As you prepare your shipment, whether it’s cargo or small parcel, your goal is to get your goods from point A to point B in the safest and most economical way possible. One factor that many shippers underestimate is the importance of correct weight. Over and underweight cargo can be dangerous to your supply chain, and it may cause a variety of problems for your goods. Here's why.
The Dangers of an Overweight Container
Overweight shipments are the most common weight-related problem for many companies. When a shipment is overweight, it increases risk all along the transportation supply chain. Cargo ships, for instance, must be loaded in precise manners to ensure the most stable balance that can endure the rigors of sailing and weather events. If a particular container is too heavy, it throws off this balance and can be a hidden danger.
In addition, a shipment that is too heavy can affect the stability of — or even crush — stacked and stored containers. It may even cause damage to equipment not rated to manage such a heavy load. And if your shipment needs to travel via multiple forms of transport — such as from truck to train to cargo ship — different modes will have different weight rules and issues that must be adhered to.
While it may seem like an overweight shipment is a worry for the carriers, the shipper faces risks as well. Unexpected weight problems put your cargo at greater risk of damage and destruction along the way. It can also delay shipments if the cargo is reweighed along the route and found to be mismatched to what is declared. You may also risk extra fees and accessorial charges if not protected by the right liability.
The Dangers of an Underweight Container
Can an underweight container be a problem too? Yes, in fact it creates the same potential hazard for loading and transporting that an overweight one does. If the load is lighter in some areas than is expected, the stability of the entire load is in danger. Tractor-trailers, for instance, already face natural dangers such as road vibration, slick roads, and slippage. These are made worse if the load may not be balanced, giving the vehicle the weight needed for safe passage.
If calculations are done based on the declared and expected weights of cargo, incorrect numbers affect how much will be loaded and shipped at any given time. If the number of containers placed on a ship is calculated based on weight and some of these containers actually weigh less, some other containers may be left behind unnecessarily. Yours may be one of them, or you can cause delays for others.
Finally, there is a financial cost to declaring a heavier weight than is actual. Shipments are generally billed based on factors like dimensions, special needs, and weight. You will end up paying more than you need to if your cargo is lighter than you think or say.
The Way to Ensure the Right Weight
The best way to resolve issues with weight is to work with an experienced and reputable 3PL (3rd Party Logistics service) like JBS. We know the rules and best practices regarding weight during each type of transportation, how to correctly account for both heavy and light loads, and how to avoid extra charges and wrongful liability.
JBS Logistics is ready to help. Our logistics pros and team of knowledgeable carriers will work with you to ensure accuracy and safety no matter what route your goods take to their destination. Call today to learn more.
