If you are new to the shipping world, you may have found yourself at a loss as to where to start with your LTL freight shipment. There are a few basic guidelines to follow when preparing your cargo for shipment.
These guidelines will help ensure your shipment is safe in transit, not only for your cargo but the other shipments on the LTL freight trailer as well. Properly preparing your freight for shipping will help your driver with time, and also save you from overages. Taking the extra steps to be sure your cargo is prepared right, positively affects all hands involved, just as the lack of preparation would have a negative effect. If an LTL freight load is not prepared properly, there is a risk of lost or damaged goods and potentially costly fees for the shipper.
Pallet or Crate?
A first step in securing your LTL Freight is deciding upon a pallet or crate size that will work best for your cargo, and the size of the trailer it will be shipped on. If you are unsure where to start, your logistics provider will be able to assist you in making the best choice. Generally, smaller cargo will require a crate for safe travels, and larger items ship well on a pallet.
Know your Dimensions with LTL Freight
Once your freight is secure on pallets or boxed, take the time to measure your pallets. When you are being quoted, your logistics provider will want to know the final size of your cargo, after being secured to a pallet. They will want to know the size and weight to be able to give an accurate and fair quote. The more accurate your measurements, the more accurate they will be able to quote your rates. Be prepared with a precise measurement of length, width, and height of your finished pallet.
Have the BOL in Hand
One of the most important documents in an LTL Freight shipment is the Bill of Lading (BOL). The BOL should be completed and in the hands of the carrier at pickup. The Bill of Lading is basically your receipt and will be used later in the shipment by the carrier or driver to process the shipment.
Label your Goods for LTL Freight
Another great practice is clear distinct labeling of your goods to be shipped. It’s important to remember that when shipping LTL Freight, you will be sharing trailer space with other businesses shipments. To ensure that there is no mistake of mix-up, label your pallets or crates well. Proper labeling will help drivers to distinguish your shipment from others with ease, saving them time during unloading and allowing for the best service possible for your clients.
These are just a few helpful tips that we hope will make your first shipments go as smoothly as possible. If you have found yourself with more questions, please contact our caring and experienced staff. American Manufacturing Solutions is committed to the best service possible, and aim to be a helpful hand extended to new shippers, as well as our current and faithful clients.
