Safely Packaging Your Freight For Shipping

By Sara Gonia

Dock workers working with less than truckload (LTL) freight have a lot on their plates. They have to move pallets out of trailers and either store them in precise locations or transfer them directly into another trailer outbound for parts unknown. However, their job becomes much more difficult when faced with improperly packaged freight, as seen in this video.?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SGCfi9eXTk

Safely transporting LTL freight from one location to another is crucial for successful logistics operations. Nobody wants to receive a damaged package, as it leads to customer dissatisfaction, which can jeopardize profits for both manufacturers and retailers.?

Furthermore, it creates additional work for logistics companies, which may need to repackage items or adjust their processes to accommodate poor packaging. This can result in delays and increased costs for the carrier and the shipper.

This is why shippers must learn how to package their freight correctly, especially if you are shipping LTL.

Remember the Size and Weight of LTL Shipments

Every carrier has their requirements for the maximum weight and size of freight. The minimum weight for an LTL shipment is 100 to 150 lbs, just above the maximum weight a parcel carrier can accept. The maximum weight can be anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 lbs.?

You’ll also need to consider the maximum height. If a shipment is taller than the trailer, carriers may not ship it. Height restrictions vary, but most have their maximum around 84 inches, just about half of a trailer’s height (around 162 inches).?

LTL carriers can be flexible with the type of freight you want to be shipped, but they do have their own special restrictions besides size and weight requirements. Check with your carrier or freight broker if your freight is eligible for LTL freight shipping.

Consider Special Handling Needs

Some circumstances may make shipping freight challenging. While affordable and convenient for smaller freight, LTL shipping doesn’t guarantee the safest delivery (unless you expedite your shipment, which costs extra). This can be problematic for freight that needs careful handling. This includes items that are:

• Sensitive to extreme temperatures and weather conditions
• Fragile and easily damaged
• Unusual in size or shape that won’t fit traditional packaging

Trying to fit these unique types of freight into a standard LTL trailer could risk its integrity. Ask your carrier or freight broker about your freight shipping options. Provide as much detail as you can about the freight (including pictures) to make it easier to come up with a solution.?

Consider Alternative Packaging?

When choosing packaging for your freight, it's essential to consider the level of protection it offers. For example, cardboard boxes are readily available, inexpensive, and easy to stack into movable cargo units, but they’re also not as durable as other packaging options. They are susceptible to environmental factors and can be easily crushed by heavier items.

An excellent option for freight packaging is to use a crate. Due to their studier builds, these heavy-duty cases are much more durable than cardboard boxes. While most are made with plywood, crates are made from solid wood, plastic, and even steel and come in different sizes.?

If you choose to use a crate, find a crate that is the right size for your freight and add padding inside to keep items inside unmovable. If your freight doesn’t fit into a crate, try other packaging options like drums, bales, and plastic containers.?

Pallets are Your Best Friend in Shipping

There’s no better way of packaging your freight safely than using a pallet. They are designed for forklifts to lift up and down, making freight easy to move around. No matter what you decide to package your shipment in, box, crate, or something else, putting it on a pallet makes handling your freight easier for the carrier and driver.?

Palletizing your cargo requires more than placing it on the pallet. Here are some of the rules of putting cargo on a pallet:

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• You must ensure every item on it is as close together as possible to avoid item shifting.?
• Heavier items should be on the bottom and lighter on the top.?
• Set cardboard corner beads around your palletized cargo and add a layer of flat cardboard every couple of rows.?
• Your freight shouldn’t hang over the pallet’s sides. A standard pallet measures 48 inches by 40 inches. Carriers will not accept any palletized freight that overhangs, so be sure to either center your freight correctly or use a non-standard pallet that can fit it.?
• Don’t forget the shrink wrap! You’ll need to wrap around your cargo at least three to five times to completely strengthen your palletized cargo.?
• A nylon strap around the shrink-wrapped cargo can also help stabilize it.

Double-check and Label Your Packaging

Before you finish packaging your freight, double-check that everything is in order. Ensure all items on your pallet are stable and not loose or hanging off the side of the pallet.?

Also, put labels on your freight in the right spots. Your carrier should provide you with a label and your BOL (Bill of Lading) with accurate information. You’ll also need labels for special freight, such as fragile or heavy shipments. Be sure they are in a visible area on each box or package visible on your pallet so workers can see it no matter what side they are facing.

Proper freight packaging is more than just a precaution—it’s critical to ensure smooth and efficient logistics operations. By taking the time to package your shipments correctly, you protect your goods and streamline the work for carriers and dock workers, reduce the risk of delays, and maintain your reputation with customers.

When you prioritize safe freight packaging practices, everyone wins. From selecting the right materials to carefully palletizing and labeling, these efforts demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to quality. In an industry where time is money and customer satisfaction is critical, getting packaging right the first time is an investment that pays off every time.