Best Freight Packaging: Prepare Your Shipments With Our Help

Shipping freight, especially LTL freight, requires careful preparation to avoid damaged deliveries, additional costs and delayed shipments. It's not just about throwing items in a box and shipping them off. Whether you're sending fragile goods, heavy machinery or bulk items, getting the freight packaging right is crucial to success.

At Unishippers, we specialize in providing comprehensive freight packaging expertise and guidance that ensures your shipments are secure, cost-effective and on time. That includes helping you choose a carrier from our vetted network of 75+ less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced shipper, we're here to guide you through the process of packaging freight. Let's dive into the essentials and explore how our expert advice can streamline your shipping process!

Why Freight Packaging Matters

When it comes to freight shipping packaging, how you prepare your goods plays a significant role in ensuring they reach their destination safely and cost-effectively. Here's why following proper freight packaging guidelines is essential:

• Minimizing damage: Without the right packaging, even sturdy items can be damaged during transit. Properly packaging freight keeps your goods safe from the rigors of travel, regardless of the journey's length or terrain.
• Cost savings: Efficient freight packaging reduces your shipping costs by optimizing the use of space and weight. Choosing the right materials ensures your shipment takes up less room, reducing the cost per unit.
• Avoiding delays and extra charges: Incorrect freight packaging or documentation can result in delays or additional charges. By following the correct freight packaging guidelines, you reduce the chances of costly surprises.

Packaging Freight the Right Way

Proper freight shipping packaging goes beyond just wrapping your goods. Here's a look at the key steps to take when packaging freight for LTL shipping:

1. Packing your items

Each item must be packed securely to protect it from potential damage during transit. Depending on the nature of your goods, choose appropriate padding and containers to absorb shock and prevent breakage. Investing in quality packing materials will protect your items and ultimately save money by preventing costly damage.

2. Palletizing your freight

Once your items are packed, the next step is palletizing them. Proper palletizing ensures that your shipment remains stable throughout the journey. Stack the heaviest items at the bottom and use slip sheets, stretch wrap and straps to secure everything in place and minimize movement during transit.

3. Measuring and weighing

Accurate measurements and weights are crucial for avoiding unexpected fees or delays. Incorrect estimations could result in pricing adjustments by the carrier. Measure and weigh your freight shipment precisely and enter these details in the required documentation.

At Unishippers, we offer personalized advice on how to properly package and palletize your LTL freight based on the type of goods you're shipping. Our team can help you select the right materials and equipment to ensure your shipment is both secure and cost-effective when packaging freight.

Getting Your Freight Classified Correctly

One of the most critical steps in preparing your LTL shipping is freight classification. Classifying your freight correctly ensures you avoid unnecessary fees and delays, and helps you get the best shipping rate.

Freight classification refers to the system of National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) codes used to categorize shipments based on their size, weight and value. These codes determine the correct pricing and help ensure you're charged fairly. Note that freight classification is going through a major change effective this summer. You can read about those changes here!

It's imperative that your freight shipments are properly packaged and labeled with the correct freight class. In fact, the carrier has the right to inspect the freight and verify the information, so mislabeling and improper packaging could result in adjusted pricing, extra fees and delays.

Additionally, the cubic size of shipments plays a crucial role in determining the freight class, as it directly influences the density and overall space a shipment occupies. Larger cubic sizes may result in a higher freight class, leading to higher shipping costs due to the increased space and potential handling requirements. Just another reason to ensure you are properly packaging your freight!

Unsure you've chosen the right freight class? Misclassifying your freight can be costly, so it's essential to get it right. When you work with Unishippers, you can contact us for assistance in working through NMFC guidelines.

Insure Your Freight for Peace of Mind

Even with the best freight packaging and preparation, accidents can happen. Whether your goods are lost, damaged or delayed, having insurance coverage ensures you're not left with the full financial burden.

While most freight carriers offer limited liability coverage, it often falls short of the total value of your shipment. That's why we offer ProfitProtect™ freight insurance, administered by UPS Capital^®, which provides coverage up to the full invoice value of your shipment. This added layer of protection offers peace of mind, knowing your goods are covered, no matter what happens during transit.

Access Expert Freight Shipping Support

Shipping LTL freight doesn't have to be overwhelming. By partnering with Unishippers, you gain access to a team of shipping experts who provide valuable advice on everything from freight packaging guidelines to selecting the best carriers for your needs. We are dedicated to serving small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), which means we understand your unique challenges. Unishippers is made up of franchises which are small businesses just like you!

Our team will help you evaluate your current shipping processes, identify areas for improvement, and guide you in choosing the right LTL freight carrier. We also stay up to date with the latest shipping regulations and standards to ensure your shipments comply with industry requirements.

Bonus Tips: How To Save on Freight Shipping Costs

Freight shipping costs — beyond proper freight packaging — can quickly add up if you're not careful. To help keep expenses in check while ensuring timely and safe deliveries, consider these key strategies:

• Freight audit: Unishippers conducts thorough freight audits to pinpoint savings opportunities and optimize your shipping and packaging processes.
• Freight rate tips: Download our comprehensive tips sheet to discover effective ways to save on freight rates and maximize efficiency.
• Spot vs. contract rates: Learn the differences between spot and contract rates to determine which option is best for your business's shipping needs.

Unishippers Can Help You With Freight Packaging Guidelines and Beyond

The process of preparing LTL shipping doesn't have to be a hassle — that includes packaging freight. With Unishippers, you get access to expert guidance, cutting-edge tools and personalized support to make your freight shipments smooth, efficient and cost-effective.

Ready to start shipping smarter? Contact us today to learn how we can help optimize your freight packaging and LTL freight processes. We have the right solutions to ensure your goods get where they need to go — on time and in perfect condition.

Reach out for a free consultation today!