​How to Reduce Shipping Damages

Damages in shipping can have an impact on both your reputation and your operating costs. It is not a good look to have any product arrive damaged. The knock-on effects can include:

Reverse logistics costs.

Product replacement costs.

Handling costs.

Reputation damage.

Loss of repeat sales.

Increased carbon emissions from logistics.

If you are experiencing damage in transit, this info is for you. We will be taking a closer look at the common causes of shipping damage, the role of packaging in preventing damage, and some popular packaging materials that can protect your products.

So, what is causing your product to be damaged? Here are eight common issues that could be creating shipping damages:

1. Too much space in your pack:

Are you using packaging materials that are too big for your product? This is an incredibly common cause of shipping damage as packaging that’s too big leads to product movement.

If your product can move easily during shipping, it is more likely to be damaged as it goes through the rigors of the supply chain. Movement can expose the most fragile parts of your product to the edges or corners of a pack, where crushing or knocking are likely to occur.

2. Outer packaging that is not fit for purpose:

If you are experiencing frequent damage, it is worth considering the outer packaging you are using.

For example, if you are using a single wall cardboard box, you may need to trade up to a double wall or even triple wall box for extra protection. The specification for the outer packaging you need will depend on the size, weight, and fragility of your product as well as the shipping method and potentially any storage environment.

3. Not enough in-pack protection: 

If your outer packaging is working, but you do not use the right in-pack protection, your products could be damaged during transit.

Just like a pack that is too big, if you do not use the right quantity of packing material or it crushes easily under the weight of your product, damage could be on the horizon. Just like the outer packaging you choose, the packing material used inside also depends on product weight size and fragility, as well as the potential shipping journey it will take.

 

It is worth bearing in mind that the right in-pack protective packaging can often be a “Goldilocks moment” as you need to strike a balance between sufficient protection and not being wasteful.

4. Inconsistencies in your packing processes:

You might be using the right packaging materials, but when your team pick, pack and ship your product, there could be inconsistencies.

In most packing operations, there will be significant human intervention and therefore human error. For example, one person may use too little void full material, or someone could choose the wrong size box. Packing guidelines or packaging automation can be great tools to combat this.

5. Incorrect or insufficient labelling:

The right labelling can help to minimize damage. If your package does not indicate there’s sensitive cargo inside, delivery handlers may not take as much care with it.

Some examples of labelling to prevent transport damage include fragile markers on boxes, labels indicating any hazards (e.g., if it is chemicals) or even if a product is perishable (such as meal kits).

6. Poor handling during delivery:

Chances are, lots of people will handle your product during the shipping and delivery processes. Even when your goods are properly labelled, they may be mishandled. Ensuring you have insurance or cover for improper handling can be useful in protecting your business against this.

7. Water or humidity damage:

Inclement weather – particularly rain can lead to packages getting damaged. If a package is left outside and it rains – the packaging can deteriorate and the goods inside end up spoiled or damaged. Not ideal. 

In an industrial setting, humidity or condensation can lead to corrosion, warping or even mold, depending on the product. This is where climatic testing of your packaging can be a great option. Particularly if your goods may pass through different conditions.

8. Theft and tampering:

Unfortunately, packages in transit are not immune to theft and tampering. In some instances, parcels may go missing entirely. In others, packages may arrive damaged.

For businesses shipping high end or high value products, security measures and tamper-evident packaging may be needed.

The role of packaging supplies in preventing shipping damages.  The packaging supplies you use are critical when it comes to preventing shipping damage. In fact, protection is transit packaging’s primary function.

If you want to prevent damage ensuring you are using optimized packaging, which is fit-for-purpose, is important too. As we alluded to earlier, packaging that is the wrong size or specification can lead to damaged products.

Some tips to prevent shipping damages include:

Choosing outer packaging (like a cardboard box) that is big enough for your product and strong enough to hold its weight.

Ensure empty space in your pack is filled with appropriate void fill material – this could be as simple as using bubble wrap or packing peanuts through to using air pillows, paper cushioning or foam. The right material will depend on the application. For example, do you need to block and brace or just fill the void?

Have packing guidelines in place, so there is a standard for packing quality and consistency.

Labels packs appropriately, to give handling guidance. You can also invest in impact or shock indicators, which can inform you if parcels are mishandled.

More information and ideas call us at 813 242 6995 or sales@quickpakinc.com