3 small business shipping mistakes and how to avoid them

Freight transportation can be complicated, but a little know-how can keep you ahead of the curve. As a shipper, the most important thing you can do is think about potential pitfalls you might encounter during the shipping process and proactively resolve them before they affect your freight.

What can go wrong with the shipment?

Even the most experienced business owners can make mistakes when it comes to shipping. Unfortunately, these shipping errors can lead to increased damage, delays, and unexpected carrier adjustment costs. If you have questions like “how do I avoid shipping errors?” and “how can my business maximize shipping efficiency?” Read on for 3 common freight shipping mistakes and some easy strategies to avoid them.

1. Improperly packaged items

Failure to pack your shipments correctly can result in damaged products, lost packages and ultimately dissatisfied customers; a scenario that takes away your profit and your repeat business. It is critical to use high-quality packaging materials, including pallets that can handle the rigors of the shipping process, pallet straps, and plenty of shrink wrap to secure your cargo. Make sure all boxes and pallets are properly labeled and be sure to keep your tracking information so you can keep a close eye on the progress of your shipment during its journey. Freightquote makes it easy to correctly label your pallets. Print the pallet labels included with your booking confirmation and attach them to each pallet in your shipment.

2. Overlooked shipping costs

Shipping costs can add up. Fast. The most effective way to ensure you get the best rate is to compare different quotes from different carriers. This process would once have been time consuming, but luckily Freightquote has made it easy to compare options to make sure you’re getting the best deal. With our online quote tool you can compare carriers in one quote, saving you time and money. Freightquote by CH Robinson negotiates rates with carriers to give you the best available quotes and estimated transit times. You can also take advantage of additional savings by subscribing and checking your email for promotions to save even more on our guaranteed lowest prices. Send more, save more also offers additional discount opportunities, giving you rewards for the shipments you make.

There are some other strategies that may also save money. Consider quoting your raw material shipments and booking these shipments yourself. If your suppliers charge you shipping costs for raw materials, you may be able to arrange the shipment yourself at a lower price. You may also want to consider adjusting your pricing strategy to account for shipping costs so that you don’t completely swallow those costs. If you need help determining shipping costs, watch this video for tips on getting an accurate shipping quote.

3. Selecting the best LTL provider

Choosing the right LTL carrier is essential to ensuring your shipments arrive on time and at a reasonable cost. When selecting a carrier, consider factors such as transit time, pricing, and reliability. In addition, consider using a freight broker such as CH Robinson’s Freightquote, who can provide you with a list of carriers that meet your specific needs and negotiate rates on your behalf. This can help you save time and money and ensure your shipments are in good hands.

Reducing shipping errors is easy

While shipping freight can feel complicated, taking a proactive approach can easily reduce shipping errors. By taking these steps, small businesses can ensure that their products are delivered safely, on time, at a reasonable cost, and in compliance with freight regulations. This can be an important step towards every entrepreneur’s goal: satisfied customers and repeat customers!

If you would like to learn more about how Freightquote can help you access the lowest shipping prices, check out our other videos and blogs for a wealth of useful information about shipping for small businesses. And when you’re ready to ship, Freightquote is there with accurate quotes, easy shipments and real-time updates on your freight.

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