Tips to avoid shipping loss, damage, and claims

Unlike small parcel shipping via Fed EX or UPS, shipping freight has a much higher likelihood of damage. Trucking companies pack lots of different types of freight onto lots of different trailers using forklifts and other heavy equipment, creating a harsh and dirty environment for freight. Other shipments will be packed around and on top of your shipment; so all freight shipments should be packaged very carefully. All shipments should be palletized and wrapped in plastic, at a minimum. Most shipments should be fully crated in order to ensure a damage free delivery. Shippers typically ask the carrier or intermediary for the specific packaging requirements for each shipment – then exceed those requirements. Also, since shipments may be reloaded several times, it is important that the packaging has all of the shipper and consignee info clearly noted on at least two sides of the shipment. Filing claims with freight companies is a huge hassle and claims are almost always denied; so shippers typically do as much as possible to avoid freight claims.