Whether you ship domestically or worldwide, chances are that you’ve encountered shipping complications before. These issues can be frustrating and can negatively impact your business’s reputation. Fortunately, there are ways you can go about minimising the likelihood of them arising.

1. Damaged Items During Shipping

Shipping conditions can be very harsh, so it isn’t uncommon for damages to occur along the way.

The best way to mitigate the risk of breakages is to ensure your packaging is effective and suitable for your items. For a detailed article on how to effectively package your cargo, read our Packaging Tips to Minimise Damage During Transit blog.

2. High Shipping Costs

There are many expenses associated with shipping, particularly if your items require special care.

A good way to minimise your expenses is to ship as far in advance as possible. This will help you get better rates and avoid unnecessary fees.

In addition, it is a good idea to aim to ship in bulk as much as possible.

3. Shipping Route Disruptions

Whether due to harsh weather conditions, political events or pandemics, shipping route disruptions are entirely out of your control and there is little you can do once they occur. There are, however, precautionary measures you can take.

Employing the services of experienced shipping logistics companies such as ISS is a good idea. These companies often monitor local, national and worldwide events and are able to anticipate any issues that may arise during transit. If issues do arise, they are then able to utilise their extensive knowledge and networks to modify shipment paths and minimise disruptions.

4. Lost Items

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for cargo to get lost along the way.

The best way to avoid this issue is to ensure you are shipping with a company that offers tracking services throughout the journey. This way you can rest assured knowing that your delivery is on its way and that you’ll be notified immediately if there are any complications.

5. Misunderstanding International Shipping Requirements

Shipping domestically is fairly straight-forward, however when it comes to shipping internationally, things can get much more complex. Different countries have very different rules when it comes to importations and exportations, so ensuring you are familiar with them and have all required documents is critical.

The best way to ensure smooth international shipping is to consult a shipping services company. We will be able to inform you of your requirements prior to dispatch, and ensure that your items will pass customs with no issues.

These complications can be exceptionally disruptive to your business processes, so minimising the chances of them occurring is paramount.

For a full logistics solution that will prevent these issues from arising, get in contact with the ISS team today!