Properly Package Your LTL Shipment for Quick and Safe Delivery

How to Properly Package Your LTL Shipment

If you’re shipping something using LTL freight services, it’s important to properly package your shipment. This will ensure that it is handled properly and arrives at its destination quickly and safely. If not packaged correctly, your shipment could be damaged or lost, costing you time and money. Learn how to properly package your LTL shipment so that it arrives at its destination in the same condition as when it left your premises. Also know what freight class your shipment may fall under: Learn More Here.

How Does Packaging Impact Your Shipment?

Your shipment will be loaded onto a truck with other shipments, so it’s important that it is properly packaged to avoid damage. If your shipment is not properly secured, it could shift during transport and be damaged. During transportation, your package could face bumpy roads, temperature changes, and movement between multiple trucks. 

When it is properly secured, it’ll be able to endure all of these factors. In addition, if your shipment is not properly labeled, the carrier may not know how to handle it, which could also result in damage.

Know the Dimensions

As with any shipment, proper packaging of your LTL shipment starts with measuring the dimensions of your item. You will need to know the length, width, and height of your freight in order to properly package it. Accurate measurements will allow your shipper to give you a closer price quote, avoiding unexpected price adjustments. Since LTL shipments take freight from multiple places to fill their truck, they need to know ahead of time that everything will fit.

Bill of Lading

In addition, you will need to provide a detailed description of your item on the bill of lading (BOL). This will help the freight company properly identify your shipment and ensure that it is loaded onto the truck. The bill of lading is an important step of shipping because it acts similarly to a receipt, and it gives carriers all the information they need to know about the shipment.

Type of Packaging

Once you have properly measured and described your item, you will need to decide what type of packaging to use. Pallets are a popular choice as they offer a sturdy base for your shipment. They are large enough that you can stack things however they fit best and secure them to the pallet. 

However, crates can also provide extra protection for your shipment. If you are shipping something that is valuable or fragile, you may want to consider using a crate. Either way, you will want to stack appropriately, with heavier items on the bottom, and use labels if your items are fragile and should not have anything stacked on top.

Another option for shipping is to use bagged freight. With fiberboard trays on the top and bottom, bags can be stacked within the perimeter of the pallet. Once stacked, freight is secured with plastic film and plastic strapping in opposing directions, securing the freight for safe transportation.

Ship Your LTL Freight With Sutton Transport

Once you have properly measured, described, and packaged your item, it will be ready for shipment via LTL freight services. Sutton can help you properly package LTL shipments so nothing gets lost or broken along the way, and you don’t run into unexpected costs.