Four Costly Shipping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you’re shipping items, the goal is for each one to arrive at their destination on time. Unfortunately, even the smallest miscalculation equals never seeing those items again or spending more than you than ever intended. Below are 4 of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Incorrect address. A wrong number in the address sends your shipment a few blocks from its intended destination, but a wrong number in a zip code sends your shipment to an entirely different city or even state. Double-check your addresses before you put on the labels.
2. Improper packaging. Insufficient packaging means a higher probability of your shipment getting damaged during transport. Shipping carriers have begun denying damage claims, so if your things show up damaged, you’re on your own. Consult with a packing specialist to make sure your shipment will survive the journey.
3. Incorrect shipping weight. If you end up having to estimate the weight of your shipment, that’s okay; shipping carriers have scales to give you the accurate weight. What’s not okay is the re-weighing fee they tack on afterwards. Get the accurate weight the first time and avoid the fees.
4. 4. Not having a delivery receipt. If your shipment arrives with damage that occurred during transport but you have no delivery receipt, there’s virtually no way to prove it wasn’t damaged beforehand. Always have a clean receipt in hand so you can dispute any damages.