How to Properly Package and Ship Freight
12 Dec 2019 Freight Shipping
Knowing how to properly package and ship freight can help save you time and money in the long run. At C&D Logistics, they want to help make your shipping experience as easy and as smooth as possible which is why they are always here to help and answer your shipping questions.
1. Packaging
One of the most important parts of being a great shipper and reducing the likelihood of damage during transit is properly packaging your freight. This step is integral as it is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure the shipment is suitable for travel.
All freight should be protected with proper packaging, which will differ depending on the product being shipped but could include: crating or sturdy cardboard boxes, insulation, shrink wrap, cardboard, or foam corners and straps/banding. Seal your boxes or crates with good quality packing tape or nails/screws as necessary—do not use Scotch tape, it is not up to the job! When possible, stack the pieces on a sturdy skid squarely with no overhang and secure with straps or stretch wrap.
2. Labels
In order to ensure each piece of your shipment arrives where it is supposed to, it is important to label each piece clearly with the complete name and address of your consignee (make sure your receiving name and address match the BOL provided by C&D).
Labels should be placed securely on both the long and short sides of each box. If your shipment is palletized, it is extra important to make sure the sides facing the space for forklift tines are labelled, as this is the direction the shipment will be loaded and off-loaded in.
Note: If you are reusing boxes or crates, make sure to remove the old labels before beginning to build your shipment
3. Pick Up
When you are finished building your secure and damage proof shipment, contact them at rates@cdlogistics.ca and arrange a pick up. They will require: the shipping and consignee addresses including business names and phone numbers, the dimensions of your shipment in inches (LxWxH), the weight in pounds, and any special requests such as appointments or power tailgate use.
Once the shipment is booked, C&D will send you a prefilled bill of lading to use and confirm the date and time for pick up. This is an excellent opportunity to double check the packaging and labels and take a picture of your shipment before it leaves your location. Pictures are excellent tools in case your shipment is lost or damaged during travel.
4. Bill of Lading
The bill of lading or BOL is a legal document and is how the trucking company carrying your freight will know where to pick up and deliver; the size, weight, and piece count; and any special requests.
C&D will provide you with a prefilled BOL in order to reduce the chances of error in shipping or billing; however, it is imperative you review this document and report any issues back to us immediately. Please have a copy printed and ready for the driver upon pick up.
5. Tracking
Once your freight is being transported to its destination, you can track your freight online at www.cdlogistics.ca:
- Click “Track Shipment” in the top left corner of the website.
- Choose to login using your email and password to get a full overview of your shipments moving with us or to Quickview a specific shipment.
Your tracking number will be your full BOL # “S0000___”.
If you would like to learn more about how to properly package and ship freight, or if you are interested in one of their shipping services, please contact the shipping experts at C&D Logistics at 604-881-4440 or by filling out a contact form on their website. You can also stay up to date with the latest news by following them on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook.
