LTL Freight Audits: A Practical Guide for Shippers
Since the beginning of cargo logistics, one common problem you face as a shipper is reducing damage to freight during transit. Whether you're shipping via trains, planes, or automobiles, moving commodities and goods is challenging mainly due to two constants – gravity and physics. While you and your cargo carriers do your best to keep freight secure, the reality is that cargo will shift during transit. In this blog post, we'll explore how the Safe Stack System provides LTL carriers with a more efficient method for loading cargo and freight into trailers, allowing the freight to ship more securely, reduce damage, and ensure it arrives at its destination in the same condition it was shipped.
What are Safe Stack Systems?
The Safe Stack System was established by an LTL carrier a few years ago, with the intention of solving a major problem in cargo logistics – damage to freight during transit. It is essentially a method for loading freight in storage containers or trailers, commonly used by LTL freight carriers and FTL operators, that keeps the commodity secure and protected from in-transit damage. When used correctly, the Safe Stack System provides you with better handling of freight, reduces shrink and customer damage claims, decreases costs, and enhances your customer experience.
Essentially, a traditional Safe Stack System is loaded as described below:
• The cargo carrier reviews the freight and ensures it is loaded on solid pallets or skids.
• The freight (usually drums of cargo) is then loaded on the floor, near the nose of the trailer. This provides the forward base of the Safe Stack System.
• Once the initial skids are loaded and secured, the cargo load team will build a deck above the first loaded skids with Safe Stack loading beams. Once the beams are in place, they lay sheets of plywood on top of the beams. When the plywood is installed, it provides a flat surface, in which boxes of dry goods would be placed for added strength and integrity.
• The second row of cargo is then placed directly behind the first 'stack' of cargo, including heavier equipment (like machines or solid supplies). This provides additional strength and integrity for the forward-facing cargo, to reduce movement during transit. In this same row, the pallets or skids are loaded taller than the initial row. The goal is to have this second row of cargo reach near the top of the trailer – again, to minimize the potential of cargo shifting during transit.
• Each corresponding layer of freight is staggered in such a way that the palletized shipments maintain strength and integrity. All layers of stacks are secured by straps to the deck or the trailer walls, wrapped with shrink wrap, and fully secured.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Safe Stack Systems
It's rather easy to understand the benefits that Safe Stack Systems provide both you as the carrier and your customers. First and foremost, your shipments are much more likely to arrive at their destination in the same condition as they were initially shipped. Since a major expense to LTL shippers is damaged freight claims, this type of load system not only reduces these expenses but also provides multiple customers with better service.
• As the shipper, you benefit by not having to replace damaged goods on your dime until claims are awarded.
• Your receiver can use the shipment quickly – without having to wait for replacements.
• Your end customer receives a superior product.
The possible drawbacks or hurdles of activating a Safe Stack loading system includes:
• Additional time and resources in preparing loads for shipment. A key to the Safe Stack System is properly loading cargo onto solid skids and pallets. This requires more people, time, payroll, and resources.
• Additional supplies and training needed for loading. The Safe Stack System requires training cargo loading crews and drivers. Since not all loads are identical, properly activating a Safe Stack System requires an ability to solve problems and improvise.
While the drawbacks are superficial, the benefits of improving customer service, reducing damage claims, and decreasing costs across the board are much greater. Safe Stack Systems are not cookie cutter solutions. Each type of trailer, load, and shipment carrier should customize a loading process that ensures the cargo is fully secured, based on the variables.
Final Thoughts
When you're evaluating ways to reduce freight damage and improve customer satisfaction, the Safe Stack System offers a proven framework for securing cargo during transit. Whether you're an LTL carrier, FTL shipper, or part of a broader freight management operation, carefully researching and implementing Safe Stack methods can help you determine which loading procedures are best suited for your customers and capabilities.
Redwood's Modern 4PL approach integrates best practices like Safe Stack Systems into a comprehensive logistics solution that prioritizes freight integrity and customer service. Ready to optimize your freight loading and reduce damage claims? Contact Redwood Logistics today to learn how we can help secure your cargo and enhance your supply chain performance.
FAQs
What is a safe stack system in freight shipping?
A safe stack system is a method for loading freight into trailers or containers so the cargo stays more secure during transit. It is commonly used in LTL shipping and can also apply to FTL operations. The goal is to reduce shifting, limit damage, lower shrink, and improve the chance that freight arrives in the same condition it left.
How does a safe stack system work when loading a trailer?
A safe stack system works by building a stable forward base, then adding a raised deck and staggered freight layers to improve load integrity. Freight is placed on solid pallets or skids near the nose of the trailer, beams and plywood create a flat upper surface, and additional cargo is stacked behind and secured with straps and shrink wrap.
Why do shippers use a safe stack system for LTL freight?
Shippers use a safe stack system to reduce freight damage claims and improve customer service. By keeping cargo more stable in transit, the load is less likely to shift or arrive damaged, which can lower replacement costs and help receivers use the shipment sooner. It is especially useful when damaged freight creates avoidable expense and delay.
What are the main benefits of a safe stack system?
The main benefits are better freight protection, fewer damage claims, lower costs, and a stronger customer experience. A secure load is more likely to arrive intact, which helps the shipper avoid paying for damaged goods before claims are resolved. It also helps the receiver and end customer get usable product faster.
What are the drawbacks of using a safe stack system?
The main drawbacks are extra time, labor, supplies, and training. Loading freight safely may require more people and a more careful setup, especially when pallets, skids, and load shapes vary. Because not every shipment is identical, crews also need the skill to adjust the loading method as conditions change.
Is a safe stack system a one-size-fits-all loading method?
No, a safe stack system is not a cookie-cutter solution. Each trailer type, load type, and shipment should be evaluated so the cargo can be secured based on the specific variables involved. The article emphasizes that the method works best when the loading process is customized to the freight and the operation.
What kinds of freight are best suited for a safe stack system?
The safe stack system is especially suited to palletized freight such as drums, boxes of dry goods, heavier equipment, and solid supplies that can be stacked securely. The method depends on using solid skids or pallets and building stable layers that can be strapped, shrink-wrapped, and supported without excessive movement.
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