Properly preparing your shipments can save you trouble and money by reducing the likelihood of lost or damaged items, a repackaging fee if under-packaged and possible claims denials from freight carriers. It is important that you properly package your freight shipments since freight carriers do not provide any packaging supplies or help. Consult your Unishippers Shipping Consultant for packaging advice or contact your local Unishippers office.

Crating and Boxes
When packaging your shipments, we recommend crating. Plywood crates offer the best protection and can be purchased in several sizes. If you are packaging in a box, we recommend that you use a new box as they wear and weaken with each use. Don’t over- or under-pack your boxes as your shipment may be handled and transferred many times. Make sure that your box is seamed or stapled if your shipment is particularly heavy. Include at least two inches of padding an all sides inside your box.

Pallets
If you are shipping a very large item or several packages, you should palletize your freight shipment. This protects your items during transport especially when forklifts are used to handle your package. Palletized shipments are placed on a wooden or plastic pallet and secured with bands or wrapped in plastic.

Some tips to help you palletize your items include distributing the weight evenly across your pallet, pack to the edge of the pallet and don’t overhang items, box flaps should face up, make sure the top of the pallet is flat to prevent lost packages or damage, and don’t over-pack in weight or height.

Labeling
Shipping labels need to be placed on each package of your shipment and include the name, address and phone number of the consignee or consignor. Please verify that this information matches bill of lading information exactly. Ideally you should place labels on both the long and short sides of each piece. Also label each box with the number of the package and the total number of packages such as 1 of 10, 2 of 10 and so forth. In addition, it is recommended that you mark somewhere on the pallet how many total boxes are in the shipment. To assist with handling and billing, mark the freight class number on your shipment.

For additional assistance, please click here to contact your local Unishippers office or call 1-866-99-USHIP.