“8 Tips for Preparing Your Cargo for International Shipping
Returns due to damage in transit can be a huge burden in terms of time and money for businesses that ship internationally. Here are 8 tips for preparing your shipment for international package shipping using a global package delivery service.
1. Make sure your goods are ready for the pressures of international shipping
At first, you will need to check the safety of goods in the journey. It is not only about secure packing, but the goods should withstand the pressures of international shipping. So, you should make sure that the items are arranged in a way that they do not crush down.
You never know what the other cargo contains that’s kept with your cargo in the container. So, choose sturdy and strong boxes. In most international deliveries, they use forklifts to load and unload the goods. This makes the handling procedure more complicated. If the goods are being shipped by air, you should ensure that the cargo can withstand tilting and some swaying in case of disturbance, turbulence, and landing process.
2. Choose suitable packaging materials for cargo transportation
For those who use ocean freight for international shipments, using containers received from a carrier or private leasing company is nothing new. This is a great option for sea containers as they are capable of carrying most of the available cargo.
Global ocean freight is different – ocean freight is heavier than air freight, but care must be taken to protect it. In most cases, normal quality packaging is acceptable if this is related to preserving the goods you send. Finally, shipping costs are summed up by volume and weight – an industry that facilitates easy exporting has sprung up to deal with this, using lightweight materials to package items without adding weight restrictions. You can save on international shipping by packing your shipments in a way that minimizes bulk and weight while protecting your shipments.
3. Don’t ignore the inner packaging
We have already discussed the importance of packaging materials. Now, with crates and pallets to protect your cargo, it emphasizes the importance of never underestimating the importance of packaging. The use of foam peanuts and durable air cushion support is an appreciable way to cover vacant space in a parcel box – a greater focus on internal packing of high-priority and fragile goods to reduce the available space inside the box. No matter how tough or durable your box looks, if you put small or fragile items in it without using the surrounding space, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a damaged and destroyed box at a later stage. This can be a very vulnerable possibility if the shipment is supposed to travel long distances and be handled by multiple employees. In this case, the most likely chance of destroying the item. A box-in-box strategy can also be used, where the box containing the goods is placed in a larger box and the vacant space around it is filled. Another important tip to note is the use of H-tape, where the edges and closures of the box are closed with wrapping tape to prevent any damage during handling and shipping.
4. Check the maximum weight of the cargo
It is important to weigh your shipment and make sure you choose the right package for the weight and size of your shipment. Choose a box or crate that can’t handle the weight of the item, which is more likely to cause packaging damage and accidents when shipping the goods.
This is especially important if you’re sending large or heavy packages, which are heavy and require boxes or crates and protectors designed to handle heavier shipments. That way they can get from A to B intact, rather than compromising on weaker packaging that just “”gets the job done”” but falls short when the customer receives the delivery.
5. Choose function over appearance
There are many packaging options that prioritize appearance over protection. Softer packaging such as sacks and baskets are gaining popularity in many industries. While customers may like how the goods are delivered, it makes little sense if the contents inside are completely damaged or broken.
If you’re considering fancier or softer packaging, make sure the packaging protects the item first. It’s not just about the walls of the package, but how the entire package is held and held together to prevent tampering or theft.
When shipping internationally, consider shipping the shipment to a temporary destination in sturdy packaging. The cargo can then be packed closer to the destination in softer but protective packaging to ensure the cargo is protected for as many journeys as possible.
6.Check shipping restrictions
Before shipping, it is really important to check shipping restrictions. There might be some restrictions for safety concerns and other reasons.
7. Prepare doc what shipping needed, basically invoice and packing list
Do not forget to prepare the required shipping documents before shipping. The mandatory documents include a packing list, invoice and import/export customs declaration. Air or Rail waybill, certificates, arrival notice, certificate of origin, and letter of credit are also required. An invoice is a very important document needed in the customs clearance process. A packing list is also an important document having information on the packing of the shipment. It also contains the numbers and marks noted outside the boxes.
8. Listen to your customers
Finally, and most importantly – listen to your customers! Check out review sites and feedback from your own customers about your international delivery service. If a customer tells you that the item arrived damaged or missing, go the extra mile to understand why your packaging might not be working and make improvements.
Don’t assume your packaging is good just because you haven’t heard anything from your customers either. While the item may be undamaged, the packaging may have been worn, soaked, or torn in transit, even if they don’t ask for a refund.
Knowing your customers is especially important if you are considering launching a new product with potentially complex packaging requirements. Knowing your weaknesses and where your current packaging falls short can help you plan and prevent the loss of new products.”
