Cargo Packaging Guidelines for Small Business Shipping

The way you pack your orders can affect your business reputation. Proper packing looks more professional and makes it more likely cargo will arrive safely. Use these quick tips to help you package cargo correctly, to minimise loss and damage.

• Packing Freight Properly. Make sure everything is secure and well-cushioned to avoid breakages or other damage.
• Pairing Like Goods. Match up like with like when you’re packing, to make it easier to find everything when it gets delivered.
• Packing Materials. Cut costs by reusing packaging where you can. Scrap paper can be shredded, for example, and used to stuff any gaps.
• Performing the Shake Test. When cargo has been packed, give the crate a good shake. If you’ve packed properly, it shouldn’t rattle about.
• Shipping Items in Bags. If you’re sending small items, don’t waste large boxes. A padded bag can be ideal packaging and will save you from using up all your boxes.
• Shipping Items in Boxes. If you’re packing into boxes, make sure you stuff any gaps so nothing can shift around and damage the packaging in transit.
• Strap Down Freight to Pallet. Make sure you’ve strapped things down securely, so nothing can separate from the pallet and become lost or broken on the way.
• Use Plenty of Stretch Wrap. This helps to keep everything still in transit, and keeps cargo together, even if things shift around a bit during shipping.

By learning to pack correctly, you can use less packaging, and cut the costs of replacing broken or lost cargo.

Speedshift | Small Business Shipping call 0845 519 0270