Avoid These Mistakes When Prepping International Air Freight

Transporting your cargo overseas using our international air cargo services requires time, effort, and money. Even though air is the safest method of transportation, damage does occur. While you cannot avoid all cargo losses, you can prevent packing damages from occurring when you avoid these mistakes when prepping international air freight.

Choosing the Wrong Type of Pallet

There are multiple types of pallets to choose from. The type of pallet you should use depends on your cargo. If you need to transport heavy freight, use pallets that have bottom deckboards. These bottom deckboards provide additional strength and stability for your shipments. Additionally, many businesses use 4-way pallets that workers can pick up from any side. It not only makes the transportation process faster and easier, but it also reduces damage from mishandling.

Overpacking With Too Much Cargo

Overpacking can damage your freight during the shipment process. Additionally, freight forwarders charge based on size and weight, using the largest of the two measurements to determine your rate. So, overpacking will not save money, and it increases your risk of cargo damage.

Wrapping Your Pallet Incorrectly

Wrapping a pallet incorrectly is one of the most common mistakes businesses make when prepping international air freight. Wrapping secures the pallet and keeps your shipment firmly in place. If you do not wrap the pallet correctly, the shipments can slide around and damage each other. The best way to wrap a pallet with stretch wrapping is to begin at the bottom of the pallet and work up to the top.

Creating Pallet Overhang

Pallet overhand occurs when cargo moves past the boundaries of the pallet. While this may not sound like a problem, pallet overhang can damage and even destroy your cargo. During the shipping process, employees can pack your cargo tightly with other cargo. As the plane moves throughout the flight, all the cargo moves and shifts as well. To prevent other items from bumping and damaging your goods, keep your shipment within the pallet.