Shipping freight safely and efficiently is always the goal for logistics managers. Read our blog to learn about the key steps you must take in order to ship freight like a pro!
Step One: Getting the Basics Down
Getting familiar with the basics of shipping is typically where a new learner should begin in order to build a strong base knowledge in the field. Shipping is a complicated industry so understanding the basics of how it operates and what’s most important will be crucial including the types of freight shipments, what documents you need for shipping, logistics terminology, freight classifications, and much more.
The basics are not only what is taught first when someone is getting involved in logistics management, but it’s also what sets the good and the great companies apart. A logistics management company that has the basics down well is going to make less mistakes and have many more happy customers.
Step Two: Calculating Your Freight Class
Using a freight class calculator will help you get a rough estimate of what your shipping costs will be once you have a good idea of the size and weight of your cargo. The key to this is to be as accurate as possible with your dimensions and weight so the estimate you receive is as close to the actual cost as it can be without any additional fees you haven’t budgeted for.
All you’ll need is the length, width, height and weight of your cargo. The equation will take that information and give you your volume and density which decides your freight class. You can test out the calculator with a past shipment, if you have that information on hand, or test it out ahead of an upcoming shipment to see how close your estimate is to your finalized shipment paperwork.
Step Three: Freight Packaging
The importance of the way your freight is packaged cannot be stressed enough. Proper packaging material and process are crucial in keeping cargo protected during transport so a strong logistics team will have protocols in place to ensure the packaging materials and form are perfected.
Many logistics companies, like ours, will also offer crating and packaging services to further protect your cargo. The best way to ensure your cargo is safely and securely packaged is to consult your trusted logistics manager and make sure the materials they are using are high quality and that their process is thorough.
Step Four: Using a Trusted Logistics Manager
Lastly and arguably most importantly, relying on a trusted, experienced logistics manager is absolutely critical to the success and safety of your shipment. Working with a seasoned professional is preferable in most business matters and logistics is no different. Shipping cargo is a complicated process filled with many obstacles. The experienced logistics managers are the ones who have seen it all and are capable of building plans that can avoid as much of that as possible.
If you are interested in working with a trusted, experienced logistics managers for your next shipment, contact us at LogiWorld to get to know our work and see how we might be able to help you.