Let’s pretend that just a couple of weeks ago, you sent your cargo off on its merry way to its new destination. Today, you get an angry phone call from the receiver, claiming that the items you sent have arrived damaged and consequently, are unsuitable to use or sell. For many suppliers, this situation could very well be one of their worst nightmares. However, it’s important to note that these incidents are never entirely under our control as suppliers as well. Damage to packaging or goods during shipment is actually an extremely common occurrence. In fact, it’s often expected in most industries, which is why it’s generally accounted for on the balance sheet. Although what happens to your cargo is more or less out of your control once you’ve shipped it off to it’s destination, there are a still a number of precautions you can take to reduce the risks of cargo damage occurring as much as possible. Below, we’ve outlined just a few of our top tips here at Aussie Crates:
1. Choose the Right Packaging
Shipping crates are an excellent packaging solution for a number of industries wanting to ship a variety of products. This comes down to the fact that shipping crates are generally made-to-measure, so no matter what type of sizing requirements your cargo has, you can count on wooden crates to house them safely and securely throughout their journey. That said, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the right sized crate built for your cargo. If its too small, the cargo could become damaged whilst you’re trying to fit it in. If it’s too large, your items may bounce around in the free space during transit, also leading to cargo damage.
2. Source from a Reputable Supplier
The other important thing is sourcing your packaging products from a reputable supplier. If you’re sourcing your shipping crates from dodgy manufacturers who work with low-quality materials, then they’re probably going to be much more likely to break during transit. On the other hand, at Aussie Crates, we always ensure to work with the highest quality timber available when building your custom shipping crates. Our crates are built to resist against the elements, and protect your cargo from against thieves and tampering hands. What’s more, we’re certified under the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS) for the supply of AS1604 standard wood packaging and ISPM 15 compliant timber. As a result, you can always count on us for quality packaging products, including shipping crates.
3. Pack Proper
Wooden crates are a tough and durable solution, but if you want to give your cargo the highest level of protection possible, they aren’t enough on their own. You have to make sure that you’re packing your cargo properly so that you can avoid the risks of cargo damage. If we’re talking fragile goods for example, make sure to wrap them in materials such as bubble wrap or cushioned packaging, before securing them with tape. It’s also a good idea to pad the interior of your shipping crates by filling it with packing peanuts, newspaper or bubble wrap, before placing your items into the container.
4. Put Clear Labels On
For delicate or expensive items, labels should always be placed on the shipping crates containing them. Make sure that these labels are clearly printed, contain the correct wording or any other important information, and are highly unlikely to fall or rub off during transit. Those handling your cargo will be able to help protect it from damage more effectively if you’ve got the appropriate labels stuck on to guide them.
5. Explore Alternative Freight Transportation
You can take all the preventative measure you want, but at the end of the day, if your choice of freight transportation isn’t working for you, then there’s no choice but to seek out an alternative solution. Put thought into your shipping method; for example, it may be worth investing in a slower method of transport that is less jolty and rough if you’re going to be shipping fragile cargo. Trucks with air-ride suspension or controlled temperature are a particularly great choice. Interested in getting custom shipping crates built to secure your cargo properly? Trust in the packaging professionals at Aussie Crates to get your items from A to B in one piece each and every time. Call us now to get started on your made-to-measure packaging solution!
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