Freight Damages: Understanding the Most Common Causes and Prevention Measures (2024)

Freight damages can be a major headache for businesses that rely on shipping their products to customers. Not only do damages lead to customer complaints, but they also result in time-consuming and costly returns, as well as reduced profits. Understanding the most common causes of freight damages and how to prevent them can help businesses keep their products in good condition during transit.

1. Overhang: Overhang occurs when the weight of a product extends beyond the pallet it is sitting on. This can result in crushing, bending, or other types of damage during transit.
2. Improper Packaging: Improper packaging, such as not having enough cushioning, banding too tightly or not securing items properly, can lead to damage during transit.
3. Double-Stacking: Double-stacking involves stacking two or more pallets on top of each other. This can lead to crushing or other types of damage if the weight of the upper pallet is not distributed evenly.
4. Forklift Damages: Forklifts are often used to move pallets from one place to another. However, if the driver is inexperienced or in a rush, they may drop the pallet or damage it in other ways.

To prevent these types of damages, it is important to take a few simple steps. First, ensure that your products are packaged properly and securely. Use ample cushioning and wrap items in protective materials. Additionally, it is important to distribute the weight of your products evenly, so that they do not overhang the pallet.

If your commodity is high value or fragile, you will likely want to avoid LTL carriers. LTL carriers are less reliable than other carriers because they consolidate multiple shipments into one truck and utilize a hub-and-spoke network that often requires multiple touchpoints. The increased handling increases the risk of damage because the shipments are moved multiple times and are often stacked on top of each other. By using a carrier that moves direct to destination, you can ensure that your products are transported from the shipper to the recipient, reducing the risk of damage during transit. The tradeoff is cost however it is necessary for certain products.

In conclusion, understanding the most common causes of freight damages and taking steps to prevent them is essential for businesses. Proper packaging, distributing weight evenly, and avoiding low-cost carriers are just a few of the measures that can help keep your products safe during transit.