Ensuring your goods are safe and secure is a priority for any business. Therefore, shipping and transporting your products in good condition is essential for satisfying your customers. Lesters Logistics has compiled some tips for reducing product damage from your cargo.
Know your cargo
Having a good understanding of your cargo is necessary for reducing product damage. Thoroughly check your pallets for faulty or broken planks, missing support blocks, stringers or nails protruding from the pallet. Unstable or shoddy pallets can break suddenly, causing loading and unloading issues, thus leading to the cargo falling out of the container.
Avoid overstuffing your cargo
Stuffing your cardboard boxes with delicate items like glassware, electronics and crockery, you want to ensure you don’t overpack the box. If you are unsure how much to fill your box, use a shipping scale at the packing station. This will ensure you get an accurate measurement of your cargo so the boxes aren’t overstuffed.
Properly label your cargo
Labelling your cargo means you know what items are non-stackable or fragile while transporting them to your customers or clients. Therefore, your employees who transport the cargo know how to remove the cargo from the van safely.
Protect containers from rain and moisture
Keeping your cargo dry and free from rain or moisture when shipping or transporting products is crucial. The correct pallet type, desiccants and proper ventilation are essential for keeping your containers dry and free from moisture and rain.
Improve your loading practices
Loading cargo correctly is necessary for reducing product damage. It is essential to have established procedures and processes for freight loading, alongside step-by-step documentation. Avoid double-stacking pallets or cartons when loading products and using cushions is crucial for reducing your products or goods shifting while on the road.
Have thorough health and safety measures in place
Implementing health and safety measures throughout your warehouse or distribution centre is necessary for reducing cargo damage. Reducing or eliminating potential product handling risks ensures your goods and employees are protected from damage or injury. The things you can do to enforce health and safety while transporting your cargo include:
- Having daily checks for trip hazards, aisle obstructions and overloading.
- Installing safety equipment like pallet racking, column protectors and netting.
- Implementing signage to highlight low barriers and doors, alongside steps and gaps.
Why Choose Lesters Logistics?
Lesters are experts in providing logistics and transport. Are you looking for a reliable and efficient automotive transport company? Contact our helpful team today.