Shipping is an ongoing operation for a wide array of industry sectors. Globally, maximizing efficiency and making it more cost-effective is a challenging thing.
When you have a business with everyday shipping requirements, professional execution is a must. While handling everything yourself, the chances of mistakes are higher. You need professional assistance to control everything. However, this blog highlights some LTL shipping Mistakes that companies make now and then, along with ways to help you avoid them.
Mistake 1: Not getting Insurance
Life is unpredictable, and you can same say for shipping freight. So, if you have not got insurance for your shipping, from theft to natural disasters and traffic accidents, it can end up costing you thousands of dollars in debt to your company. Moreover, it is important that just for the sake of your peace of mind, you get purchasing insurance, making sure that your investment is truly protected. So, if you don’t want to face any business downfall through the unpredicted situation, keep yourself safe and get shipment insurance.
Mistake 2: Use pallets to Secure Shipment
You have two choices, either palletize your shipping or else pay a high price for it, cause while loading the goods for shipments, it may cause damage. While the palletizing process may cost you more time, this is the best way to secure your goods when it comes to LTL shipping.
Mistake 3: Outsourcing services to a Professional Team
Outsourcing your shipping to a professional company is a very beneficial step that many shippers overlook. Building a good relationship with a logistics company will streamline all your shipping problems, as they will handle everything for your company while you sit back and focus on ways to expand your business. Moreover, hiring a logistics company will cut all the extra costs, time, and risks.
Mistake 4: Double-check address information before Shipping
Making sure that you have entered the right address should be your high priority. Always stay prepared for the chances of human error. We highly recommend that you confirm your address and the receiver’s before any shipment is scheduled. This guarantees no miscommunication, no extra costs, and no headaches.
Mistake 5: Taking ground Shipping for Granted
Many shippers believe that air shipping is better in comparison to ground shipping; however, this is not the case; ground shipping is fast and efficient. We suggest that you explore your options before you choose one for your business and later choose the most cost-effective way.
Mistake 6: Shipping delivery doesn’t work on Assumptions
If you are working on assumptions, this won’t work. A scheduled delivery is never guaranteed. Scheduled deliveries can inevitably change. So, as the business owner, you should not sit back and assume that the estimated delivery date is stone; it can go downhill anytime. We recommend you to be absolutely sure of the delivery date and time, and make sure that it reaches the destination on time. So, this is the only way to ensure that your shipment arrives on time and in perfect condition.
Mistake 7: Keep a check. Don’t Overtrust Carriers
There are times when it is observed that shippers overtrust their carriers. This is a bad habit because when it comes to business shipments, you should be in control. Don’t send a shipment and forget about it, or assume that everything will always work out. So, if you are someone who is already doing this, please stop. You need to keep monitoring the status of your shipments to make sure they arrive on time. Doing this will only work in your favor. Moreover, take feedbacks from your customers to analyze how your carriers are performing.
Mistake 8: Comparing Shipment Rates
No two companies are alike, and the same can be said for their rates. To save money, always research and compare the rates and standards of different carriers. You might be surprised at the cost differences when shipping some items. The last thing you want to do is spend more money than you need to.
Mistake 9: Choosing the wrong service
It’s the best thing for businesses to guarantee that their client’s delivery expectations are met. Play your part to grow your business to find the best shipment services that are cost-effective and meet your business and customers’ needs in a perfect way. Here and there, paying some extra on your end is ideal in the event that it keeps a decent client returning for additional.
Mistake 10: Don’t estimate shipping size & weight
Last but not least, because this mistake is the most common among all shipping mistakes. Moreover, this mistake can be easily avoidable, so make sure you are not making it. It should be a basic followed procedure to collect your own freight dimensions, weight, and density – if the dimensions are certified, it’s even better. So, whenever a carrier comes back with a re-class fee, you have your own dimensions to fall back on, which can help you refute the claim.
Final Verdict
Now that we have highlighted some common mistakes that shippers make at LTL, you can do your best to avoid them. Try following our advice on the next few shipments you make and see how much they truly help you save money and avoid potential hassles along the way.
