Generally, there are two types of loads shipped—parcel and freight. Parcels are packages of magazines, letters, and many other items that are in ordinary sizes. Freight shipments on the other hand are the huge, heavy ones. Since both size and weight matter in the shipping process, freight shipments require special ways of packaging and shipping. They entail a more complicated process than parcels, the latter being easily done as they may just be dropped into the mailbox.
Shipping freight or large-scale items requires more effort in packaging. This is because storing, moving, and sending a heavy haul puts the freight at a higher risk of damage, most especially if the items are fragile. They might be handled the wrong way in the shipping process, particularly being harshly lifted and dropped multiple times. This is why you should take your packaging seriously, minding your shipment’s safety above all.
Whether you may be a business transporting oversized or unusually wide freight or in the process of moving to your next home and needing to haul your heavy items, here are ways you can effectively pack large-scale items:
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Use high-quality packing supplies
Heavy items go from one hand to another, so you should make sure that your packing items can withstand rough treatment. Start with the moving boxes. Don’t skimp on the prices when it comes to purchasing moving containers, crates, or boxes. Prioritize quality over quantity. Otherwise, if you choose cheap or low-quality packing materials, it’s your freight that will suffer and may cost you more in the long run. Preventing damages by using high-quality packing equipment costs less than fixing the damages.
Don’t overload the boxes
When moving heavy items, it’s wise to pack them in small boxes. This way, you make it easier for flatbed companies to handle your freight. Ensure that you choose boxes where the item can fit properly and not overload them. Take note that even the toughest boxes may give in during the move. The rule of thumb is to keep the boxes under 50lbs or 22.6kg, although there are other companies that allow packing boxes that weigh up to 150lbs or 68.3kg.
Make the items lighter
It may be a challenge to make your items lighter when there’s not much you can do to lighten up your extremely large or wide freight. However, there are some ways you can do this. No matter how big your freight shipments are, they may still be dismantled into parts. This way, you can ship individual parts much easier. For example, you’re shipping furniture, such as cabinets or other household storage. What you can do aside from breaking them into parts, if possible, is to clear whatever their contents are. You can come up with many other ways to lighten your boxes.
Be sure to pack items carefully
You can’t afford freight damage, so be sure to take the whole process seriously. Being meticulous about the packing can greatly help secure all your items to be shipped. Put some cushioning materials in your containers as paddings. As mentioned, don’t forget to put your heavy items into parts before placing them in the boxes. Finally, as you load your items in the box, use more cushioning materials to fill the remaining spaces. Overall, your item should not be able to move so much inside its container.
Make the labels clear
Other people will be handling your freight, too, so make sure that you label all your boxes clearly. Write them in big and legible letters on various sides of the box. You can make your own label or buy pre-made ones. Be sure to put in their weight, warnings if fragile, and when they’re required to be kept in the same position.
Extra Tips for Shipping
You may have your own means of freight transit or hire shipping professionals. Here are ways you can minimize freight damage or its repercussions in the shipping process:
Know the value of your freight
If you’re uncertain about your freight’s value, seek a professional opinion first before shipping it so you can insure the item when it arrives in cases of damage or valuation.
Take advantage of the insurance
Even the most reliable containers can still put your freight at risk. You can’t trust them alone to ensure the safety of your overall shipment, especially when it comes to unlikely occurrences in weather or on the road. Insurance is a great way to reduce your expenses to any potential damage.
You may do these all by yourself or entrust these tasks to a shipping company. It depends on your confidence and means of packing and shipping your freight.