Shipment of freight is not always as easy as it sounds especially if you are new to it. Whether you are an organization or just an individual planning to send out large goods, it is crucial to plan your freight shipment properly.
Right from the packaging of the product to documentation, it is most important to get it right in every detail. The following guide will give you a clear concept of how to prepare a shipment for freight shipping.
What is Freight Shipping?
Let’s begin with a brief explanation of freight shipping components is so that the preparation steps will make more sense. freight shipping is designed for large and heavy shipments. Modes available comprise trucking, air, water, or rail transportation.
whereas parcel delivery is the transportation of small packages and small volumes of shipments. Depending on the item's size and volume, the process may be more complicated and, therefore, require detailed preparation.
10 Steps To Prepare Shipment For Shipping
Below are the 10 steps of how you can prepare your shipment. Follow them to make a successful shipment.
Step 1: Choose the Right Packing
The packaging is essential in the process since it helps to ensure that your goods do not get damaged during the transport process. Make sure to use tough materials like pallets, crates, or heavy-duty boxes to pack your shipment. Normal pallets are ideal for carrying freight since they offer a solid platform and are arrangeable on trucks.
Pallet sizes are normally 48 x 40 inches, which is standard in most cases of shipping. Nevertheless, it is always wise to measure the pallets according to the requirements of the specific application.
If you are shipping large items such as machinery or equipment, it might be wise to use custom packaging like crates that can bear the pallet weight and can also guard your shipment from getting damaged. The packaging should be able to tolerate the vibration during transport, say through the trucks or the machinery of transport.
Step 2: The Pallet Should be Secured Properly
After your items have been packed, make sure they are well secured on the pallet. Secure all parts in place with shrink wrap or banding. This makes sure that the items do not move when transporting them from one place to another.
For instance, FedEx pallet shipping services suggest that your goods should be well-wrapped and evenly distributed to prevent them from being damaged. Ensure that no other parts of the load extend beyond the pallet sides because this may cause handling issues.
Step 3: Use of Freight Class Calculator
The shipping cost is dependent on the freight class, which is in turn defined by the NMFC codes. Freight class is determined by things such as density, weight, and product type. It is crucial to use flat shipping rates to identify the right freight class for the shipment.
It is critical for this step because failure to label the correct freight class can result in either an improper rate or a slow shipment.
Step 4: Calculate Freight Rates
Once you have decided on the freight class, the next step is to arrive at the freight rates. Freight cost estimator or get a freight quote from your service provider. The price will depend on the cost of freight shipping, the weight of the items, and the distance they are to be shipped.
For instance, if you are using FedEx freight services, you can easily calculate the cost of the service online using the freight rate calculator.
Step 5: Prepare the Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading is one of the most important documents in freight shipments. It is a legal agreement between you and the carrier and contains information about the type of cargo, its weight, and its location.
For FedEx freight, you can conveniently complete your Bill of Lading FedEx with the help of helpful online tools. Crosscheck all the details on the Bill of Lading to ensure that none are missing and there is no confusion when the shipment is underway.
Step 6: Arrange a Freight Pick-Up
When you have your shipment ready for packing, you need to arrange a pickup. For FedEx freight customers, you can visit their website to arrange for FedEx freight pickup. Just specify the weight, size, and delivery location. If you are shipping FedEx freight to an international location, verify that the necessary customs documents have been provided.
If you want a cheaper service when scheduling a pickup, go for the FedEx freight economy. FedEx freight services can be categorized as economy, and priority depending on the required delivery time for the Shipment.
Step 7: Label and Mark Your Shipment
It is essential to label your shipment to guarantee that it ends up in the right place. Ensure that your parcel has clear shipment labels which may contain the delivery address, your address, and contact details.
If you are sending a freight through FedEx, make sure that you have the FedEx freightlabel attached properly. Furthermore, if your items are easily breakable or are sensitive, ensure that this is stated on the packaging.
Step 8: Packaging and Shipping:
This is the 8th stage where you should ensure that every aspect of the shipment is correct. Ensure that all the paperwork including the Bill of Lading, customs documents, and others are well organized. Check on the merits of the packaging, the stability of the items, and the clarity of the labels.
When shipping FedEx freight internationally, make sure that it meets the customs regulations and that the documentation is proper. This assists in avoiding situations where one is held at customs or has to pay charges that they would not have faced otherwise.
Step 9: Track Your Shipment
Once your shipment has been picked up, it is important to keep track of its Location. Being a carrier of freight, FedEx has a tracking system through which one can track the status of his consignment.
This is particularly helpful for cross-country or several-day shipments where delays can take place. Monitoring the tracking information is important so one is prepared for any complications that may arise.
Step 10: Delivery
After your shipment has been dispatched, ensure the recipient is in a position to take delivery of the shipment. When shipping more products, particularly through FedEx LTL shipping, make sure that the delivery place has the necessary equipment to offload the freight such as forklifts.
You can also schedule with the recipient to ensure that they have adequate space and equipment to manage the delivery at specific time intervals.
Conclusion
To summarize, preparing your shipment for freight shipping does not have to be a confusing process. By following some measures including selecting proper packages, protecting your shipment, completing forms, and determining costs, you will be able to ship your freight with success.
Whether you are transporting bulky products such as machinery or small items, using professional services like FedEx freight is beneficial.
FAQs
1: What must be the first action taken when preparing a shipment for freight shipping?
Make sure your products are well packed and with the right labels to avoid getting damaged during transportation.
2: What measures should I take to avoid shifting items during transportation?
Provide sufficient cushions, binding, and support to ensure your cargo does not move around too much.
3. What information is included on a freight shipping label?
Enter the shipper and the receiver’s addresses, shipment weight and dimensions, and any special instructions regarding its handling.
4. What steps can I take to ensure that freight shipping charges are correct?
Make sure you give the right weight, dimensions, and classification of the shipment for it to be properly handled.
5: Why is it necessary to declare hazardous materials in a shipment?
Labeling of hazardous materials ensures that the regulations are followed and any risks that may be posed to handlers or the environment are avoided.
