Each day, billions of dollars’ worth of cargo flow out and into the country’s border. This means there is a constant outflow and inflow of cargo traveling between the docks.
From commercial aircraft to cars, oils, pharmaceuticals, and cellphones, all the goods conveyed to and fro in this multi-billion sector demand protection. If you own a shipping company, you can achieve this goal in the following ways:
1. Fill Shipping Containers to the Near Capacity
Shipping containers with enough room to spare are vulnerable to damage since there is no between the interior walls, crates, boxes, and pallets. The numerous bruises and bumps, which happen during the transportation, may take a toll unless the cargo is secured in a denser container.
For suppliers, this might mean a change in their shipping schedules. They can minimize their shipping frequency rather than sending out orders and items on the same day. Plus, they consider providing better bulk discounts so as to motivate retailers to order more.
2. Consider Hatch Covers
A ship’s hatch cover is basically designed to be cost-effective and efficient as a first investment. At the same time, you can use this tool to suit the demands of different kinds of cargo vessels.
One of the main objectives of a hatch cover and coaming on a ship is to avoid ingress of water in the cargo hold as well as protect products from being damaged and damped.
A hatch cover can as well serve as a barrier structure of a ship by enduring green water loads in very extreme weather that may damage the internal structures of ships because of corrosion.
3. Improve Loading Practices
Stacking needs to be stable and uniform. Plus, the weight must be distributed evenly on pallets. The lightest load should be stacked on a heavy load.
Established procedures, processes, and step-wise documentation are of importance as far as shipping is concerned. Make sure you avoid double-stacking pallets or cartons. Instead, use a cushion to prevent damage to products because of swings and use the right dunnage in order to fill up gaps to avoid products from shifting.
4. Package Well
Packaging is the foundational and first step of shipping. Generally, it is the smallest cost when it comes to the supply chain. Though it has a great impact. Skimping on proper packaging will impact your expensive costs, such as loss prevention, shipping, and warehouse.
It is vital to choose the best packaging materials. They must be big enough to hold contents with additional impact protection. You may as well want packaging, which is constant and uniform throughout the shipment, to ascertain that it is simple to stack on pallets and load.
Avoid using packaging with tears, water damage, holes, or dents. Damaged boxes will always mean damaged contents. Plus, don’t exceed the maximum weight in every package.
Final Thoughts!
If you work in the shipping industry, you already know how poor shipping may damage cargo. But you don’t necessarily need to calculate it in your budget. With the best practices, you will be able to significantly minimize the risks of damaging the cargo.