Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is seen as a cost effective way for merchants to ship their goods to retail stores. It is favored over full truckload shipping for several reasons. However, this type of shipping requires some degree of preparation beforehand to ensure the goods arrive safely and on time.
Many merchants using LTL shipping for the first time tend to make mistakes during the planning and preparation process. This guide will inform you about such mistakes and how to avoid them.
1.Providing Inaccurate Dimensions
Transporting LTL shipments can be a complex process as carriers are always looking to utilize their space in the most efficient manner. However, many merchants may provide their carrier with incorrect or inaccurate freight dimensions. This is further complicated by the fact that dimensions and weight are used to determine freight class, which also determines shipping rates.
If you provide your carrier with the wrong dimensions, they may charge you a different rate once they pick up your freight and assess it.
2.Documentation Errors
Merchants must also provide carriers with documentation that contains correct information. You may need to fill out a fair amount of paperwork when using LTL shipping. This could be related to contact information, pickup and delivery addresses, product description information or payment methods.
Failing to provide the correct details may cause delays in the shipping process or cause your goods to be shipped to the wrong address.
3.Poor Packaging
One serious mistake that some merchants make is failing to pack their goods properly. Goods shipped via LTL are often handled a number of times in-transit. This increases the risk of them being damaged. However, most carriers assume that their clients have packaged their goods properly, and that they can withstand the usual handling associated with LTL shipping.
You should always remember to load your goods onto a pallet, and stack the heaviest boxes at bottom for LTL shipping.
4.Failing to Track Their Shipment
Modern freight carriers allow you to track your LTL shipment while it is in-transit. This feature is incredibly useful for merchants as they can provide retailers with an estimate for when their goods will arrive.
Some merchants may forget to track their shipments, especially if they trust the carrier they have hired. This may lead to them being unaware of delays or missed deliveries.
Why Choose Action Transport Inc?
If you intend to use LTL shipping in the near future, you can benefit from hiring Action Transport Inc. We are one of the country’s premier freight brokers and can help connect you with reliable carriers that offer LTL shipping options. We can help you prepare your freight and provide the carrier with all the right details. Please get in touch with us to learn more about our freight broker services.