How to Save Money on Packaging
Packaging is an important part of shipping. If you’re wondering how to save money on packaging, you’ve come to the right place. Customodal’s team is well-equipped with industry knowledge and a passion for helping your business save and succeed.
Here are some tips on how to save money on packaging:
1. Proper packaging saves money. Shippers are responsible for proper packaging, marking/labeling, and descriptions on all shipper documentation. Shipments must be properly packed to ensure damage-free transportation with ordinary care in handling. The proper packaging of goods for transportation requires a good understanding of the product and distribution environment.
There are three essentials to any package:
- outer packaging
- inner packaging
- sealing method
Understanding and following these packaging guidelines can help ensure damage-free freight movement.
2. Mitigate hazards to prevent waste or fines. LTL Transport comes with inherent hazards, including punctures, abrasions, compression, and environmental exposures. If your package shifts during transport (which can be a result of improper or insufficient packaging), it can become damaged.
High and low humidity can result in condensation or corrosion, and it can greatly reduce the rigidity and compression resistance of paper-based products such as cardboard containers. Temperature extremes can range from sub zero to temps in excess of 100 degrees F and can dramatically affect the performance characteristics of packaging material. Other common environmental exposures include, but are not limited to, dirt, dust, odors and precipitation. If a product or package would be considered damaged if exposed to these hazards, the shipper must take extra measures to ensure the packaging can protect the shipment.
Other hazards include shipment handling (example: forklift), transportation shock, and vibration occurring in over-the-road transportation.
3. Know Your NMFC – In the world of shipping, a National Motor Freight Classification or NMFC code is used to help define and regulate products. In LTL shipping. An NMFC code is an industry-wide method of defining freight. NMFC rules dictate proper packaging requirements for everything you need to transport.
There are rules for fragile goods, packages that must be kept dry, those that can’t freeze or melt, and those the may be top-heavy, for example. There are labeling requirements, too, such as: Each piece must be legibly and durably marked with the name and address, including correct ZIP code of the shipper and consignee.
As you can see, saving money on shipping involves an in-depth knowledge of the shipping industry. Customodal works with your business to help you transport your goods in the most efficient way possible. We provide access to a worldwide system combined with a local touch and a passion to serve. Contact our team today to learn more!