How to Prepare Your Business for the Busiest Time of the Shipping Year

There are many ways companies can prepare for the busiest time of the shipping year to ensure that all their shipping runs as smoothly as possible.

Be Diligent with Scheduling

There are fewer business days and more weather disruptions during the holiday season.  This means transit times for shipping may increase and they often suspend service guarantees.  Plan ahead to help avoid delays.

Know the shipment cutoff times for your carriers.  Orders received before the cutoff time on the same day will be ready to process, whereas orders received after the cutoff time will be processed the following day.  By being mindful of cut-off times, you can avoid missed pick-ups or drop-offs that require additional resources to see the order through.

Due to the high volume of shipments, there is the possibility of shipment delays in congested ports, docks, and warehouses.  Shipping as early as possible with extra time will ensure that it arrives in a timely manner.

Insurance

Properly insuring your shipments can make or break your holiday season.  If a shipment is damaged in transit, basic carrier liability does not cover the full value of the shipment.  With shipment insurance, you are more likely to recover your loss, and the process for filing a claim is easier.

Consider all Shipping Options

Certain shipping options best fit different companies’ shipping needs.  LTL is an option that can be utilized and help lower shipping costs.  Companies with larger shipping volumes may consider different shipping modes, like intermodal, to help handle their shipments.

Expedited Shipping

For when urgent needs arise.  Whether it is replenishing the inventory or replacing a critical industrial machine, some shipping requires urgent attention and during the holiday season, it may need reliable expedited shipping.

Expedited freight can handle all sizes of deliveries and ensure that they reach the destination on or before time.

Accurate Dimensions

LTL shipment preparation begins with dimensions.  Taking accurate measurements of the length, width, and height of freight results in more precise quotes.  In addition, having the correct dimensions helps the carriers how much freight can go into the trailer and optimize the shipping process.

Proper Documentation

There are several important freight shipping forms that need to be filled out, all based around where the goods are being sent and the classification of the goods.  They can be the commercial invoice, certificate of origin, Shipper’s Export Declaration, Inspection Certificate, and Bill of Lading.

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the most important piece of documentation in the LTL process.  It needs to be completed and ready to give to the carrier at the time of pickup.  They use it later when drivers and carriers need to process the shipment.

Global Logistics Coordinator Prospective

Global logistics will help you as an advocate throughout the year, and with experience, during the holidays they can provide you with a level of service and knowledge that ensures you’re taking advantage of the best level of options for your specific needs.  Whether its seasonal price spikes, understanding insurance, tracking, troubleshooting PPLUS Global Logistics is an industry expert.

With proper planning and preventative measures in place, you can get your shipments from origin to destination on time even during the busiest time of the year.