5 Freight Packing Tips to Avoid Common Shipping Mistakes and Freight Damage
Packing freight correctly is essential to prevent damage, avoid delays, and reduce unnecessary claims.
Common mistakes, such as improper securing, can result in significant business losses. By addressing these mistakes and following expert freight packing tips, LTL shippers can ensure their goods arrive at their destination safely, maintaining customer satisfaction.
Here are the five most common mistakes to avoid:
1. Leaving Off Outer Packaging
Your best claims prevention is smart freight packaging. While the growth of ecommerce and direct-to-consumer shipping may tempt shippers to skip critical outer packaging components like cardboard or an extra layer of protection, this can lead to more damage in transit.
For instance, relying solely on shrink wrap to secure shipments isn’t enough. Exterior packaging adds an essential layer between your goods and the stresses of transit.
2. Insufficient Shrink Wrapping
A common mistake is using a single layer of shrink wrap, which offers little to no reinforcement.
Proper freight packaging requires starting the wrap at the floor, around the pallet, and using several layers to secure the freight. This small investment can prevent skids from shifting and protect products during transit.
3. Allowing Pallet Overhang
Your freight should be bound to the dimensions of your pallet. Overhanging cartons are more prone to punctures and instability during transit.
One of the best freight packing tips is investing in high-quality, sturdy pallets with dimensions that match your freight, ensuring all items sit squarely on the pallet. This may be more expensive upfront but will save you in the long run.
4. Skimping on Inner Packaging
Space is the enemy when packing your freight. You want your product secured and tightly packed with materials like packing peanuts or bubble wrap that fill space.
A strong foundation of freight packaging materials reinforces cartons and keeps goods protected. This extra effort in packaging provides a stronger shipment.
5. Not Consulting Experts
You don’t have to be a freight packaging expert to get it right. Many shippers overlook the benefit of consulting with their carrier or a packaging engineer. A trusted carrier can provide tailored solutions and freight packing tips to improve your packaging techniques.
Interested in improving your shipping processes with smarter solutions for how to avoid freight damage? Connect with your local Solutions Specialist to learn more about the tools and strategies we offer. From freight packaging to final delivery, OD is here to help you ship with confidence.
Why Smart Freight Packaging Matters
Cutting freight packaging to reduce costs or meet sustainability standards can be much more costly in the long run. It can create issues such as more frequent claims, lost opportunities, and strained relationships with customers. Even with a carrier like Old Dominion with an industry-leading claims ratio, shipments face multiple touchpoints and strong forces in the back of a trailer during transit.
By investing in proper packaging practices and taking advantage of expert guidance, shippers can avoid common shipping mistakes and protect their bottom line.
Listen: Expert Tips to Protect Your Freight
In this episode, "Unpacking the Freight Classification System," Old Dominion’s Director of Pricing Services, Erin Topper, dives into freight classification and shares practical advice to help you avoid common shipping mistakes. Learn how proper packaging can reduce damage and save costs.