Logistics Provider Offers Expert Advice on B2B Shipping During the Peak of the Season

For Heavy Freight Shippers

Be Smart About Pallets

  • Pallets, when not packed and wrapped with care, can become a shipping nightmare. Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid pallet headaches with a few simple steps. Many shippers try to save a few dollars by skimping on shrink-wrap. All too often, boxes fall off of poorly wrapped pallets and are damaged or lost. A good rule of thumb is to use two to three complete wraps around the pallet to ensure a secure load.
  • If every box on your pallet is not going to be labeled individually, it’s a smart idea to at least mark each box 1 of 10, 2 of 10, etc. By doing so, you can minimize the risk of any boxes being missed if they should fall off the pallet. In addition, it is recommended that you mark somewhere on the pallet how many total boxes are in the shipment.

Deal Carefully with Damages

If the worst happens and one of your shipments shows up damaged, don’t panic. Calmly and carefully observe the following tips which may help resolve the situation in your favor.

  • The most important thing you can do when there are damages to a shipment is to clearly and accurately notate the damage on the delivery receipt before the delivery driver leaves. Be sure to include details such as the quantity of boxes damaged, descriptions of the damage, etc., and make sure the driver has dated and signed the delivery receipt before he or she leaves. In addition, take pictures, if possible. Having photographic evidence of the damage will go a long way in justifying your claim.
  • Notify your shipping provider immediately that damage has occurred in case an inspection is needed, and be sure to keep the shipment intact (including packing materials) until an inspection has been done.
  • Completely and accurately filling out the claims form is also important. While this seems like such a common sense recommendation, many customers neglect to take the time to understand and properly complete claims forms, which can often lead to rejection of the claim. Call the carrier if you are not sure how to fill out a form, because it is ultimately up to the customer to prove that the carrier caused the damage.
  • If you discover damage after the driver has already left, stop unpacking the shipment and retain all the packaging. Contact the carrier immediately and request that an inspector be sent to review the damage.

Reference: click here.

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