If you are a business owner who ships products from time to time, you’ll understand the importance of the supply chain in cargo damage prevention. It plays a role in how products can be transported safely for them to reach the customers in good condition. As it is essential to ensure that the products you sell will arrive damage-free to their destinations, here are some of the tips that you need to follow to prevent cargo damage.
Cargo Damage Prevention Tips for Business Owners
1. Follow ideal packaging practices.
An initial step to prevent cargo damage is to ensure packaging integrity. Putting some effort to ensure proper packaging is no match if it can contribute to cargo damage prevention. Some of the things to keep in mind when packaging products include:
- Choose the correct packaging and the correct size.
- Follow the ideal maximum weight for a specific packaging
- Avoid compression
- Add protection against impacts
- Keep the package intact by making sure that it is free from holes, punctures, dents, or tears
- Insert filling materials such as bubble wraps and foams that serve as added protection
- Seal packages using a durable and spill-resistant adhesive
2. Use palletizing strategies.
The dimensions of your packages should be complemented with the right pallet size. Make sure that packaging will stay within the pallet borders. There should also be empty spaces between packages. To secure them in places, corner posts and the use of stretch film for wrapping will do great help.
In palletizing, proper tension and the amount of wrapping can help secure the products. The pallets should also be arranged like bricks. When dealing with heavy or bulky cargos, use stable strapping to secure such load.
3. Add labels.
Use labels to indicate the ideal handling of your cargo. This will help shippers assess if the cargo can withstand added weight or if it will require extra care, particularly those with fragile contents. Add concise information on labels and make it easily visible.
4. Observe proper loading techniques.
Uniformity and stability are key considerations when stacking cargos. Even distribution of weight should be observed when loading the pallets with the heaviest at the bottom and the lightest load stacked on top. Double stacking must be avoided. In case some gaps need to be filled up, a cushion must be used to keep it from shifting and prevent cargo damage.
5. Check warehouse conditions.
Another important factor in cargo damage prevention is ideal warehouse conditions. Cleanliness must be maintained to allow people and equipment to move without difficulty and prevent unnecessary cargo damages. Ideal storage temperatures must also be observed to keep the quality of goods intact, especially when dealing with sensitive products.
6. Avoid cargo mishandling.
Train your employees on the proper way to handle products. They should also be knowledgeable in using equipment that is commonly used when handling cargo. Invest in a solid training plan to improve productivity, minimize accidents, and prevent cargo damage.
7. Outsource your logistics management needs.
Logistics management companies are backed with knowledge, experience, and the right equipment to ensure cargo damage prevention.
- Reduce damage during the transport of goods.
- Get warehouse management services that guarantee proper storage and handling.
- Ensure proper handling of products.
- Improve efficiency and productivity among your team members.
- Focus on growing your business.
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Cargo damage prevention is key to preserving your brand reputation, maintaining good customer relations, and gaining new clients. Working with a logistics management company is a viable option that will keep unnecessary expenses and problems at bay.
If you’re looking for a logistics management company to partner with, Worklink Services, Inc. may be the one you need. Inquire about our services today.