When it comes to transporting goods, there are plenty of things to consider. Here are some great tips to help make sure you can transport your goods safely and effectively.
Find the right transport company
Finding the right company for goods transportation - There are many factors to consider here but it’s important that you find a company that you trust, that has a solid reputation in transporting goods and knows about your requirements. If, for example, you need to transport fresh food produce then working with a company that has refrigerated transport equipment and experience in the industry will really help.
Make sure you have the right insurance
Accidents happen and things can go wrong and while these things can sometimes be out of your control, you can control if you have the insurance to cover any loss of assets or other factors that may cost you. Your freight company may have coverage. Check exactly what that covers and that it covers your goods from end to end, and not just for part of the transportation process if your goods need to be transferred, for example, from a lorry to a freight ship.
Fun fact:
At any point in time, there are about 20 million shipping containers making their journey across the seas! Transporting goods by road and by sea is an established business but risks of damage and loss of goods will always be a possibility, no matter how small.
Source: freightcenter.com
Have the cross-border documentation organised
If you are wanting goods to be transported to another country, then import/export documentation may be needed. Make sure you have all the right documentation ready in time.
Pack and protect your goods
Ensure your goods are packed in a way that’s safe and protected - Loading and unloading goods always carries a risk of packaging knocking against the edges of containers and whilst your transport company should take the highest level of care with your goods, it’s worth properly protecting your shipment.
Make sure that your goods are packaged safely to protect vulnerable areas such as edges and corners. Valuables and contents that are more likely to break (such as glass) should be wrapped with protective layers such as bubble wrap or corrugated cardboard. Any boxes or crates should not be overfilled. Overfilling boxes or containers can put a strain on them and can increase the risk of collapse when being handled.
Label your goods clearly
Knowing what’s inside individual containers helps when your goods arrive at their final destination. It also helps during the shipping process for anyone handling the goods or for border control (when travelling internationally) as it allows them to make sure the utmost care is taken and that the process runs smoothly with less risk of damage or delays.
Make sure you can track your goods
Your haulage company must be able to track where your goods are and keep you up to date on progress and any issues. Make sure you are able to track your goods from departure through to arrival at the final destination.
Seek expert advice and hire professionals!
Whether you are new to organising the transporting of goods or someone who has experience but your main focus is on other activities, it’s always worth seeking professional advice and outsourcing to a business that can ensure your goods are transported as hassle-free as possible.
At Broughton Transport we have many years of experience transporting goods nationally and internationally. If you would like more advice on transporting goods, feel free to get in touch with our haulage company today to see how we can help you.
