Every year, companies lose billions of dollars in merchandise during shipment.
Most of the time, this is due to freight not being properly bonded to their pallets. However, sometimes a faulty load due to incorrect stacking is not the problem, but rather an issue with the actual packaging of the product.
Making sure that the packaging process is done correctly will decrease the risk of unnecessary on-the-job injuries for truck drivers and unloading personnel.
Load Damage is Avoidable
There are steps you can take that can help reduce load damage.
We've put together the most feasible ones that you can begin implementing today, ensuring product safety.
1. Know Your Pallets
It sounds simple, but knowing your pallets is at the top of the list because it is so important.
Make sure that before loading every freight, every pallet is checked for broken or faulty planks, nails, and missing support blocks.
This is a packaging solution that will prevent pallets to collapse when weight is put on it.
It is also a way to avoid product damages and employee injuries when loading and unloading.
2. Wrap Pallets Correctly
This solution means you should take the time to stack and wrap each pallet.
Figure out the best way to stack and load so the freight can get to its final destination without any issues.
This stage is also the where you take a moment to search for the best packaging supplies.
Boxes and wraps that will help create a more stable load while stacking the pallets.
3. Run Some Numbers
Make sure that the pallets can hold the weight of your merchandise.
Decreasing the weight of each pallet not only saves the energy of your employees, but also helps prevent merchandise damage.
You can also check the Maximum Load per Carton that each of your boxes can carry with a simple Edge Crush Test.
Taking time to calculate the weight capabilities of your pallets and boxes may seem cumbersome and time consuming during your shipping process, but it can save you thousands per year in damaged product.
Taking the time to check off these steps will be the packaging solutions you have been searching for to reduce your load damage.
Think of it this way: why take the risk of damage when there are simple, affordable and effective ways to increase your chances of the freight arriving safely?