Introduction
According to Handy, it is important to properly prepare for shipping items via ocean freight in order to avoid damaging the goods in transit and risking a return of goods. There are a lot of things that you need to consider that can help you execute the shipping as smoothly as possible.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips that you can follow for shipping items by ocean freight:
- Ensure that your goods are ready for the freight journey – It is crucial to make sure whether your goods would survive the pressure of international shipping. This means they should be stackable, especially in the case of Concol, LCL, and Groupage cargo since they would be placed alongside, against, or on top of other cargos. The cargo should also be prepared to withstand handling via forklifts.
Lastly, the package should be prepared to handle the motion of the ocean. This includes the following:
- Heave
- Yaw
- Surge
- Pitch
- Sway
- Roll
- Acknowledge an accurate shipping quote – It’s vital to get an accurate shipping quote to avoid unnecessary troubles in the future. The easiest way to get an accurate shipping quote is to choose an experienced shipper with a good reputation and provide details that are as accurate as possible. These include providing information about the size and weight of the goods that need to be shipped, the delivery requirements, packaging materials needed, and more.
- Invest in good packaging – Additional investment in good packaging is well worth the investment, especially when you consider how much time and money it can save you when shipping delicate goods overseas which are more susceptible to being damaged. At the minimum, you should invest in reinforced or double-walled parcel boxes or two-layers of corrugated cardboard boxes since they are available in a wide variety of weight capacities and sizes and can prove to be adequate for many types of goods.
To improve the structural security when you ship larger or heavier goods, consider palletizing or crating your goods. Using edge protectors and paperboard can further improve the odds of preventing any damage. Finally, shrink wrapping or banding and strapping your goods can help protect them against rain and bad weather.
- Consider shipment insurance – You should never underestimate the risk of your cargo getting damaged during international shipping due to any accidents or even stolen. The best way to reduce your losses in such cases is to prepare beforehand and opt for cargo insurance. Although cargo insurance for international shipments is more expensive, it can cover any losses you incur due to theft or accidents while it is in transit and help you save a lot of money.
Make sure to inform your carrier that you have shipment insurance if you have one when you are asking for a quote.
Conclusion
Handy suggests you document everything to provide an accurate and complete commercial invoice and bill of lading. It would allow you to avoid unnecessary hassles and delays during customs inspection.
