Partial truckload shipping: how to adequately prepare your cargo for shipment

Partial truckload shipping: how to adequately prepare your cargo for shipment

Partial truckload shipping, also known as LTL shipping, is simply a delivery option the likes of which will not exceed the maximum weight and volume capacity of a full truck. With this type of transport, you only pay the costs associated with your cargo, and not for the services of an entire truck.

The benefits of roadway transportation make this means of delivery one of the most sought after by individuals and businesses in Canada. On the other hand, LTL shipping calls for special attention regarding your cargo.

To prepare your cargo for LTL shipping, adequate packaging is needed in order to ensure greater efficiency and reduce the risk of damages.

Here are some guidelines to follow!

Protection of your cargo during LTL shipment

When your cargo is transported via truck, it is often subjected to natural vibrations and movement. Moreover, considering that your boxes will be placed next to other cargo (containers, parcel, pallets, etc.), it is all the more important to organize everything carefully so as to avoid any unpleasant surprises upon delivery.

You can follow these steps to protect your cargo during partial load transport:

• Use padding material to wrap each item individually;
• Insert a 5cm protective layer at the bottom of all your packages, this prevents your cargo from breaking from underneath;
• For heavy and fragile objects, provide extra protection on the sides and top of the boxes;
• Use a solid adhesive roll of tape specifically designed for shipping;
• Place your carpets, papers or any coiled object in plastic and tie them securely with rope or elastics.

Organize your cargo

To optimize the efficiency of your partial shipment via truck, it is recommended to sort, stack and prepare each item with care. Do not leave anything to chance when sending your cargo via LTL shipment!

• Strategically position your objects in boxes so they cannot move around too much when in transit;
• Place your cargo in sturdy cardboard boxes with flaps that are in good condition;
• If you are reusing old boxes, remove messages or identifying labels that may be left over from previous shipments;
• Replace them with new labels if applicable, so as to better inform employees about the presence of fragile items.

Clearly label your LTL cargo for shipment

Again, as your boxes are not the only ones in the truck, it’s possible that there are several different destinations planned on the shipment route.

To ensure that your merchandise arrives at the correct destination, on time and intact, you should:

• Make sure that all shipping boxes are properly marked;
• Ensure that all purchase orders and landing bills are fully paid and that all essential information is listed without errors on your receipts;
• Write the exact number of boxes/cargo you’re shipping as well as an adequate description of what’s in each box;
• Indicate any special handling on the cargo labels, if applicable;
• Ensure that the destination address, as well as your address, is correctly indicated and legible;

In other words, the carrier must have all correct information regarding your partial truckload shipping.

Shipping instructions may differ from one company to another. It is recommended that you make sure to communicate any questions about these instructions with the company you’ve chosen to do business with.

All these steps may seem tiresome, but they are necessary in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises! Make sure to therefore adequately prepare your partial truckload shipping!

Understand that you are not alone in this process and that you can contact Transport Écono Nord for more tips to improve your experience!