Freight shipping is expensive enough without adding to the cost by making easily avoidable mistakes! Even experienced shippers routinely shoot themselves in the foot by making small errors, so whether you're well-versed at freight shipping or trying it for the first time, stay on top of every step by learning how to avoid these common mistakes. It will help you make your shipment arrives on time at the lowest possible cost.
Costly & Common Shipping Mistakes
Mistake #1: Weighing inaccurately.
Don’t guesstimate the weight of your shipment. Instead, weigh it or determine its weight by checking with the manufacturer or retailer. Your LTL (less-than-truckload) freight carrier will re-weigh the item, and sometimes charge extra if there is a difference.
Mistake #2: Improper freight classification.
Standard freight classifications are the basis of rates charged by LTL shippers. There are 18 of them, and it’s tricky to select the applicable one. Consult with your carrier to make sure you classify your item(s) properly, or you will leave yourself open to unexpected upcharges.
Mistake #3: Packaging or prepping improperly.
Remove handles, knobs, glass panels and other protruding and/or delicate features from the shipping item. Package these items carefully in a box with plenty of cushioning material. These simple steps prevent damage and make it easier for the LTL carrier to handle and stow your item.
Mistake #4: Not unitizing your shipment.
Boxes of small items and large items such as dining room chairs can be unitized on a pallet to ease handling and stowing, as well as prevent damage. Use plastic stretch wrap film or plastic banding to secure items to the pallet.
Mistake #5: Inadequately insuring your shipment.
All LTL carriers have liability insurance, but the terms vary. If you are shipping an expensive item, make sure your carrier has it covered. If not, either the carrier or you can purchase additional coverage at a reasonable cost.
Mistake #6: Selecting the wrong carrier.
Many people go wrong by selecting an LTL carrier not well suited to the job at hand. Important things to consider when selecting a carrier include experience handling your type of item(s), familiarity with your pickup and delivery areas, years of service and track record. Check online customer reviews and company websites to get a sense of which carriers are the right fit.
Mistake #7: Not completing paperwork carefully.
Customers go astray by doing everything right up until this point, and then put the wrong address on the bill of lading — this is how a lot of deliveries wind up in, say, Kansas instead of Kentucky. Never complete shipping paperwork in haste — it will cost you!
Mistake #8: Not tracking the shipment.
Top LTL carriers provide easy tracking options for customers because tracking is one of the best ways to prevent costly shipping mistakes once the item has been picked up. If you monitor the shipment, you can alert the carrier to any issues (just in case the carrier has not spotted the problem already).
Stay Out of Trouble With TSI
Are you still concerned about making a mistake? For decades, we've been helping customers get their tough shipments from point A to point B on time. Our experience with shipping large, awkward, and expensive items gives us the expertise to help you avoid shipping mistakes and get the job done right.
Do you have questions about an upcoming shipment? We can help! Contact our experts at 877-677-1571 for advice, shipping options, and a free quote.
About the author: Stephanie Rosenlund is the Director of Strategic Solutions at TSI, the long distance move and shipment provider for thousands of businesses, families, and individuals every year. Stephanie knows all the tips and tricks to make your move or shipment simple and specializes in freight shipping and interstate relocations. In her free time, she loves exploring the world with her husband and two kids.
