The 10 biggest shipping mistakes – and how to avoid them
When shipping, every single detail counts. Even small mistakes can cause major damage. If products are not packaged properly, they may arrive damaged at the customer's premises. This not only means dissatisfied customers, but also a loss of money for you. The good news is that many mistakes can be easily avoided with the right measures. With good planning and the right materials, your goods will be reliably protected. Remember that the materials used play an important role. Solid cardboard, for example, is very suitable. This material offers several advantages. It is stable, versatile and, above all, scores highly in terms of sustainability.
If you value safe transport, you should not do without sleeves, edge protectors, profiles and cut-to-size pieces. In this article, you can find out which 10 biggest mistakes are repeatedly made during shipping and how you can avoid them.
Mistake 1: Inadequate protection of goods
Many companies underestimate how quickly products can be damaged during transport. Even slight impacts, vibrations or pressure can be enough to damage even the most stable items. In such cases, solid cardboard edge protection is ideal. It allows you to secure sensitive corners perfectly. Profiles or sleeves also offer additional support.
When using these aids, you should also ensure that not only the outer cardboard box itself is protected, but also the contents. In most cases, the packaging is too thin, which is also the main reason for transport damage. With sturdy solid cardboard cut-outs, you can reliably secure surfaces. This can prevent complaints and at the same time increase customer satisfaction.
Error 2: Incorrect box size.
Many companies choose the wrong box size when shipping their products. If the box is too large, for example, this can lead to unnecessary filling material. This also increases shipping costs. If the box is too small, there is a risk that the contents will be crushed and damaged. For this reason, you should always choose the right size of box that fits your product exactly.
Cut-outs made from solid cardboard can be used to quickly fill gaps. This gives the contents greater stability and prevents them from slipping around. This saves you a considerable amount of material and ensures safe transport at the same time. What's more, a well-fitting box signals professionalism to your customers. Your customers will notice that you attach importance to careful packaging.
Mistake 3: Lack of packaging stability
Many companies save on materials, but end up paying twice as much later on. Bear in mind that thin cardboard boxes can quickly buckle or tear. It is advisable to pay attention to the material here too. We recommend investing in corrugated cardboard. You should also always reinforce the edges with edge protection profiles. This ensures that the packaging remains intact even when stacked or transported over long distances. If you frequently have to ship heavy or long products, then the use of tubes is a very good option. These are robust, environmentally friendly and can also be used multiple times. If you cut corners here, you not only risk damage during transport, but you also have to expect that your customers will not be satisfied with your service.
Error 4: Lack of content fixation
Remains, allowing the goods room to move. This significantly minimises the risk of transport damage. Customers appreciate receiving an undamaged, neatly packaged product. Even if the outer packaging is sturdy, the contents can still shift around. This can lead to scratches, breakages or bent parts. Use cut-to-size pieces or sleeves to secure products in place. Edge protection also helps to protect sensitive areas. Make sure there are no empty spaces.
Error 5: No labelling of sensitive shipments
Most damage occurs when the parcel is handled incorrectly. Fragile or ‘This side up’ stickers are often missing. It is important that you always label fragile shipments clearly. Eye-catching labels or imprints are best suited for this purpose. Combine this with suitable protective material such as sturdy cut-outs. This also allows transport service providers to immediately recognise that they need to take extra care. Clear labelling reduces the risk of parcels being stacked or thrown improperly.
Mistake 6: Using cheap adhesive tape
Remember that a box is only as secure as its closure. If you use cheap adhesive tape, you must expect that it may either tear or come loose. We recommend using high-quality packing tape. This should also be able to withstand different temperature differences. If the parcels are very heavy, you can also use strapping tape. Supplement the protection with edge protection profiles. This will distribute the pressure evenly.
Mistake 7: Overloaded boxes
Every box has a certain load limit. If it is overfilled, there is an increased risk of tears or broken bases. Heavy goods should therefore always be distributed across several packages. It is best to use solid cardboard tubes. This allows you to ship long and bulky products separately. This ensures that everything remains stable and secure. Customers will be grateful when their goods arrive safely and in perfect condition. You will also avoid potential additional costs due to damaged goods.
Mistake 8: Neglecting environmental aspects
Nowadays, customers place great importance on sustainability. Packaging plays a particularly important role in this regard. If you continue to use plastic or unnecessary materials, you will leave a bad impression on your customers. From now on, opt for environmentally friendly solutions. Use edge protectors, sleeves, profiles and cut-to-size pieces made of solid cardboard. These materials are recyclable, sturdy and look professional. Sustainable packaging is not only good for your image. In the long term, it can also save you money.
Mistake 9: Not adapting to different products
Applying a standard system to all products usually does not work well. Different sizes, shapes and sensitivities require customised packaging solutions. Use modular cut-outs or profiles to make your packaging flexible. This allows you to respond quickly to different orders while still ensuring safety. Customised solutions prevent unnecessary transport damage and make your shipping process more efficient.
Error 10: Failure to check before dispatch
Hectic conditions in the shipping department often lead to mistakes. This can result in parcels not being sealed properly. They are also often labelled incorrectly and inadequately protected. Be sure to take some time for a final check. Check that all edges are secured, the contents are fixed in place and the address is correct. Use edge protectors, sleeves or cut-outs where necessary. This will ensure that your shipments arrive safely. A quick check can prevent major damage and complaints.
Avoid shipping errors with planning and the right materials
Shipping errors cost time, money and nerves. However, with good planning, they can be avoided. Choose the right packaging size, use edge protectors, sleeves, cut-outs and protective profiles made of solid cardboard. Test new solutions in advance. Ensure clear labelling and sustainable materials. This will protect your goods and leave a positive impression on your customers. Every investment in the right protection pays off in the long term.