How to Prepare Goods for LTL Shipping
Your high school coach might’ve told you that if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.
Don’t worry, we won’t make you run laps, but we are here to coach you on that same lesson when dealing with LTL freight shipping.
Preparing your shipments correctly is crucial to protecting both your cargo and your pocketbook. Otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with avoidable replacement and adjustment fees in your final bill.
So, here are best practices when preparing your items for LTL shipping.
How to prepare for shipping less-than-truckload
Calculating Dimensions
LTL carriers must know the dimensions of your shipment to calculate metrics like density, which affect pricing for you, the shipper. As such, you’ll need to provide accurate measurements for length, width, and height (rounded up to the nearest inch), as well as weight. Make sure to include packaging in these measurements, as freight carriers consider that as part of your shipment.
The key consideration in this process is accuracy. Accurate measurements could mean the difference between having your goods placed in one shipping class versus a more expensive one. They will also help you avoid costly adjustments as the carrier reviews your shipment.
Presenting Documentation
LTL carriers need certain information from you, including your name, the name of the recipient, the shipping address, the date of shipment, the number of units being shipped, the packaging type, a description of the freight, freight class, freight dimensions, total value, and if you can believe it, a few more items. All of this information will be recorded in a Bill of Lading, (BOL), which you should have prepared for the carrier when they pick up the shipment.
Failure to present this document will delay your shipment, bottlenecking the supply chain, and perhaps lead to additional fees so make sure to complete it in advance.
Packaging and Labeling
Typically, the higher the density of your shipment, the lower the price you pay to ship. One way to maximize the density of your shipment is through packaging your cargo efficiently.
The most efficient method of packaging is using pallets and crates to arrange your shipment into the shape of a cube. Doing so helps to reduce the measurements of your shipment and can improve your pricing.
When packaging items, make sure to place heavier material on the bottom and lighter material towards the top. And of course, apply a stretch wrap or similar material to secure the load and mitigate the risk of damage.
As for labeling, a Bill of Lading should be attached to the packaged freight along with any notation for handling the goods, such as “Fragile”. It’s also good practice to include a label on each handling unit of the shipment.
Be Prepared
By following the guide above, you’ll make sure that your shipment is ready for loading, which carriers expect upon arriving for pickup.
Shipments that are not ready risk missing a carrier’s window for loading shipments, which can be short in the LTL freight shipping world. In fact, many carriers will refuse to wait for you or may charge extra for an additional pickup attempt.
Don’t fail to prepare, or else we might make you run laps (just kidding!).