Freight shipping is the backbone of any successful supply chain, yet even experienced businesses can fall into common traps that increase costs, delay deliveries, or cause damage to goods. At Accurate Logistics, we’ve seen firsthand how simple adjustments can help businesses avoid costly freight shipping mistakes. Below, we outline the top five mistakes and provide practical solutions to ensure your freight operations run smoothly.
1. Freight Shipping Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Shipping Method (LTL vs. FTL)
One of the most common mistakes in freight shipping is selecting the wrong transportation method. Many businesses fail to differentiate between Less-than-Truckload (LTL) and Full Truckload (FTL), leading to inefficiency, higher costs, or delays.
Solution: Understand the difference between LTL and FTL. LTL shipping is ideal for smaller shipments that don’t require a full truck, while FTL is the best choice for large, time-sensitive deliveries. To dive deeper into this topic, check out our article on LTL vs. FTL Shipping: What’s the Difference and Which is Right for You?.
Accurate Logistics offers both LTL and FTL solutions, ensuring you always have the right option for your shipping needs. We recommend discussing your specific requirements with our team to choose the most cost-effective and time-efficient solution.
2. Freight Shipping Mistake #2: Inaccurate Freight Classification
Freight classification impacts shipping rates and the handling of your goods. Using the wrong freight class can result in unexpected charges, delivery delays, or disputes with carriers.
Solution: Always verify your freight classification using National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) codes, which account for factors like weight, dimensions, and fragility. Accurate Logistics can assist with classifying your freight properly to avoid penalties and ensure smooth shipping.
Freight Capacity Planning: How to Optimize Your Supply Chain During Peak Seasons is a great read to help you plan more effectively and avoid such pitfalls.
3. Freight Shipping Mistake #3: Not Packaging Shipments Correctly
Improper packaging is another frequent mistake that leads to damaged goods and shipping delays. Fragile items or oversized products require special attention to ensure they arrive in good condition.
Solution: Use the appropriate packaging materials based on the type of goods being shipped. This includes using pallets, protective wraps, and reinforced boxes. For more detailed insights into how packaging affects your logistics, read our post on Third-Party Logistics (3PL) vs. In-House Logistics: Which is Right for Your Business?, which covers the impact of packaging and supply chain decisions.
At Accurate Logistics, we offer expert advice on best packaging practices, ensuring your goods are safe from damage during transit. Need help preparing your next shipment? Contact us for packaging guidelines.
4. Freight Shipping Mistake #4: Overlooking Freight Documentation
Accurate and complete shipping documents are crucial, especially for international shipments. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to costly delays and customs issues.
Solution: Always ensure that shipping documents, such as the bill of lading, commercial invoices, and packing lists, are accurate and up to date. Using an automated Transportation Management System (TMS), like the one provided by Accurate Logistics, can help you keep track of all necessary documents, streamlining the entire process from booking to invoicing. For more tips on optimizing your logistics operations, check out our post on Freight Capacity Planning.
5. Freight Shipping Mistake #5: Ignoring Hidden Costs (Accessorial Charges)
Many businesses are caught off guard by hidden fees, such as fuel surcharges, lift gate services, or residential delivery fees. These accessorial charges can significantly impact your bottom line if not accounted for.
Solution: Always request a detailed quote from your carrier that includes potential accessorial charges. Accurate Logistics provides transparent pricing to help you plan effectively. Our automated TMS system also allows you to get accurate quotes and manage your freight expenses, avoiding any surprise charges. For more information on cost-saving strategies, read our article on Freight Brokerage Services.
Avoid These Mistakes with Accurate Logistics Group
At Accurate Logistics, we understand that avoiding freight shipping mistakes can mean the difference between a smooth delivery and a costly mishap. By choosing the right shipping method, ensuring proper documentation, and leveraging automated tools, you can streamline your logistics operations and save time and money.
Ready to optimize your freight shipping process? Contact Accurate Logistics today for expert advice and services tailored to your business needs. Whether you need LTL, FTL, or help with packaging and freight documentation, we’ve got you covered.