Today’s consumer-driven businesses demand faster and more efficient methods of moving goods. Not meeting these demands could very well mean losing out on lucrative contracts and sales. And truck transport is the perfect way to get goods from one place to another.
However, transporting goods safely and securely can be tricky. From hauling heavy loads to changing routes, there are so many things that could cause problems. The most common causes of goods damage during truck transport include rough roads, heavy rainfall, temperature changes, potholes, large rocks or debris on the road, sharp curves, blind spots due to trees or other obstacles that can’t be seen from the street. Getting goods from one location to another without causing damage or losing value requires careful planning and skills.
What causes damage during truck transport?
1) Load shifting during truck transport
Load shifting occurs when the cargo changes or moves suddenly while being transported. This can cause a shift in the weight of the truck and damage your goods. To avoid this, your goods should be loaded correctly in the truck if you opt for truck transport. It is really important that the goods are properly held in place. Several factors that should be kept in mind are the load weight, the load distribution, and the load position inside the truck.
2) Unprofessional Packaging and wrapping
Not packing your goods properly during truck transport can result in serious product damage. If you have not wrapped your goods firmly enough or if you have wrapped them too loose, your could get seriously damaged.
Here’s what you can do to prevent goods damage during truck transport:
1) Truck transport: Pick the right vehicle
The choice of vehicle and load for your shipment will determine the safety of your goods. When choosing a truck transport service, make sure to discuss your requirements and make sure they are equipped to meet your needs. A good rule of thumb is to always go for a truck one size bigger than the goods. With Porter, you can easily choose from a wide range of vehicles to find the truck that suits your requirements the best.
2) Properly load and secure your load
Loading and securing your load should be done according to the type of goods being transported. Some items, such as fragile or breakable goods, need to be handled with care. If possible, they should be transported with a crate or heavy container. There are a number of things you can pack your goods to ensure that your shipment arrives safely at its destination. Make sure that the truck is properly loaded. If possible, you should hand-load your shipment yourself. This will give you an opportunity to inspect the goods and make sure there are no problems with them. Depending on the type and quantity of your goods, you might need to make sure that they are loaded on pallets and pallet jacks. If not by yourself, make sure you hire professional transporters that know what they are doing. Be sure to follow their guidelines and if you are unsure about something, just ask the trucking company’s staff.
3) Check the weather before truck transport
Weather conditions are one of the most important factors that can affect the transportation of goods. If the weather is rainy, snowy or foggy in one part of the country, it could still be really hot in the other part. If you don’t have the appropriate equipment, your goods could get damaged when you’re in areas that have extreme temperature changes or heavy rainfall. It’s essential to put together a plan and make sure your truck has the necessary provisions for weather conditions. This is especially true if you’re transporting goods that can get affected by the weather or temperature fluctuations. Pack such goods keeping temperature change in mind for truck transport. Proper packaging will also help you prevent damage or loss due to wind or rain.
4) Inspect Before You Load
To prevent goods damage during truck transport, you should always inspect your goods before you load. Check the size and weight of the load and how it will fit in the truck or trailer. Also check for any sharp edges, protruding pieces, uneven surfaces, or anything else that could cause harm if it hits the side of a truck or trailer. Take pictures of the loaded goods with the dimensions and weight so that there’s a record of what was loaded on the vehicle.
Conclusion
The safety of your goods when you choose a truck transport service should be your first priority. With Porter’s truck transport services, you can rest assured that your goods are being handled by a team of professionals along with the benefit of instant delivery. A good truck transport service provider should be mindful of all the rules while transporting. The use of technology should also be a priority when choosing a truck transport service.
Porter is the new-age solution to all your logistics worries. With our tech-enabled platform and expert staff, you can rest assured that your goods are in perfectly safe hands. Get quotes for different vehicles that can transport anything from 20 to 2000 kg. Reserve a vehicle for yourself right away without having to wait!