Due to the number of shipping options available, it can be difficult to know which ones are best suited for your business. That’s why the experts at PartnerTrade have put together this blog full of information to help you determine how to ship your goods.
Sometimes shipping an item can be as simple as having a courier to deliver it to your customer’s doorstep via ground transportation. Other times it can be way more complex, involving long-distance, multimodal transportation. Read on to learn more about these different methods of shipping and what factors are important to consider when choosing how to move your cargo.
Common Shipping Methods
The three main forms of shipping commercial goods to your customer are:
Air freight is recognized as the fastest way to ship goods from one place to your customers. However, this convenience causes this method to be the most expensive. You should use air freight for goods that need to arrive at their destination quickly.
Ocean freight is a much cheaper option than air because space is not nearly as limited. The drawback to transporting goods by ship is it takes way more time for them to reach their destination.
Ground shipping is not only one of the cheapest ways to ship goods, but it’s also the most common method. It typically includes sending items via truck or train.
Multimodal transport is another option when it comes to moving cargo. This is carried out by using at least two different modes of transport mentioned above.
How to Pack Commercial Goods for Shipping
Before you start shipping items to your customers, you should know how to properly pack your items. Here are some factors you should consider when packing and shipping commercial goods:
- Boxes
Make sure the boxes you use are able to offer decent protection to the goods inside. When you are packing them, leave about an inch of space between the items and the sides of the box so you can fill it with packing peanuts or another material that can keep the contents safe.
- Labels
Labeling your box clearly and correctly is vital to ensuring its timely delivery. When shipping commercial goods, your labels need to include essential information such as the country of origin, the weight of the goods, and the port of entry. It’s also a good idea to read and understand the regulations of the destination you’re shipping to.
- Pallets
Depending on the size of the shipment, you may need to get pallets for your goods. Pallets protect heavy cargo by providing support and absorbing the stress of their weight.
Make sure you stack boxes on the pallets in columns and wrap and/or strap them to the pallet for safe and secure shipping. This is how you can better protect your commercial goods while they are in-transit.
- Documentation
Similar to labels, you’re required to include certain documents in order to ship commercial goods internationally. This documentation will include information about the country you’re shipping from and your customer’s address.
Common documentation you may need to supply includes:
- A packing list
- A commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading (for ocean freight)
- Airway Bill (for air freight)
Choosing a Logistics Partner for Your Shipping Needs
To ensure everything is taken care of, and your cargo arrives safely at its final destination without delays, you could choose to enlist logistics services from a trusted provider. At PartnerTrade, we offer comprehensive logistics services to suit all of your needs.
From warehousing to multimodal transportation, we work with you to determine the most streamlined solutions for your supply chain needs. Fill out our form today and get a FREE quote to see how we can help you ship your commercial cargo.