Summary
Not choosing the right packaging material
Choosing the wrong packaging material can result in significant damage to the goods in transit, as goods are variable and require attention to their various characteristics in order to best plan for the right packaging material to ensure the best possible shipping experience.
Commonly used materials for international shipping included
-Corrugated cardboard, is a strong and lightweight packaging material that is commonly used for shipping everyday consumer products.
-Bubble plastic, used to wrap fragile items such as dishes, electronics, etc. to protect them from shock and vibration.
-Foam pads, are used for fragile items and to protect electronics and glassware.
-Kraft paper, is a material used to wrap products before placing them in boxes such as clothes, shoes, toys, etc...
-Wooden crates,are used for shipping heavy items such as industrial machinery, construction equipment, etc.
Therefore, it is important to choose the appropriate packaging material according to the nature of the goods and the transportation conditions.
Not providing adequate protection
Adequate protection is essential to avoid damage during transport. The unexpected can be many and we are never sure what can happen to the merchandise.
The product must be well-positioned, fixed, and protected to avoid any damage. Damaged goods will not necessarily hurt the customer and will therefore impact the image of your company.
Failure to comply with the requirements can therefore have serious consequences.
Not labelling correctly
When it comes to packaging mistakes to avoid during shipping, not labelling correctly can cause significant problems. In particular, transport labels must be meticulously crafted and accurately placed to ensure the safe delivery of goods.
It is essential that these labels are clearly visible and contain vital information, such as the delivery address, handling instructions, and hazard symbols, to avoid any potential delays or additional costs.
The omission of crucial information on transport labels may lead to confusion, loss of goods, or even safety hazards. Therefore, it is vital to double-check that the labels are legible, scannable, and placed correctly.
This includes verifying that they are affixed in a prominent position and in compliance with local and international regulations, to guarantee that the package arrives at its intended destination without any issues.
Ultimately, taking the time to ensure the accuracy of transport labels can help prevent potential complications and ensure successful delivery.
Not meeting weight and dimension requirements
International transport regulations have weight and dimension limits that must be respected. If the limits are not met, additional charges may be levied and the goods may be delayed or refused, so failure to comply with the requirements can have serious consequences. Here is some general information on weight and dimension limits for the main modes of transport:
-Road transport: weight and dimension limits for trucks vary according to local regulations and vehicle types. In general, the maximum allowable weight limit is approximately 40 tons, while the maximum dimensions are approximately 2.6 meters wide, 4 meters high and 16.5 meters long.
-Rail transport: Weight and dimension limits for freight cars also vary depending on local regulations and car types. In general, the maximum weight limit is approximately 120 tons, while the maximum dimensions are approximately 2.6 meters wide, 4 meters high and 19.8 meters long.
-Maritime transport: Weight and dimension limits for containers vary according to local regulations and container types. In general, the maximum weight limit for a 20-foot container is approximately 30 tons, while the maximum weight limit for a 40-foot container is approximately 32 tons. The maximum dimensions for a 20-foot container are approximately 2.44 meters wide, 2.59 meters high and 6.06 meters long, while the maximum dimensions for a 40-foot container are approximately 2.44 meters wide, 2.59 meters high and 12.19 meters long.
-Air Transportation: Weight and dimension limits for air packages vary depending on local regulations and airlines. In general, the maximum weight limit for a package is approximately 70 kg, while the maximum dimensions are approximately 1.5 meters long, 1.5 meters wide.
Not following regulatory requirements
International transportation is subject to strict import and export regulations, and it is important to follow the regulatory requirements to avoid late delivery, fines and confiscation of goods.
Here are some key elements of international transportation regulations :
International Conventions : There are several international conventions that govern international transport, including the Convention on International Carriage by Rail (COTIF), the Convention on the Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR), the Convention on International Carriage of Goods by Sea (CTIM), the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), and others.
Transport documents : For international transport, it is mandatory to use certain documents, such as the air waybill (AWB), bill of lading (BOL), rail waybill (RBL), road transport contract (RTC), etc. These documents are used to prove possession of the goods, describe their nature and quantity, specify the conditions of carriage, etc.
Carrier responsibilities : International carriers have specific responsibilities, including safety of the goods carried, timeliness, compensation for loss or damage to the goods, etc. Customs formalities: International transport often involves customs formalities, which vary according to the country of origin and destination, the type of goods carried, etc. These formalities may include the declaration of the goods as a "customs declaration. These formalities may include customs declaration, payment of duties and taxes, obtaining specific licenses or authorizations, etc.
Technical standards and regulations : The goods being transported must comply with specific technical standards and regulations, including those relating to safety, health, the environment, etc. These standards and regulations may vary according to the type of goods being transported. These standards and rules may vary depending on the type of goods, the mode of transport, the countries of origin and destination, etc.
Non-compliance with them can also expose you to more or less heavy penal sanctions and the bad referencing of your company.
Messing up the shipping terms
The faster a customer receives their order, the more likely they are to trust you. This can increase the chances of re-ordering your products. On the contrary, a customer who receives his order late, is likely not to repeat the same buying experience. Consider preparing the order as soon as possible and choose carriers that offer a shorter delivery time.
