Five tips to avoid damage in transit and monitor your fleet

Damaged packages received by customers can seriously damage your reputation. Even if you have procedures in place to replace products, quickly and effectively, customers are likely to be unimpressed as they expect you to get it right first time. You also have to deal with the financial cost of replacing the goods.

It’s easy for goods to become damaged, during dispatch and transit. They can be subject to compression from being stacked too tightly, vibration from conveyor belts and the adverse effects of changes in temperature. The good news is that there steps, and safety solutions you can use, in order to reduce the chances of damage occurring.

Protect fragile products by packing to avoid movement

Fragile products need to be protected against potential damage in transit. This can be done by packing the products carefully. Void fill materials, such as bubble wrap or air cushions should be used to ensure that there is no room for items to move while in transit. Many businesses also choose to pack fragile items together, using boxes with dividers, for additional protection.

Dispatch liquid products separately where possible

It’s a good idea to dispatch liquids, such as perfume, separately. At the very least they should be isolated from other items, by using additional packaging around them. This helps to protect other items from potential damage if the bottle of liquid is broken in transit.

Use impact and tilt indicators

One of the biggest causes of damage in transit is impact. You do not always have control over this as the courier company handles goods for you. But, you can keep check on the way goods are handled using impact and tilt indicators. These indicators can be placed on packages, and provide information about whether excessive tilting or impact happened during transit. The fact that these indicators are in place can also help to deter rough handling by couriers.

Make use of temperature indicators

Changes in temperature can also cause damage to some products. The use of temperature indicators can help you to gauge whether there were any unacceptable changes to temperature levels during transit. As with impact and tilt indicators, the use of temperature indicators can also make couriers think more carefully about the way they handle your goods.

Use equipment management solutions

We have mentioned that poor handling by couriers can be an issue, and lead to damaged goods. But, you also need to pay attention to the way goods are handled within your business. Fleet equipment, such as forklifts, should only be operated by experienced individuals. Making use of equipment management solutions helps you to ensure that this is the case.

Damage to goods in transit can be costly for any business. You can reduce the chances of damage occurring by using any of the tips we have mentioned. It’s also good practice to ensure that goods are covered by goods in transit insurance, especially if you are dealing with items that have a high value.