because if the primary label is damaged, in most instances, the shipment can still be delivered if the carrier knows the address, and recipient information. A good rule of thumb for parcel shipments is to apply a shipping label on the top and on one side of the package. For freight shipments using pallets, place your shipping labels on all four sides of the pallet, then wrap the pallet in high-quality shrink wrap. This ensures that if the primary shipping label is damaged on the outside, the carrier can remove a shipping label from the shrink wrap and have the delivery information clearly accessible.

Final Thoughts

In the supply chain, the best way to ensure proper delivery is to be proactive about using the best supplies and most dependable carriers for delivering their products. By following these three freight labeling best practices, you'll significantly reduce the potential of damage to your packaging, labels staying on the package, and improve your overall customer service.

FAQs

Why does freight labeling matter so much for shippers?

Freight labeling matters because faulty labels can delay delivery, create customer complaints, and trigger unnecessary surcharges. Good labeling helps freight move through the supply chain with the right destination information intact, even if packaging is handled several times. Since many label problems are preventable, shippers can reduce cost and improve service by using durable packaging and reliable label application practices.

What are the most important freight labeling best practices?

The three most important freight labeling best practices are using the right packaging for the transportation mode, using professional shipping labels, and applying labels in multiple locations on the package. These steps help labels stay readable and attached during transit. They also reduce the chance of missed deliveries, damage-related repackaging, and avoidable accessorial charges.

What kind of packaging should you use to prevent label damage in transit?

You should use packaging that matches the transportation mode and is in good condition. Never use damaged pallets, broken boxes, or worn packaging, because carriers may need to rework or repackage freight and the label can be lost in the process. For parcel shipments, new cardboard or wooden boxes in solid condition give labels the best chance of staying intact.

What makes a shipping label 'professional' or high quality?

A professional shipping label is durable enough for industrial shipping conditions and designed to adhere to the package materials being used. The article also recommends high-quality adhesives and, when available, label protectors or pouches from parcel carriers. Better labels may cost more upfront, but they help prevent delays, missed deliveries, and extra charges.

Where should you place shipping labels on freight and parcel shipments?

For parcel shipments, place a label on the top and on one side of the package. For palletized freight, place shipping labels on all four sides of the pallet, then wrap it in high-quality shrink wrap. Multiple label locations create redundancy, so if one label is damaged, the carrier can still identify the shipment.

Why should shippers put labels in more than one location?

Putting labels in more than one location adds redundancy. If the primary label is damaged or becomes unreadable, the carrier may still be able to deliver the shipment using another visible label or the information on shrink wrap. This is especially helpful for freight on pallets, where labels on multiple sides improve the odds of clear identification.