Ever had a package arrive damaged or delayed it’s frustrating, isn’t it? As a business owner shipping mistakes can cost you time money and customer satisfaction. These errors can lead to unhappy customers negative reviews and even lost business opportunities.

Put yourself in the shoes of the customer and think about it you are in the US and order something from Canada, shipping from Canada to US takes sometimes a day, and right after you get the parcel that is damaged what will be your reaction towards that shipping company?

Shipping damage is a major concern for e-commerce businesses because products are delivered through ships across multiple continents. However, there are a number of steps that businesses can take to prevent shipping damage.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Shipping Mistakes?

Incorrect packages

This is one of the most common and easily avoidable mistakes, imagine this you ship a fragile item but it’s packed loosely in a box it arrives broken not good right this not only disappoints your customer but also costs you money in returns and replacements. 

To avoid this always use proper padding like bubble wrap or packing peanuts, these materials help absorb shocks and protect the item during transit. Choose a sturdy box and seal it properly with strong tape, this ensures that the package remains intact and secure throughout its Journey

Wrong Labeling and Missing Information

 this can lead to significant delays and even lost packages picture. A package with an incorrect label or missing recipient details is a nightmare and the package might end up in the wrong place or be returned to you. 

This confusion can lead to delays and additional costs for reshipping products with the right label. You can solve this issue by double check your shipping labels barcodes and recipient information accuracy to ensure that all details are correct before the package leaves your facility

Choosing the Wrong Shipping Service

This can be a costly error, especially for urgent deliveries. We’ve all been there selecting the cheapest option for urgent delivery, while it might save you a few bucks initially, but it can lead to bigger problems down the line. It causes delays and unhappy customers. The cheapest option isn’t always the best especially if it compromises delivery speed and reliability.

So, when to use express standard or freight shipping? Each shipping method has its benefits and works best for different types of shipments. Choose based on urgency and cost, keeping in mind the item’s value and customer expectations.

Ignore Custom Regulations for International Shipping

This can happen when a package is stuck at Customs due to missing paperwork. The package might be held for days or even weeks and this backlog can cause significant delays and frustration for both you and your customer. 

So, always complete the necessary documentation, declare the correct value, and attach custom forms to ensure that your package moves smoothly through customs.

Not Tracking Shipments

If your shipment is not tracked, it leaves your customers uncertain and frustrated. Your customers will not know where their package is, which can result in many customer service calls and dissatisfaction. 

Real-time tracking is a game changer because it gives transparency and peace of mind to you and your customers. It keeps you informed and allows you to update customers proactively and build trust.

Overloading

You have seen many videos of containers falling from ships into the ocean on YouTube right? Have you ever been curious about the reason behind these incidents? Well, in most cases, overloading is the major reason that causes severe operational issues. if you overload the ship more than its designed weight, it increases the risk of capsizing or structural damage.

Poor Handling Practices

When your staff is done with packaging then the next stage is to carefully transport goods onto the ship. The goods can only be damaged if somebody drops the box or the box gets hit by another box on the ship. To prevent these issues, ensure that crew members are well-trained in proper cargo handling techniques. 

Packaging Techniques

Proper Packaging

Use Sturdy packaging materials.

Fill empty spaces with cushioning material.

Use a stretch wrap or shrink wrap to secure items on pallets.

Correct Loading & Unloading Techniques

Train employees

Use proper equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and loading docks.

Use tie-downs & straps to secure loads during transport. 

Use Shock and Tilt Indicators

You can use these indicators to inform crew members where to hold the package. Sometimes, the goods in the package are sensitive and a minor mistake can damage the product within the package. But if you carefully install these tilt indicators, the crew member can easily load and unload the package.

Proper Sealing

Once you have packed the product in the package, monitor sealing properly. This way you can not only secure your package but also save your product from rain or ocean water.

Monitor Environmental Conditions

Every shipment company wants to sail safely from extreme weather and pirates. However, the weather is unpredictable in the ocean region. So, always check the weather conditions once before dispatching your shipment.

Establish Clear Communication

Establishing clear communication saves your company from any inconvenience. For this, you can create a detailed document in which everything is mentioned from packages to loading and unloading. And make sure everyone has clear information about your shipment business.

Conclusion

Reducing shipping damage is not simply putting a product into a box; it is a strategic effort that involves proper packaging, proper labeling, regulation compliance, and proper handling. Shipping errors can result in spoiled products, dissatisfied customers, and cash losses. 

By having solid packaging materials, utilizing tracking technology, and having employees trained in the right loading and unloading procedures, companies can minimize shipping threats.

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