Shipping can be a complicated process, but following these tips and avoiding these shipment mistakes can help make your shipping go as smoothly as possible.
When it comes to shipping freight, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. If you’re a shipper, freight is your lifeblood. The more efficiently you can move goods, the more money you’ll make. Unfortunately, many shippers make the same mistakes over and over again. Here are the 5 biggest ones:
1. Not planning ahead.
This is by far the biggest mistake shippers make. Shippers need to allow enough time for the shipment to get from point A to point B. This includes time for packing, pickup, transit, and delivery. If you don’t plan your shipment properly, chances are you’ll end up with delays, missed deadlines, and other costly problems. When shipping freight, it’s important to allow plenty of time for transit. If you need your package to arrive by a certain date, be sure to factor in transit time as well as any other necessary steps, such as customs clearance. Stay organized. This may be the most important tip of all. Keeping your paperwork and records up-to-date will help you stay on top of everything and avoid any delays.
Shipping can be a complicated process, but following these tips can help make it a little easier. By taking the time to plan ahead and organize your shipments, you’ll be able to move goods more efficiently and make more money.
2. Not understanding shipping requirements.
Each country has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to shipping freight. It’s important to understand these requirements before you ship, or you could end up facing delays or fines.
If you’re a shipper looking to move freight across the border, you’ll need to be familiar with the relevant shipping regulations. In Canada, there are a number of requirements that shippers must meet in order to cross the border, including obtaining proper documentation and filing correct shipping declarations.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for enforcing these regulations, and can impose fines or other penalties on shippers who violate them. So it’s important to make sure you understand the rules and comply with them fully. Read the full requirements for shipping into Canada here. CBSA pre-arrival and reporting requirements.
Here are some of the key things you need to know about shipping freight into Canada:
– You must have a valid import permit for any goods being brought into the country.
– The contents of your shipment must be declared on the shipping declaration.
– All goods must be properly classified and described in order to ensure accurate customs duty is assessed.
– You may need to provide a security deposit or bond to cover potential duties and taxes that may be owed on your shipment.
– You must comply with any other applicable regulations, such as those governing food and drug imports.
For more information on shipping into Canada, visit the CBSA website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
3. Choosing the wrong shipping method.
There are a variety of methods available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to select the right method for your specific shipment, or you could experience problems during transit. Check out our article to Find Your Shipping Type.
4. Not packing correctly.
When it comes to shipping freight, there are a few things that shippers need to keep in mind. One of the most common mistakes that shippers make is packing their freight incorrectly. Packing your freight improperly can lead to damaged goods and even lost shipments. This is especially important when shipping fragile items. If you don’t pack your package correctly, it could be damaged during transit.
Here are a few tips on how to pack your freight properly:
– Make sure that you use strong packing materials, such as cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and foam peanuts.
– Be sure to pack your freight securely, using plenty of packing tape.
– If possible, use the original packaging that your goods came in. This will help to protect them during transit.
– If you are shipping a large or fragile item, be sure to place it in a box that is sturdy and has enough room for packing materials.
– Always label your boxes with a clear description of what is inside. This will help the shipper to quickly identify your freight when it arrives at its destination.
Following these tips will help to ensure that your freight arrives at its destination safely and in the same condition as when it was shipped. Packing your freight improperly can lead to costly damages and lost shipments, so be sure to take the time to do it correctly.
5. Paying too much for shipping.
One of the biggest mistakes shippers can make is pay too much for shipping. There are a number of ways to save on shipping costs, so be sure to do your research and compare prices.
Here are a few tips to get the best shipping prices:
– Compare prices between carriers. There is usually a wide range in prices, so you can save a lot of money by shopping around.
– Consider freight shipping. This is often more expensive, but the cost can be spread out over a longer period of time.
– Ship small items. The cost of shipping increases with the weight and size of the item, so it’s often cheaper to ship several small items than one large item.
– Use a courier service. Courier services are often more expensive than traditional carriers, but they offer faster delivery times and more reliable service. It may actually save you money to have your product delivered with a courier if delivery and reliability are of utmost importance to retain your client.
Shipping can be expensive, but there are a number of ways to save on costs. By comparison shopping, and following these tips you can save a lot of money.
BONUS. Not communicating with your carrier.
This is a big one – if you don’t communicate with your carrier, they won’t know what to expect and could end up making mistakes. Make sure you always keep in touch with your carrier during the shipping process. Communicate with your customers. Make sure your customers know what to expect, when to expect it, and any special instructions they need to follow. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or surprises.
When shipping freight, communication is key. Alongside with this you’ll want to make sure you can track your shipments. Be sure to stay in touch throughout the transit process, and clarify any questions or concerns you may have.
By avoiding these common mistakes, shippers can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Save time and money when scheduling your shipments. Planning ahead, checking rates, understanding delivery schedules, calculating fuel surcharges, and packing properly are all essential steps in ensuring a smooth process.
Shippers should always track their shipments in order to avoid costly delays. Failing to plan ahead can also lead to problems, as can not understanding shipping requirements. Choosing the wrong shipping method can also be problematic. Packing incorrectly can also lead to damage during transit. Paying too much for shipping is another common mistake shippers make. And lastly, communicating with shippers is key in order to ensure a smooth transit process. By avoiding these shipping mistakes, shippers can have a more successful freight shipping experience.
For more information on shipping freight, please visit our website or contact us today. We’d be happy to help!