The packaging of your products plays a vital role in ensuring their safety during transit. However, even with carefully designed and constructed packaging, there are instances where it can become damaged. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons your packaging gets destroyed in transit and how to prevent these issues.
Substandard Materials
Using subpar packaging materials is a risky move. Whether tossed around in the back of a truck or squeezed into tight spaces on a plane, your products can go through a high-impact environment during transit. Weak materials can’t adequately absorb shocks or provide the structural support necessary to maintain a package’s integrity. That’s why, for instance, you must choose the right thickness for your poly bags. If the bags are too thin, any sharp or solid items within could easily pierce through and damage the bags, exposing the items to potential harm.
The relatively small additional cost of high-quality packaging materials is negligible compared to the potential losses from damaged goods. Consider investing in materials that can withstand the rigors of transport to protect your products from harm.
Poor Packing Techniques
The packaging you choose may be tough, but if it’s not utilized correctly, there’s little it can do to protect the shipment. Rushed or haphazard packing methods leave items inadequately secured in their containers, which can lead to movement and damage during transport. Techniques such as double boxing for extra cushioning, securing items within the package to prevent shifting, and using the appropriate amount of packing material can make all the difference in ensuring your packages arrive unscathed.
Inadequate Labels and Markings
Proper information on the package is just as important as its physical structure. Obscure or damaged labels can lead to carriers mishandling the shipment, causing physical damage that may not be immediately apparent. In extreme cases, a package with an unreadable label could become lost entirely. Make sure your labeling is clear, sturdy, and correctly placed to withstand the various checks and transfers that occur during transport.
Carrier and Handling Issues
Another common reason packaging gets destroyed in transit is due to substandard carriers and rough handling. Even the best packaging can be of little use if the shipping partner and their handling processes are less than reliable. Carrier and handling issues are the wild cards of transit damage. Excessive and unnecessary handling, improper storage conditions, and failure to follow protocols can all play a part in damaging packages.
Select shipping partners based on their track records, and if you detect a pattern of issues, don’t hesitate to reevaluate your partnerships. Teaming up with the right shipping partner can help ensure that your packaging intentions are consistently realized from origin to destination.
When it comes to your business, you must be aware of every aspect, including your packaging. Always remember that the journey from your warehouse to the customer’s doorstep is fraught with potential hazards. It’s up to you to make sure your products arrive safely by using proper packaging materials and techniques.
