How to package to prevent damage to freight during shipping

Here are some basic packaging guidelines to ensure the safe delivery of any shipment.  

1. Improper packaged shipments may be refused by carriers. Items should be placed within a box, carton, crate, etc. Heavy shipments (over 200 lb) should be properly positioned on a pallet or crate, in good condition. Make sure there is no overhang when boxes are stacked, they have to be distributed squarely. Remember that a pallet jack is most likely going to pic it up. 


2. Here are some example of types of items/products:
Non Fragile Items: Paper items, plastic items, machinery parts, canned products, granular products, carpeting, tools and hardware, etc.  Fragile Items: Artwork, household/personal effects, small furniture, electronics, glass, etc.


3. Shipments may be exposed to temperature changes, so prepare for it. (depending on the weather) Place sensitive items in plastic bags.

4. There’s going to be natural movement in transit. Use plenty of cushioning, wrapping and bracing. We recommend using the best protective containers at your disposal.  Do not over pack boxes. Foam pillows, bubble wrap, rolled foam, or any other interior padding is greatly encouraged. Distributing the weight evenly minimizes chances of damage.

5. Clear label (affix your FreightCenter BOL for extra protection), accurate item counts and descriptions should be included. (just in case your boxes get separated) The seams of boxes should be covered with professional boxing tape. Boxes on pallets should be tightly wrapped with shrink-wrap. Multiple layers of wrapping material should strap all boxes like a solid unit, without any space for wobbling.

6. If it’s valuable, insure your shipment. (the carrier's liability is only .10 per pound)

7. Crating should be done by a professional crating company,  or some one with experience, at least if a specialized crate is needed.

For more in depth information about freight shipping, go to our help center.

What does FOB mean?

There are many reasons why FOB is a very important term to our customers, whether they are buyers or sellers, this concept makes more sense on the B2B logistics side. That said, commercial shippers should pay close attention to the meaning of this term. Not understanding its meaning can be very costly.  Spelled out, the acronym FOB is defined as Free on Board. Free on Board refers to a couple of different things, but mainly the risk of loss in the shipping process when the buyer of the shipped content is no longer responsible or liable for any charges. It also stipulates the amount of money owed by the buyer for the shipment.

There are four main points to determining your FOB specifics:

1. The seller pays all shipping charges (our services fall under here), while the buyer insures the product; known as CF Pay Freight to Destination.

2. FOB Destination: The seller is responsible for; cost to ship and risk of loss (Insurance).

3. FOB Shipping Point: the buyer is responsible for charges and possible damage.

4. Pay Insurance and Freight to Destination, the seller is responsible for all, including insurance during transport.

Every shipper should inquire about their FOB options, especially buyers of imported goods. The terms and conditions should be determined beforehand. 


Informed buyers that understand FOB will manage their shipping needs much better. 


Interested in our shipment insurance coverage? Falvey Insurance is our provider. If your freight qualifies as "new" and not used and falls under qualifying freight classes, a check box will appear during the booking process. Check this box to add freight insurance coverage. Remember, most carriers only cover $0.10 to every pound, which does not always cover the cost to replace damaged or lost goods.