The Ultimate LTL Shipper Checklist

The LTL shippers tend to do a lot of mistakes, which can often end them up with disappointments. That’s where we thought of introducing an ultimate LTL shipper checklist. If you can follow this checklist, you will get the opportunity to stay away from pain and frustration associated with the process. 

    1.    Pay attention towards appropriate packaging 
​As a LTL shipper, you need to keep in mind that your cargo is being shared with the cargo of few other suppliers. Therefore, you must pay special attention towards packaging. The exact approach that you will have to follow when packaging goods vary based on what you send. For example, if you are shipping an engine, you must drain all the liquids in it. You should not palletize machines that are made out of moving parts. You need to make sure that your packaging is appropriate enough to be transported in a truck, along with the other packages provided by different suppliers.

    2.    Keep notes of weight and dimensions of your package 
Once you complete packaging, you are encouraged to weigh it and take measurements of the dimensions. When doing this, you should be careful to take accurate measurements as much as possible. If you don’t have a scale to weigh your package, you can simply search the internet for public scales in your area. When you have accurate measurements, you will be provided with the opportunity to get a precise quote. As a result, you can make sure that you are not spending money unnecessarily. 

    3.    Take a look at the add-ons 
When you are trying to ship your goods, your service provider will cross sell some additional add-ons. You need to go through these add-ons and select them if you feel that they are worth. For example, if you want a package to be delivered before a specific time, you must go for the appropriate add-on. This will help you to overcome hassle in the long run because the service provider is taking the responsibility.

    4.    Capture few photos of the cargo
You need to capture few photos of your cargo and send them to the consignee to make sure that it arrives to your destination in the same condition as you shipping. In addition, you will have to send out copies of the cargo to the shipping agent as well. Then they will be able to verify that the packaging is good enough to be shipped.

    5.    Insure the shipment 
This is an important step that you will need to keep in mind as a LTL shipper and you should never ignore it. You never know what will happen to the package you ship. If it is lost or damaged during the shipment, you don’t want to bear the loss. That’s where the insurance services come into play. The amount you spend on insurance is totally worth when compared to the benefits that you will be able to receive in the long run. 

    6.    Obtain and compare quotes
Instead of selecting the service offered by the first company that you come across, you are encouraged to contact multiple service providers and ask for quotes. Once you have the quotes in hand, you must go ahead and compare them. In addition, you need to take the reputation of the service providers into consideration as well. Then you will be able to receive the best rate as a LTL shipper.

    7.    Double check the order with a freight agent
It is possible for you to double check the LTL shipment with one of the freight agents. You are encouraged to do it as well. Then you will be able to make sure that you have entered the correct fright class and you have packaged the shipment appropriately. In addition, you will be able to receive assistance with insurance and additional services that are available for consideration. Most importantly, the agent will provide you with some details, such as the purchase order numbers and reference numbers, which will help you to keep peace of mind when shipping out your goods.