Freight Shipping Mistakes You Should Avoid

Freight shipping is much more detail oriented than you would imagine. And with any sort of shipping- all it takes is one tiny over sight to completely delay or derail shipping plans.

Here is a list of the top 10 most common mistakes people make when attempting to ship items internationally using freight shipping.

1. Poorly Packaged Items

How you package an item for freight shipping is crucial if you want your item to arrive at its destination both in a timely manner, and unharmed. Poorly packaged items run a real risk of being damaged in transit, and may even be rejected by the carrier upon arriving! If you are packing your own items to ship, then make sure to speak with a professional with any questions you may have on the right way to pack an item for freight Shipping. 

2. Incorrect/Illegible Address Information

This should be a no-brainer, right? You’d be surprised at how many people fail to put the correct address on their shipment. Incorrect or illegible information on your Bill of Landing can equal tons of wasted time and energy trying to track down lost shipments – and the ones who are actually able to retrieve their misguided items.

3. Inaccurate Weight  Estimates

It is very important that anything you send using freight shipping is accurately weighed before you send it. The carriers will all have exact scales and will weigh every single item to be shipped before it is shipped. Additionally, an inaccurately recorded weight can cost you a ton in fees – as many carriers will assess a fee for any shipment item which weighs an amount that is different from what the package declares to weigh.

4. Failure to Check Packing Receipt Upon Arrival

When you order an item online, and you receive it, you always check to make sure that everything that was supposed to be in the package, did in fact come with it, right? This same principle should apply to freight shipping. Both the sender and the receiver should be aware of the state of the goods as they were sent, and as they arrived at their destination. This way if damage does occur, it is much easier for either party to collect damages or be compensated  for any loss or damages that may occur in transit.

5. Lack of Understanding Shipment Services:

As a shipper, it is very important for you to understand the consignee’s capability to receive freight at their end. If you think that the consignee does not need a lift gate at delivery and they end up needing one; the shipment could be brought back to the carrier’s terminal, a lift gate will be provided and a redelivery charge will be added to your bill. You end up paying for the lift gate in the end anyway and an additional redelivery charge. Knowing where your freight is going and assigning the proper services to your shipment is a very important factor when trying to be the most cost-effective and time-effective shipper as possible.

These are just 5 of a list that can go on indefinitely, That is why we so highly suggest hiring professionals for all international goods shipments, or freight shipping. It is often times better to let someone else deal with the head ache and bureaucratic tape to ensure that your goods arrive at their destination with as little hassle as possible.