Ensuring the safe and secure transportation of your freight involves understanding various aspects of handling and securing freight. Freight that is oversized, improperly unitized fiberboard boxes, and palletized bags are more susceptible to damage during transport. The forces inside a trailer traveling down the road can cause jostling or shifting if the freight is not packed and secured properly, and we want your shipment to be prepared to travel through an LTL network and arrive at your customer’s dock in the same condition it left yours.
Here are some best practices and standards from the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) so you can ship with confidence that your freight will arrive in the condition you expect it to.
Handling Overlength Freight
Some freight items exceed standard pallet dimensions, requiring specialized handling to ensure safe transportation. Articles of excessive dimension are those individual articles or handling units that exceed eight feet (96 inches) in length. These items present unique challenges in handling and stowing in trailers shipping LTL freight.
When dealing with overlength freight, it's crucial to:
Remember, in the LTL environment, your freight may be loaded and unloaded multiple times and transported in several different trailers. By using properly sized pallets and additional strapping, you can effectively manage overlength freight and mitigate potential risks associated with its transportation.
Unitization of Fiberboard Boxes
Fiberboard boxes are a common packaging solution for shipping various types of goods. Proper unitization of boxes involves careful attention to detail to ensure the integrity of your shipments throughout transit. In recent years, shippers who ship to retailers have faced increased pressures to limit packaging and be “retail ready” when the shipment arrives. However, be cautious with this approach as it can be susceptible to damage.
Optimizing the security of your boxed shipments and minimizing the likelihood of damage in transit is our goal as your trusted shipping partner.
Item 222 in the National Motor Freight Classification outlines the requirements for corrugated fiberboard boxes. It establishes how strong boxes need to be based on their size and weight capacity and dictates the material properties of the cardboard.
Boxes that comply with Item 222 must have a BMC – a box manufacturer’s certificate – printed on the box. The BMC acts as a mark of compliance and tells you a few key characteristics about the box, such as the strength, manufacturer, and maximum weight. By using the correct box, it can minimize damage and reduce claims.
Unitization of Bags
Palletized bags require specialized packaging techniques to ensure their stability and integrity throughout transportation. From palletization to wrapping and strapping, every step plays a crucial role in safeguarding bagged freight.
When unitizing bags on pallets, follow these key steps:
Follow-up Resources
We’re here to help give you peace of mind. Contact your Solutions Specialist with specific questions about your freight and how it will be handled in our national LTL network. For assistance with designing your packaging for the LTL environment, contact a packaging testing laboratory or a packaging consulting firm.
We know each shipment is different and has a unique set of requirements. That’s why we treat each shipment as if it were the most important one. You’ve trusted us to deliver, and we’re here to keep your promise to your customers. Together, we’re tasked with handling and securing each piece of freight while understanding the unique requirements associated with different types of shipments.
Whether dealing with overlength freight, fiberboard boxes, or bags, adhering to industry standards and best practices is essential for optimizing security and minimizing the risk of damage during transit. By following the guidelines outlined above and those specified in the NMFC, you can enhance the safety and reliability of your shipments, ensuring they arrive at their destination in pristine condition.