Are you wondering how to prepare a freight shipment? When running a business, getting your product shipped can be an overwhelming endeavor, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. But with the right preparation and packaging, you can ensure that your cargo arrives at its final destination safely, securely, and on time.
Our experts at MC Carrier LLC will walk you through 7 easy steps to prepare your freight for shipping, from assessing your shipment requirements to tracking your shipment and communicating with the carrier. Whether you’re shipping across the state or across the U.S, these step-by-step instructions will help you package and label your cargo correctly, prepare the necessary documentation, and ensure that your shipment is delivered smoothly without any hassles along the way.
These 7 Easy Steps to prepare your freight shipment takes the guesswork out of shipping freight.
- Assess your shipment requirements
- Choose the right packaging materials
- Follow packaging guidelines
- Label your shipment clearly
- Verify documentation to prepare freight shipment
- Schedule your shipment pickup or delivery
- Track your shipment with the shipping company
Now Let’s take a closer look at our freight shipping guide and get into each step in more detail to help you properly prepare freight shipments.
7 Time-Saving Steps to Prepare Your Freight Shipment
1. Assess your shipment requirements.
The first step is to determine the requirements of your shipment. This includes factors such as the size, weight, fragility, and value of your cargo. You will also need to consider the shipping method you require. For example, if your shipment is time-sensitive, you may need to use expedited shipping for your freight. If your shipment is oversized or heavy, you may need to use our specialized services.
It’s important to find a freight shipping company that has a variety of shipment options. No matter the type of shipment you have to make, MC Carrier LLC has a creative solution to meet your needs. Some of the shipment solutions we offer include the following:
- Full Truckload (FT) and Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight shipping
- Temperature-controlled shipping
- Expedited shipping services (for quick transit times)
- Hazardous materials transport
- Specialized shipping services (open deck, step deck, double drop) for oversized and overweight cargo
It’s important to know the exact weight and dimensions of your shipment in order to help you select the right shipping method.
2. Choose the right packaging material.
Once you have determined the requirements of your shipment, you will need to select the appropriate packaging materials. This includes choosing the right type and size of box, crate, pallet, or container to securely hold your cargo. You will also need to choose the right type of packing materials, such as bubble wrap, foam, or packing peanuts to cushion your items and prevent them from moving during transit.
It’s important to consider the type of goods being shipped before selecting the appropriate packing materials. Depending on the types of products you are dealing with, you will want to ensure your items are packaged properly to help you avoid damage to your product.
Pallet freight shipping is a common packing tool for shipping goods to prevent a lot of damaged freight. Pallets are designed to be lifted and moved by forklifts or pallet jacks and because of this special handling, it helps to make sure your goods are handled with care. So when it comes to shipping, pallet shipping is a popular choice for safe transportation.
To fill a pallet for shipping, follow these steps:
- Choose the right pallet: Make sure to select a pallet that is the appropriate size and weight capacity for your shipment. You must choose a pallet that is strong enough to support everything correctly. Pallets can come in wood or plastic, wood tends to be stronger and plastic stands up better to moisture, so choose accordingly. The last thing you want is to have your items arrive damaged because you selected the wrong pallet size.
- Stack your items: Stack your items in a stable and secure manner, making sure that the weight is distributed evenly across the pallet. Avoid overloading the pallet, as this can cause instability and increase the risk of damage during transportation. Be sure that you’ve followed packaging guidelines to ensure that everything is evenly distributed in the pallet.
- Secure the items: Use stretch wrap or strapping to secure your items to the pallet. This will prevent them from shifting or falling off when being transported from point A to point B.
- Label the pallet: Clearly label the pallet with the shipping address and any necessary handling instructions. This will ensure that your shipment is handled properly during transportation. Ensure the shipping label is legible and easy to read, and use block lettering rather than cursive. If your freight is fragile, it is important to label your pallet “do not stack.”
- Consider using additional protective materials: Depending on the nature of your shipment, you may want to use additional protective materials such as foam or bubble wrap to prevent damage during transit. If you are shipping boxes, ensure you have stacked your boxes in columns which makes them less susceptible to damage and can save you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs.
- Avoid overhang: If boxes or cartons overhang a pallet, it can cause instability and increase the risk of damage during transportation. Overhanging cartons can shift or fall off the pallet, causing damage to the products and potentially harming individuals involved in the shipping process. Overhanging cartons can also cause issues during the loading and unloading of the pallet, as they may need to fit properly onto the truck or may be difficult to maneuver with a forklift or pallet jack. To avoid these issues, it is important to properly stack and secure cartons on a pallet, ensuring they are evenly distributed and not overhung. If you encounter an overhanging carton on a pallet, it is best to reposition it so that it is fully supported by the pallet or remove it and place it in a separate shipment.
By following these steps, you can properly palletize your shipping and ensure that your shipment arrives at its destination safely and securely. If you are unsure of the best practices for shipping your particular type of freight, call customer service at MC Carrier LLC., and we’d be happy to assist you.
3. Follow packaging guidelines
When you ship freight, it is essential to secure your shipment properly to prevent damage or loss during transit. This includes using straps, bands, or stretch wrap to secure your cargo to the pallet or container. You may also need to use blocking and bracing materials such as wooden blocks or airbags to prevent your items from shifting during transit.
Once your shipment is ready to be loaded into a truck, your freight carrier will use a secure method of loading called Interlocking. Your pallets are stacked and secured together in a way that ensures their stability and safety during transportation. Goods are interlocked to prevent the shifting or movement of packages and pallets during transit to avoid damage to your goods.
MC Carrier will properly stack all packages and pallets in a way that distributes weight evenly and uses the full surface area of the pallet or transportation vehicle. This can include using methods such as block stacking or using interlocking patterns to maximize stability. We do this to ensure the safety and security of their shipments, minimize the risk of damage, and reduce the potential for injury or harm to individuals involved in the shipping process.
4. Label your freight shipment clearly
Proper labeling ensures your shipment is delivered to the correct destination. This includes labeling each package with the recipient’s name, address, and contact information, as well as the weight and dimensions of the package. You should also include the following information:
- Details of exactly what is being shipped
- Handling instructions or special requirements, such as fragile or hazardous materials
- Use clear, legible font
- Avoid hand-written or cursive lettering
5. Verify documents to prepare freight shipments
Before shipping your freight, you will need to verify that you have all the required documentation, such as a bill of lading or customs documents. You will also need to prepare any necessary paperwork, such as a commercial invoice or export declaration, or BOL (Bill of Lading), which is a legal document used in shipping to detail the goods being transported from one location to another. The BOL serves as a receipt of shipment and a contract between the shipper and the carrier, outlining the terms and conditions of your transportation agreement.
Make sure that all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays or fines. If you are unsure what documentation is needed, contact your shipper and they will assist you. The team at MC Carrier LLC. are experienced freight shippers and are happy to help ensure you are prepared properly for your freight transportation.
6. Schedule your shipment pickup or delivery
Once your shipment is packaged and labeled, you will need to schedule a pickup or delivery with your freight carrier. You will want to provide clear instructions for pick up and delivery, including the date, time, and location. You should also confirm the shipping rate and any additional fees or surcharges.
When your shipment arrives at its destination terminal, MC Carrier will contact you and arrange a time for pick-up. Typically you will need to meet the driver in person to assess the shipment for damage and sign the delivery receipt. Most shipping companies will give a 2-4 hour window for pick up during typical business hours, Monday through Friday. But once again, it’s always a good idea to contact your carrier directly to ask these questions prior to arranging a freight shipment.
7. Track your shipment with the shipping company
Finally, you should track your shipment to monitor its progress and ensure timely delivery. Some carrier services, like MC Carrier LLC provide live GPS tracking information that you can access through online tools to monitor your shipment in real-time. If you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, communicate with freight services as soon as possible to address any issues and ensure a smooth delivery.
If you follow MC Carrier’s easy guide to freight shipping, preparing a pallet for shipment is a stress-free process. Each business is unique and some freight may require specialized shipping preparation, such as oversized or overweight cargo and temperature-sensitive freight. But generally, this guide gives you the key steps that are important to prepare when shipping standard cargo. In order to help with your business success and to prevent loss or damage to your freight, follow these steps or contact MC Carrier to learn more about how to prepare your freight for shipment.
MC Carrier’s Easy Guide to Freight Shipping- For Business Success
Preparing a freight shipment may seem daunting, but it can be an easy and straightforward process when you have the right tools for success. By following MC Carrier’s 7 steps, you can ensure that your shipment arrives at its destination safely and on time. Remember to properly package your items, choose the best carrier in the freight industry, MC Carrier LLC., and track your shipment throughout its journey. Shipping with us can minimize the stress and headaches that can come with freight shipping.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on your next freight shipment and put these tips into practice. Contact MC Carrier today to get a quote for FREE!
