Securing Cargo (16)
I heard that the use of Domestic Intermodal transportation is on the rise. New regulations on trucking have made for a more competitive environment even on shorter hauls. If your company is considering Intermodal and needs assistance with proper load planning and bracing methods, contact ThePackagingPro for assistance. DID bags (Disposable Inflatable Dunnage) are economical and can be used for a variety of non hazardous applications. We are ready to assist.
The PackagingPro
Intermodal freight is considered a transportation best practice and developing trend. Shippers are looking for freight savings with near-truck like service levels. This is a great option, but please keep in mind that the shipping environment is a bit more severe using rail service. That is why you need to understand the forces involved and develop a low cost load plan to counteract these forces and ship safely in compliance with AAR regulations. PPL Services is here to help you explore this "in fashion" trend.
ThePackagingPro
If trucking cost is getting out of hand, rail transportation might be worth a look. If you are considering rail, securing the load will be required. Therefore, be proactive. Don't wait for loads to come back for lack of bracing. Call ThePackagingPro for assistance. We will make sure your transportation savings won't be eaten up by adding bracing materials.
Here is an interesting article on how to get the greatest yield and performance from your stretch wrap.
ThePackagingPro
http://www.mmh.com/article/getting_the_most_from_your_stretch_wrap/
This article is a couple of years old, but offers insight into shipping intermodal during times of rising fuel cost.
ThePackagingPro
http://www.worldtrademag.com/Articles/Feature_Article/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000496917
Experiencing a high damage rate with your less than container load or less than truckload shipments? Is your 3PL provider or carrier complaining about the way you prepare your unit loads? Are you being charged to repalletize and secure product? There are simple changes that you can make that will significantly improve the integrity of your unit loads. Things like quality and properly designed pallets, proper stacking, proper use of strapping, corner protection and stretch film will make a huge difference.
ThePackagingPro
http://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/csa_is_off_and_running
http://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/it_only_takes_one
Articles of interest. Here is a link to two good articles explaining what is happenning with CSA 2010 and its impact. Stay out of accidents.
ThepackagingPro
Quality and best practices all go out the window if your products are damaged before reaching their final destination. Fact: When you don't properly load and secure your shipment, get ready for problems and additional cost. Another fact: A well planned and well braced shipment will stay in place and reduce cost no matter what mode of transportation is used.
Damaged goods caused by load shift is only part of the problem. You may also experience:
Unhappy Customers
Possible Accidents
Filing of Claims
Bad Press
Rejected Loads
Lost Sales
Risk of Injury
Fines
Replace, Re-work, or Disposal of Product
$$$
ThePackagingPro
Here is an interesting article on the continued growth of domestic intermodal traffic. By understanding your shipping environment and taking steps to secure cargo properly, you can take advantage of other transportation options.
ThePackagingPro
http://www.ajot.com/article_intermodal.asp?ArticleId=9275
Have you ever received that dreaded phone call from your carrier.
"Please urgently advise, as driver tried to turn your container load over to the Railroad, it was rejected due to improper blocking and bracing. Driver is bringing load back to our yard for further instructions." Fortunately, there was no incident. What do you do now? Costs are starting to pile up. Trucker has brought the load back to their yard and now has to bring it back to your facility to reload, brace and reship, or you have to find and pay someone local to do the same. Do you know what the RR is looking for and how the load is supposed to be braced so they will accept it? Your shipment had to be at the port in 3 days to make it's booking. Now you will miss it. You will have an unhappy customer and possibly a cancelled order.
Why fool around? Get it right the first time. Understand the requirements. Plan ahead. You will save money.
ThePackagingPro
