What Is Double Brokering and How Do You Prevent It?
Shrink is the 6-letter word that no retailer loves to discuss. While most damage and loss of retail products can vary from theft, employee errors, or customers breaking products as they shop, a leading source of retail damage occurs before or shortly after it arrives on the receiving dock. Transporting freight is part of a retailer business, and working with the right transportation management partner can make all the difference. A constant reality is that freight damage can be significantly reduced by following five simple rules. In this blog post, we'll explore five simple rules that can significantly reduce freight damage and protect your bottom line.
Although you can't control a few of these tips as the shipper, you certainly have the buying power to inform manufacturers and suppliers of how their poor attention to detail or packing procedures impacts your business. You can also benefit from these tips when you ship products to consumers via eCommerce sales.
Noted below are five ways that retailers and those who ship products to them can reduce the potential of freight damage.
1. Package Products Correctly
According to most LTL carriers, the leading cause of damage to freight is due to improper packaging details on your behalf as the shipper. While you might assume this is just a way to 'pass the buck' of responsibility, they do have a solid point. When you package freight correctly, it is less likely to shift during transit, is easier to off-load at terminals and point of delivery, and maintains a solid base anytime it's moved.
There are three general rules for packing any type of products:
• Never package with used or worn-out supplies: Whether you're shipping a small package via parcel overnight or a full truckload, you always want to use high-quality packaging supplies.
• Never ship on a damaged pallet: Anytime you use a pallet for shipping, you should always make sure the top and bottom boards are solid and not damaged.
• Always use quality adhesive materials: Whether you use shrink wrap or packaging tape, always use the best materials possible. Saving a few cents on cheap materials can cost you a tremendous amount in the short and long-run.
2. Cushion Your Products
While using the right materials and packaging procedures is a great first step, adding some cushion for the shipping takes reduced damage of freight to a whole new level. Cushioning materials such as bubble wrap, newspaper, shredded paper, Styrofoam, cardboard, biodegradable plastics and more is a great way to protect all materials – not just fragile products or liquids. The best way to utilize cushioning with your shipments is to first use packaging that is slightly larger than the product you're shipping. Before you've packaged the product into the box or packaging, take time to wrap the product with a layer of protective material. From that point, using 'filler' to pack the box or packaging is the next important step.
3. Use High-Quality Adhesive
While it might save you a few dollars now, using an inferior adhesive material on your outbound packages shipped to customers can have devastating consequences. Incorrectly sealing packages is one of the top reasons for damaged goods and concealed damage claims. When adhesives fail, packaging opens in the most inconvenient locations – typically in the back of an LTL carrier, UPS truck or at a sorting facility. To reduce the potential of this occurring, make sure to seal your packages with strong and durable packaging tape, pressure-sensitive plastic, or water-activated reinforced tape with a minimum width of two inches.
4. Use Dependable Carriers
On-time deliveries are important – but delivering your package intact is more important. Many carriers – especially of the express parcel variety – tend to be rather aggressive with package handling. Although there are rules and "best practices" that carriers have for their delivery drivers and package handlers, the truth is that some carriers are simply better than others. If you're going to ship products to customers, consider doing some research first to determine which carrier for each type of freight delivery methods, such as overnight express, ground parcel, LTL, and FTL has a proven record for delivering products with reduced damage. Again – while some carriers might be a little more expensive, the cost of a lost customer due to damaged freight is likely more damaging.
Final Thoughts
A full-service logistics partner can make all the difference – and an open ecosystem model like Redwood's Modern 4PL approach offers comprehensive support. This means they can handle all aspects of your logistics needs – including shipping and receiving. Redwood's Modern 4PL approach offers warehousing options, where products can be kept safely in good condition and shipped directly to your customers on your behalf. This is especially convenient for companies who sell products through eCommerce platforms.
Ready to reduce freight damage and improve your logistics operations? Contact Redwood today to learn how our Modern 4PL approach can help protect your products and streamline your supply chain.
FAQs
What is the most common cause of freight damage?
Improper packaging is one of the leading causes of freight damage. When freight is not packed to hold its shape and resist movement, it can shift during transit, become harder to unload, and arrive with avoidable damage. Using solid pallets, quality packaging materials, and strong adhesive gives shipments a much better chance of arriving intact.
How can I package freight to reduce damage in transit?
Package freight with durable materials, a stable pallet, and enough structure to keep products from shifting. Avoid used or worn-out supplies, never ship on a damaged pallet, and use quality tape or shrink wrap to hold everything together. Good packaging creates a solid base that is easier to move through terminals and delivery points without damage.
Why does cushioning help reduce freight damage?
Cushioning helps reduce freight damage by absorbing movement and protecting products from impact inside the box or carton. Materials such as bubble wrap, shredded paper, Styrofoam, cardboard, and biodegradable plastics can all help. A slightly larger package with protective wrapping and filler around the product gives shipments extra protection during handling and transit.
What kind of tape should I use to seal packages securely?
Use strong, durable packaging tape rather than low-cost adhesive that may fail in transit. Water-activated reinforced tape, pressure-sensitive plastic, or other high-quality sealing materials help prevent packages from opening at sorting facilities, in LTL trailers, or in delivery vehicles. The article recommends tape that is at least two inches wide for better sealing strength.
How do carriers affect freight damage rates?
Carrier choice can have a direct impact on freight damage because some carriers handle packages more carefully than others. On-time delivery matters, but intact delivery matters more. It is smart to compare carriers by shipment type, including overnight express, ground parcel, LTL, and FTL, and choose providers with a stronger record for reducing damage.
Can a logistics partner help reduce freight damage across a network?
Yes, a full-service logistics partner can help reduce freight damage by managing shipping, receiving, and warehousing in a more controlled way. A Modern 4PL model can add support across the network, including storage options that keep products in good condition before shipment. That matters especially for retailers and eCommerce businesses that need consistent handling.
Tags:
