10 Tips for Storm-Proofing Your Shipments
You can’t control the weather, but you can weather-proof your shipments by taking steps to keep operations safe, compliant, and running smoothly.
1. Understand what you’re shipping. Not all freight is created equal, especially goods with strict shipping requirements. Items like medical devices and perfume are regulated with specific packaging, labeling, documentation and transportation requirements. Skip the guesswork; if you get it wrong, your shipment might get stuck on a tarmac or never even get out the door.
2. Know which regulations apply. Make sure you’re crystal clear on which regulations apply to every shipment. Regulations can differ based on quantity, country, and transportation mode. They also change, so don’t assume that what was correct one year ago is correct today. Keep your finger on the regulatory pulse so you can adjust your shipping workflows quickly and effectively.
3. Get the right training. Everyone on your team plays a role in helping keep shipments safe and operations running smoothly. Make sure they have proper training on how shipments should be packed, handled, labeled, and placarded, and what to do if they spot any damage. Leveraging function-specific platforms, such as hazmat shipping or customs and trade compliance software, can supplement your training to maximize efficiency and further validate compliance.
4. Ensure shipments are properly secured. Improperly secured freight can tip, shift, or collapse in transit, especially when it’s not properly blocked or braced. Customs can—and will—reject international shipments that aren’t properly secured, potentially leaving you with delays, fines, and rework bills.
5. Think beyond just standard packaging. Compliant shipping requires proper packaging. Lithium-ion batteries (and battery-powered devices), for example, need UN-certified and tested packaging or crating along with fire-retardant materials, absorbent pads, poly bags, and other materials to help stop fires if a battery goes into thermal runaway. Some of these items may be off the shelf, but many aren’t—so factor in time to design, test, and build the right packaging. Otherwise, your supply chain may stall until your packaging is ready.
6. Complete paperwork properly. Make sure shipping declarations are complete, accurate, and signed by someone properly certified. Expired training or the wrong signature can delay shipments, get them rejected, or cost you hefty fines.
7. Select the right carrier(s). Don’t choose carriers based only on lanes and cost, but ensure they specialize in the type of freight you ship and have the necessary training and certifications—such as 49CFR for ground transportation or other industry/function specific training for packing, handling, and transporting—that’s applicable to your business. It’s also good for drivers to know what they’re hauling in advance to ensure properly certified drivers show up with the right equipment every time.
8. Have a backup plan for shipping. Delays happen, so plan for them. Know which parts are mission-critical and have back-up and/or faster shipping options ready to go. Sometimes paying more for air freight beats shutting down an entire production line.
9. Document how you identify damage. Things break. That’s why you need a documented process to identify and report damaged crates, components, or packaging. Build it into your program so everyone knows what to look for and how to inspect, report, and respond. Every touchpoint is a chance for damage, so stay sharp and keep it traceable.
10. Align with your supply chain partners. Supply chains are complex. Ensure your suppliers, carriers, and logistics partners provide the data, processes, and expertise you need, especially when shipping regulated or sensitive goods, such as hazmat, food and beverage and pharma, among others.
SOURCE: Mike Cicalo, Director of EV Battery Strategy, DGeo